Old Town and Lenten Veil Zittau
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Old Town and Lenten Veil Zittau

4.7
·2k reviews·Zittau, Germany

Ride vintage steam locomotives through wooded mountains on a narrow-gauge railway, and discover Zittau's historic Lenten Veil artwork.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late morning

Cafes and shops open up.

CrowdMedium
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Old Town and Lenten Veil Zittau

Old Town and Lenten Veil Zittau

Best Time

Late morning

Cafes and shops open up.

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ride vintage steam locomotives through wooded mountains on a narrow-gauge railway, and discover Zittau's historic Lenten Veil artwork.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"Great train journey, not too long and not too short. Great locomotives from Reichsbahn and Royal Saxonian railway mallet."

Vertical photo
TIP

☕ Morning Coffee Plan

Avoid early morning train arrivals if you need coffee; many places are closed. Plan accordingly!

🚂 Train Ticket Booking

Book your steam train tickets in advance, especially for special dining excursions, to secure your spot.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 2,310 reviews

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Steam Locomotives

Historic Steam Locomotives

Marvel at beautifully preserved steam engines from the Reichsbahn and Royal Saxonian railway eras. A treat for history buffs and train enthusiasts.

Scenic Mountain Railway Journey

Scenic Mountain Railway Journey

Enjoy a picturesque ride through wooded mountains on a narrow-gauge railway. The journey offers a unique perspective of the Saxon landscape.

The Lenten Veil of Zittau

The Lenten Veil of Zittau

Discover the unique 'Lenten Veil' artwork, a significant historical and religious artifact housed within Zittau's churches.

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Planning Your Visit

Morning Train Woes

Arriving on early morning trains means many local establishments, including the station itself, might be closed. Plan for breakfast or coffee elsewhere if you're an early bird.

Train Ride Experience

The steam train journey is the main draw. While some find it charming and scenic, others describe it as uneventful. Manage expectations for the ride itself.

Best Times

When
Late morning
Why
Cafes and shops open up.
Crowd
Medium
When
Afternoon rides
Why
More services available.
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

The place in Germany where ther is still regular steam train service.

Germany might not be the place where one would expect steam trains to be running regular services, but yet, a place still exists there where they do. This is the Harzer Schmalspurbahn. It is a narrow gauge railway system with three lines spanning the Harz mountains. They run…

☕ Morning Coffee Plan

Avoid early morning train arrivals if you need coffee; many places are closed. Plan accordingly! Reddit

🚂 Train Ticket Booking

Book your steam train tickets in advance, especially for special dining excursions, to secure your spot. Reddit

reddit.com

Auf der Suche nach neuen Ausflugszielen in Sachsen (ohne Auto)

Hallo zusammen! Ich lebe derzeit in Dresden und habe bereits einige der bekannten Orte in Sachsen erkundet. Bisher war ich in: * Sächsische Schweiz * Spreewald * Dresden Stadt * Altenberg * Zwickau * Görlitz Jetzt bin ich auf der Suche nach neuen Zielen für einen…

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capture stunning shots of the vintage steam locomotives and the surrounding mountain scenery. Instagram

⏳ Ride Duration

The train journey is described as not too long, not too short, making it a manageable experience. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

☕ Morning Coffee Plan

Avoid early morning train arrivals if you need coffee; many places are closed. Plan accordingly! Reddit

🚂 Train Ticket Booking

Book your steam train tickets in advance, especially for special dining excursions, to secure your spot. Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capture stunning shots of the vintage steam locomotives and the surrounding mountain scenery. Instagram

⏳ Ride Duration

The train journey is described as not too long, not too short, making it a manageable experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the charm of the historic steam locomotives and the scenic mountain railway journey, finding it a worthwhile experience, especially for train enthusiasts. However, some note that early morning arrivals can mean limited services, and the scenery on the ride might not appeal to everyone.

"Train station is beautiful, but if you come with the morning train nothing is opened there in the whole area not only the station. Not a single Cafe in high season."

Vendula Matoušková

"Worth the experience if already in Zittau."

Kenny O'Donnell

"Great train journey. Not too long and not too short. Great locomotives from Reichsbahn and Royal Saxonian railway mallet…"

miguel pinero

What People Like

Historic steam locomotives
Scenic train journey
Unique historical experience

What People Dislike

Early morning closures
Variable scenery appeal

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Zittau is accessible by train, with connections from major cities like Dresden. The narrow-gauge railway station is typically near the main town center. For those traveling without a car, public transport is a viable option for reaching Zittau and exploring the surrounding areas. Reddit

While specific parking details can vary, there are usually parking facilities available in Zittau. It's advisable to check local signage or tourist information upon arrival for the most convenient spots. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets for the narrow-gauge railway can typically be purchased at the station on the day of travel. For special excursions or peak seasons, booking in advance online or by phone is recommended to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Operating hours and schedules for the steam train vary seasonally and by day of the week. It's essential to check the official website or contact the railway operator for the most up-to-date timetable before your visit. Reddit

The Old Town of Zittau itself does not typically have an entrance fee. However, specific attractions within the Old Town, such as churches housing the Lenten Veil, may have their own admission policies or request donations. Reddit

Information regarding tickets or viewing access for the Lenten Veil is usually available through the local Zittau churches or tourist information centers. It's best to inquire directly about viewing times and any associated costs. Reddit

🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience

The steam train journey is generally described as being of a suitable length – not too long and not too short – making it an enjoyable experience for most visitors. Reddit

The train travels through wooded mountain landscapes, offering scenic views. While some find the scenery captivating, others may find it less varied. Reddit

Yes, the narrow-gauge railway often offers special dining excursions, providing a unique culinary experience aboard the historic steam train. These often require advance booking. Reddit

The Lenten Veil (Fastentuch) of Zittau is a significant medieval artwork, a large painted cloth that historically covered religious imagery during Lent. It is housed in Zittau and is a notable cultural artifact. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The historic steam locomotives themselves are prime subjects. Additionally, the scenic mountain routes offer picturesque backdrops. The Old Town architecture also provides charming photo opportunities. Instagram

Yes, photography is generally permitted on the steam train. Capturing the steam, the vintage carriages, and the passing landscapes can make for memorable shots. Instagram

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