Travel Devil – Guilt-free Sustainable Travel for Adventure Seekers · Clara Francken

47- This Steam Train Changed How I See Travel in Germany

·34 min

Host Clara Franken shares a solo, vlog-style episode about her day trip from Leipzig to ride the historic Leusnitzgrundbahn steam train. She frames this as an unconventional travel experience that offers a tangible connection to transportation history. The episode combines a travelogue with practical advice for navigating Germany's regional rail system. Clara began her journey at Leipzig's main station, traveling on a regional train with a Saxon ticket after a previous day of severe winter disruptions. She disembarked at Radebeul Ost to catch the steam train, which cost €19.80 per person (or €13 with a Deutschland ticket). The 55-minute route traveled from Radebeul Ost to Radeburg through small towns and snowy landscapes. Clara describes the train's wooden carriages, bench seating, onboard heating, and the distinct, intense sound of the steam engine. She notes the train was surprisingly empty despite the scenic winter Sunday. A memorable moment was watching the locomotive detach, refuel with coal and water, and then reconnect to the carriages backwards for the return trip. Clara was invited to briefly see the locomotive's cab, where the conductor showed her the fiery coal furnace. She explains the basic mechanics of steam power: burning coal heats water to create steam, whose pressure moves pistons that turn the wheels. The episode acknowledges the train's historical significance while frankly noting its higher CO2 emissions compared to modern electric trains. Clara provides specific tips for train travel in Germany, warning that the popular €49 Deutschland ticket is a subscription that must be canceled before the 10th of the month to avoid a second charge. She recommends using the Deutsche Bahn app to filter for regional trains and booking ICE high-speed tickets months in advance for the lowest fares. The tone is enthusiastic and conversational, blending personal narrative with educational asides and direct address to the listener. This episode is perfect for travelers interested in slow, experiential tourism, rail enthusiasts, or anyone planning a trip to Germany who wants insider tips. Listeners seeking a highly structured debate or a deep investigative report might find the vlog-style narration too informal.

As heard by us

A snowy steam-train ride that keeps the history tactile and close.

Clara Franken treats the Leusnitzgrundbahn ride as a small, close-up travel piece. The snow, steam, signaling, and cab detail do the heavy lifting, and the route from boarding through the towns to Radeborg stays clear enough without feeling overworked.

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Why you'd press play

Let Clara take you inside a snowy steam-train ride.

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