Photo: Hespertalbahn eV
Historic museum trains of the Hespertalbahn in Essen-Kupferdreh
The Hespertalbahn at Baldeneysee in Essen-Kupferdreh is among the most popular heritage railways in the Ruhr region. With historic museum trains, steam locomotives, and historical train rides through the Hesper Valley, it combines railway history with living industrial culture. Between old rails that tell of mining and the glistening water of the lake, visitors experience a fascinating piece of Ruhr region history. Since 2025, the railway association looks back on 50 years of commitment to the preservation of this unique heritage railway.
Once a bustling transport route
The approximately 3.4-kilometer-long route winds along the south bank of Lake Baldeney, from the Old Kupferdreh Station (Royal Prussian Station at Kupferdreh) – today home to the Restaurants and Eventlocation Lukas – all the way up to Haus Scheppen. What appears idyllic and picturesque today was a bustling transport route in the 19th century: iron ore, limestone, and later the mining operations of the coal mine. Pörtingsiepen shaped the Hespertal valley and made the railway an indispensable link in the local industry.
The hiss of the steam locomotive – the rumble of the diesel locomotive
Today, however, the gentle hiss of the steam locomotive and the sonorous, vibrating hum of the diesel engine dominate the route. On designated operating days, the museum railway transforms into a time machine, attracting families, railway enthusiasts, and curious day-trippers alike. The special excursions are particularly popular: when the steam locomotive, with its characteristic trail of smoke, chugs through the valley, or the diesel engine roars into action with a powerful surge, a feeling of awe arises that modern means of transport can scarcely replicate.
An experience for children
And then there's the Santa Claus Express – a classic that brings joy to children's eyes year after year. When the festively decorated train travels through the Hespertal valley on the wintry Baldeneysee and Santa Claus himself boards, the museum railway becomes a stage for little miracles. Events like "Waiting for the Christ Child" or Children's Day also demonstrate the diverse activities of the Hespertalbahn.
Photo: Cesar von Meissen
Departure point directly next to the engine shed
Since 2015, the starting point for the journeys has been the newly constructed track directly next to the engine shed, which itself represents a piece of living club history and replaced the historic starting point at the Lukas locomotive. None of this would be possible without the dedication of the Hespertalbahn e.V. association. The association members restore, maintain, and organize – thus not only preserving a significant monument of regional industrial history but also making it tangible, audible, and experiential. Their efforts are supported by grant funding.
Conclusion
Thus, the Hespertalbahn remains a place where past and present intertwine. A place where enthusiasm for technology, history, a sense of belonging, and leisure activities come together in a wonderful way. And a place that demonstrates how much passion is invested in preserving our history – train by train, journey by journey.
