Winterfahrten mit dem Vulkan-Expreß

It's a peaceful setting as the historic "Vulkan-Express" of the Brohltalbahn sets off for its popular winter journey from the Rhine to the Eifel. Upon reaching the destination after about an hour's train ride through the hopefully snow-covered Brohltal, passengers can look forward to a winter hike with a stop at a barbecue hut. The Brohltalbahnhof in Brohl-Lützing on the Rhine exudes tranquility even before departure: The historic diesel locomotive stands ready in front of the nostalgic passenger cars, providing a cozy warmth in the compartments. Instead of QR codes on smartphones, passengers receive original cardboard tickets at the counter in the station building, which beautifully set the mood for the upcoming nostalgic journey. At 11:15 AM, when the connecting trains from Cologne and Koblenz have arrived, the conductor finally whistles for departure to the Eifel.

With a cozy speed of 20 km/h, the train meanders along metre-gauge tracks through the volcanically shaped Brohltal. For about an hour, there is time to let the landscape pass by and to enjoy its special charm by stepping out onto the open platform at the end of the carriage. Tight curves, a tunnel, and the ride over the 120-meter-long Tönissteiner Viaduct make this train journey quite special, while the volunteer train staff provides travelers with interesting facts and drinks.

At the terminus of this journey, the railway workers have prepared a scenic winter hike. The tour leads uphill on field and forest paths to a scenic shelter, where a tasty Eifel snack is served. Strengthened, the afternoon return journey follows a different route to the station – always with a view of the mighty Olbrück Castle.

At the end of the tour, the heated "Vulkan-Express" is ready for the return trip, reaching the starting point in Brohl at 4:40 PM, of course with good connections to Cologne and Koblenz.

The winter trips are offered every two weeks on Sundays, on January 11th and 25th, as well as on February 8th and 22nd, 2026. The ticket price includes the guided hike as well as the lunch snack and is €27.50 for adults, while children aged 6-15 pay €14.00. Similar excursions will be offered in March as spring trips.