A Georgia Girl in Germany

Last October, we trekked west of Stuttgart to ride a narrow gauge railroad. I love driving through this area during the fall because the mountains are full of Germany’s rich, vibrant fall foliage. This photo hardly does it justice since it was taken through the window, but you get the idea.

The railway was near Ulm, and when we exit the autobahn toward Ulm, we pass the Schapfenmühle Silo (Schapfen-Mill Silo) -- the second-tallest grain silo in the world. It was built in 2005, stands more than 377 feet high, and is only 16 feet shorter than the tallest one in the world -- also in Germany. Yes, this is a grain silo. Yes, it has a light on top to warn low-flying aircraft that it’s there. Yes, it has an elevator in it! Again, it’s not the best photo since it was taken through the van window.

Here’s the engine of the Öchsle Bahn that took us from Öchsenhausen to Warthausen and back. The railroad got its start in 1899 and was one of five narrow-gauge railways of the Königlich Württembergischen Staatsbahnen -- royal Württemberg state railways. In 1964, the railway gave way to automobiles, and it pulled its last passenger train.

We had a wonderful Sunday afternoon ride through the German countryside. Zachary and MacKenzie enjoyed standing outside, feeling the breeze as they watched the scenery move by. The fall colors in this region were just as beautiful as the mountains we drove through to get there.


I love all the rapeseed fields that dot the landscape throughout the year. In Europe, rapeseed is mainly cultivated for animal feed, although it’s also the third leading source of vegetable oil in the world and is used in the manufacture of biodiesel for powering motor vehicles. It has a very distinct smell, but I love seeing the fields nonetheless.

Here's a combination view of the fall foliage as a backdrop to a rapeseed field.

MacKenzie loved seeing the horses in the fields.

Benjamin liked being outside the train car as well, but would decide on his own when to head outside. Fortunately, he didn’t get far without an escort, and he cuddled with me while sitting on the ledge to watch the fields go by.

When we stopped in Warthausen, we had a short break while they moved the engine to the other end of the train. Benjamin strolled alongside the tracks and had to take a moment to get a few rocks out of his shoe.

After they moved the engine, it pulled us backwards the 19 kilometers back to Öchsenhausen.

Benjamin got a kick out of climbing into the engine before we began our return journey.



Here’s the train station in Warthausen. While we were there, several more modern and high-speed trains sped past. I think Europe has the right idea when it comes to using trains for high-speed public transportation ... although our trek this day was the perfect (slow) pace.

We even had entertainment while aboard -- in the form of an accordion serenade.

Benjamin finally settled on opening a window vice heading outside to the end of the car to get a clear view outside.

The kids even splurged and purchased treats from the snack car -- a lollipop and some gummis hit the spot!

It doesn’t get much better than this: enjoying a lollipop while looking out the window on a slow-moving train on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

In 1983, the railway was registered as a narrow-gauge railway association to preserve it as one of the last narrow-gauge railways in Württemberg for future generations. Everyone who works on the railway -- from the engine drivers to the service staff -- all volunteer their time to repair, maintain and run the steam locomotives and cars.

If you’re interested in checking out the official web site, go to http://oechsle-bahn.de. It’s all in Germany, but some of the old photos are pretty neat.

Labels: Benjamin, Germany, MacKenzie, Travel, Zachary