Photo: Hespertalbahn eV
Historic museum trains – locomotive shed in Essen-Kupferdreh
Between old railway tracks that tell stories of mining in the Ruhr Valley, and the sparkling waters of the Baldeneysees lies a piece of living industrial heritage, which in Essen-Kupferdreh For decades, the Hespertalbahn has been captivating people. Anyone boarding this heritage railway immediately senses that it's more than just a nostalgic excursion destination. It's a rolling monument, a lovingly preserved chapter of Ruhr region history – and since 2025, even half a century old. That's when the Hespertalbahn eV association celebrated its 50th anniversary. During the summer months, the heritage railway is a popular destination for young and old alike. Before Christmas, the traditional Santa Claus Express brings joy to visitors.
Once a bustling transport route
The approximately 3.4 kilometer long route winds along the southern bank of the Baldeneysees, from the old train station. Kupferdreh (Royal Prussian Railway Station at Kupferdreh) – today home to the restaurant 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.
