Historic Schluff train resumes scenic Sunday rides after €25,000 grant
Guido Stilling expressed his deep gratitude for the financial contribution from the Sparkassenstiftung (Savings Bank Foundation) and thanked the organization on behalf of the entire association. "A nostalgic train like the Schluff is extremely costly to maintain," he explained. "The last major inspection of the Graf Bismarck locomotive alone cost around €800,000 four years ago. That's why the Schluff absolutely depends on donations."
The €25,000 grant is specifically earmarked for this major inspection and represents the third of four installments of this amount that the foundation will provide to the association by 2027.
"In Krefeld, we all ride together on the Schluff, and the S-Kulturstiftung Krefeld ensures the steam never runs out—so the locomotive can keep rolling this season," said Stefan Grunwald, CEO of Sparkasse Krefeld. "This brings together tradition, community, and our commitment to Krefeld."
Through annual increases to its endowment, the foundation now manages assets exceeding €15 million and has supported over 400 projects with more than €7.3 million since its inception.
During the season, which runs until the end of September, the Schluff departs from St. Tönis for Hülsener Berg three times every Sunday—at 11:10 AM, 2:10 PM, and 4:50 PM. The 13.5-kilometer journey takes just under an hour, with boarding options at Nordbahnhof and Hüls.
Tickets for the regular Sunday trips on the Schluff can still be purchased directly from the conductor on board. Despite its vintage charm, the Schluff has also embraced the digital age—passengers can now buy tickets in advance online via the website schluff-krefeld.de. A round-trip ticket costs €16 for adults, €9 for children aged 3–14, and is free for younger children.
