Historic trams: Leipzig's special photo trips 2025!

Historic trams: Leipzig's special photo trips 2025!

In 2025, the publisher imago urbis is bringing an exciting series of special photo trips with historic trams onto the tracks in Leipzig. On five dates, photography enthusiasts and history buffs have the opportunity not only to take photographs of rare classic cars, but also to get out at various stops and experience the city from a different perspective. This is happening as part of an initiative that highlights the fascinating history of Leipzig trams.

The first special trip will take place on Sunday, June 22, 2025. It starts at 10:30 a.m. and lasts until 4:00 p.m. The Gotha articulated train (built in 1967, car number 1206) is used here. This railcar belongs to the last series that was delivered to Leipzig by VEB Waggonbau Gotha and was used as a driving school car from 1978 to 1991. It has been part of the Leipziger Verkehrsbetriebe (LVB) museum collection since 1996. The route includes stations such as Thekla, Gohlis, Leutzsch, Lindenau and Miltitz.

Additional trips and booking options

Another trip is planned for July 27, 2025, this time with the Tatra short-articulated railcar 1308. This railcar, part of a pilot series from the Czechoslovakian manufacturer ČKD Tatra, was delivered to East Berlin in 1984 and only returned to Leipzig in 1997. The participants will go to the same stations as on the first trip, plus a special drive through the track triangle within the Meyer Houses.

Tickets cost €45.00 per person and can be booked via the website sonderfahrten.imagourbis.de. Binding registration is required by June 21, 2025 and the number of participants is limited. Payment is made directly to the conductor on the day of the trip.

The importance of the tram museum

Historic trams also have a special place in the Leipzig Tram Museum. There, visitors can experience the development of the tram in Leipzig up close. The history of the Museumtram began when employees began securing first-generation railcars in the 1920s to ensure their preservation. Despite difficult times, including the bombing campaign and political upheaval, passionate tram enthusiasts campaigned to preserve these vehicles.

As a result, the first tours with historic vehicles were organized from the 1950s onwards. The 100th anniversary of tram service in 1972 brought new impetus, and the first restored car was presented to the public in time for the celebration. Today the collection includes a variety of vehicles, including 20 from regular service as well as special exhibits that document the development of the tram in Leipzig.

The cooperation with the Leipzig transport company and the initiatives of the tram friends are central components of the museum's activities. The almost complete presentation of the historical development of trams in Leipzig ensures that visitors can obtain comprehensive information and immerse themselves in the captivating history. More information about the historic vehicles can be found on the Tram Museum website strassenbahnmuseum.de.