Chemin de Fer Touristique de Valley de la Doller

Opened in 1901 the branch line from Cernay to Sewen was closed to traffic in 1972. In 1975 a preservation group began running a tourist service. The route first travels through flat farming land and the crew have to manually operate the barriers at points where the line crosses roads. As the train approaches a crossing staff members jump off and run ahead, close the gates to road traffic and then after the train has passed they open the gates, run and catch up with the train and leap aboard ready to repeat their actions at the next crossing. The line crosses the River Doller via a very narrow bridge, over which the train barely fits, and arrives at Burnhaupt where a large selection of rolling stock and locos are stabled. The line then follows the river valley through pleasant scenery until it reaches the station at Senheim where food and souvenirs are available.

Cernay is a few miles west of Mulhouse in the Alsace region.

Back