the trains of sylt

[Anonymous]

When taking German class in high school, I learned about the German island of Sylt (pronounced "zoolt"). Sylt is a long, sandy island in far northern Germany, on the North Sea just below the Danish border. What makes it rather distinctive is the fact that it is connected to the mainland by a railroad causeway, and today is the only one of Germany's many offshore coastal islands accessible by train. In fact, the only way one can get their car onto the island is by loading it onto an auto carrier on the mainland.
Until 1970 the long, narrow island also had a narrow-gauge railroad running along its length. It was served by a fleet of railbuses that basically consisted of old commuter cars or something, with the front end of a truck attached from which they were driven. They are still very well-known among German railfans, and if you look through a German train magazine you might likely see an ad for a video featuring these interesting vehicles.
The island's distinctive railroading history coupled with its sweeping coastal scenery (Sylt is sort of the Martha's Vineyard of Germany) makes me want to consider traveling there if I ever visit Germany. I'll post some links to photos in a minute.
Has anybody else ever heard of Sylt or its trains? Anyone ever been there?
http://www.dh4lar.com/inselbahn/bilder1/index.html
http://www.dh4lar.com/inselbahn/bilder2/index.html

[Anonymous]

Back in the early 1960's RMC had an article where they visited a neighboring island that was only reachable by boat or a sail powered narrow gauge railroad. There were a few pictures of the railbusses on sylt in the same issue.

[Anonymous]

I'm a fan of German railways, but I haven't heard of this line. Thanks for sharing the links. Those are some great pictures.

[Supermicha]

I live in germany and visited sylt last year. The train ride to the island was fun, because it was very stormy outside and the water cames near to the tracks. there is only the 2 track rail line and 5 meters of grass on every side. thats all. if you watch out of the coach window, you think you ride a fast ship.

micha