[Documentary] Halberstadt Tram (2019)

Description

The tram in Halberstadt has an 11.7 km long route network and, due to its small size, also has some special features. The sections along the still numerous half-timbered houses in the northern old town are exciting.

Halberstadt is one of the smallest towns in Germany to have a tram network. Located in the northern Harz Mountains, it currently has around 40,000 residents, although this number is gradually decreasing. The entire city covers 142 square kilometers. Despite the small population, there is a tram network with a length of 11.7 kilometers. Two lines operate: Line 1, which runs directly from the train station to the city center and then terminates at the cemetery, and Line 2, which also starts at the train station and takes a detour via Herbing Street—also described as the endpoint—through the city center before reaching Sagstetter Weg. A highlight in Halberstadt is the many routes along the well-preserved half-timbered houses in the northern part of town. This is a part of the history of the Halberstadt tram system, which began before the turn of the 20th century. On June 28, 1887, a theater opened its first railway line, and two tram lines were in operation. Both lines started at the train station and extended toward the city center to the fish market, where they split—one going to the Vogtei, the other to St. John. Nearly 15 years later, in 1901, the tram system was electrified, and in 1902, it was taken over by the city, founding the Halberstadt Tramway AG. The current operator, Halberstädter Verkehrs GmbH (HVG), which is still owned by the town, emerged after reunification from VEG municipal transport in Halberstadt.

At the time of reunification, tram operations faced possible discontinuation due to poor infrastructure. While infrastructure has improved somewhat, passenger numbers do not necessarily support continued operation. Nonetheless, the current network was guaranteed until 2035 amid the climate debate, and there is hope it will continue beyond that and possibly expand in some areas. Before examining the current situation, it’s essential to review the vehicle fleet. Today, tram operations are carried out exclusively on a scheduled basis by LEO Line using GT6 vehicles. The first of these was delivered on October 13, 2006, and publicly introduced on October 14. The remaining four vehicles entered regular service by August 2007. Five vehicles are just enough for scheduled service, meaning there’s rarely a long wait at terminals. In case of disruptions, either a replacement service or older GT4s from Freiburg are used; vehicles of the same type, also produced for Leipzig, are employed. A total of 48 series vehicles were delivered to Leipzig, with the Halberstadt version featuring both front and side sections. The rear of the Halberstadt model is noticeably wider and bulkier, and it is 15 meters shorter than the Leipzig version. It measures 21 meters in length, 2.3 meters in width, and 3.7 meters in height, consistent for both. The vehicle’s top speed is 70 km/h.

The Halberstadt vehicle does not include the rear seats, so there are 43 seats and 62 standing places. Now, let’s explore the route network and its special features, beginning with the simple NGT B6 at the station forecourt in Halberstadt. This location hosts one of the three terminal stops. The turnaround occurs in a larger block bypass connected to a previous stop named Richard Wagner Straße. The route splits here and, after passing the central station, goes above Bäckerstraße to return to Jörg Wagner Straße. The central station has two tram tracks, as both lines 1 and 2 meet here. The routes frequently change, with line 10 continuing after line 2 and vice versa. Adjacent and behind the tram stop is the station forecourt, featuring a water installation and the historic station building.

On August 1, 1868, the company first operated the train station with this station building. After the modernization of various shops, the train station of Halberstadt became an essential hub for Saxony-Anhalt's diesel network and, above all, for the Harz region. All lines operated by Abellio with vehicles of the 648 series run here. If you exit the train station, the fastest way to reach the city center is by tram. The tram from the train station building will pass through the spacious buildings in this direction. Just like before, this will take you to the Richard-Wagner-Straße stop. This stop remains on the green track in this direction, whereas in the opposite direction, it is located in the middle of the street, just past the current stop.

We also follow the eponymous Richard-Wagner-Straße on the right, as shown in the picture. Currently, we are passing the city’s district court on Richard Wagner Straße. It is also the last common stop before lines 1 and 2 diverge for the first time—line 1 takes a direct route to the city center via Kölner Straße. We then follow Erich-Weinert-Straße southwestward, along the same-named street, which is notable because of the unique features of the tram network in Germany. This road network has become increasingly rare in Halberstadt, with only two such routes remaining. The route of the B 31 toward Blankenburg runs through the city and was constructed neither on a dam nor in a trench, resulting in level crossings with individual traffic, including the tram running in the middle of the street.

Heading north toward the city center, there's another level crossing at the railway crossing to the west. The next track intersection is located opposite the crossing, further south along the route; however, the route to Clues is only used on Saturdays, and only once an hour. The trains here run without a turning loop or other special features. The direction of travel only changes here in a 90-degree curve after passing three more stops. The central stop in the city center, since the split, has only two stops—Klingerstraße and Fischmarkt—and line 1 is much faster than line 2. This stop is located on the same-named square and is a great place to stroll through the city center.

The surrounding buildings house several restaurants and shops, and the town hall of Halberstadt is another highlight. The minor water feature, Holz Marktbrunnen, is to the right and left of the town hall. Nearby is the central shopping area, where you can find various stores. Close to this square, the town hall passage, next to the square, also leads to the Martin Church, also known as Startei. This Gothic-style church was first mentioned in 1186. Its two towers, of different heights and connected by a central aisle, are intriguing. It is commonly believed that the tower guardian was designed to have insight into all directions. The church’s full name is Dom Sankt Stephanus und St Sixtus. Located in the heart of historic buildings on Cathedral Square, construction of the cathedral began in 1209, and it was consecrated in 1499.

Stops

Friedhof → Hauptbahnhof → Holzmarkt → Hoher Weg → Sargstedter Weg → Klus → Herbingstraße → Voigtei.

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