Zacke Rack Railway Line 10
Ride Stuttgart's historic Zacke rack railway, a unique cogwheel tram offering stunning city views and a special bike trailer.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother ride
Zacke Rack Railway Line 10
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother ride
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride Stuttgart's historic Zacke rack railway, a unique cogwheel tram offering stunning city views and a special bike trailer.
"A must-go one-time experience with panoramic city views and a unique bike trailer!"
🎯 Ride Downhill for Fewer Crowds
Take the S-Bahn to Degerloch and ride the Zacke down for a less crowded, more scenic experience. :mountain_railway:
🚲 Bike Trailer Availability
The bike trailer is a great perk, but check its operational status and availability between termini. :bicycle:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Historic Rack Railway
Line 10, Stuttgart
Ride a piece of history on this unique cog railway, operational since 1884, offering a charming journey up a steep incline.
Panoramic City Views
Ascending the hill
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Stuttgart as the Zacke winds its way up the hillside, showcasing the city's landscape.
Bike-Friendly Commute
Designated bike trailer
A unique feature: the Zacke has a trailer for bikes, making it an ideal transport option for cyclists exploring the hilly city.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds on the Zacke
Bike Transport on the Zacke
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ride Downhill for Fewer Crowds
Take the S-Bahn to Degerloch and ride the Zacke down for a less crowded, more scenic experience. :mountain_railway:
🚲 Bike Trailer Availability
The bike trailer is a great perk, but check its operational status and availability between termini.
🎟️ Standard Public Transport Ticket
Your regular public transport ticket is valid on the Zacke, making it an affordable way to experience this unique line.
📸 Capture the Unique Ride
The Zacke is a photographer's dream! Capture its unique design and the stunning city views it offers. :camerawithflash:
Rack Railway in Stuttgart
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ride Downhill for Fewer Crowds
Take the S-Bahn to Degerloch and ride the Zacke down for a less crowded, more scenic experience. :mountain_railway:
🚲 Bike Trailer Availability
The bike trailer is a great perk, but check its operational status and availability between termini.
🎟️ Standard Public Transport Ticket
Your regular public transport ticket is valid on the Zacke, making it an affordable way to experience this unique line.
📸 Capture the Unique Ride
The Zacke is a photographer's dream! Capture its unique design and the stunning city views it offers. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Zacke rack railway as a unique and historic experience, offering stunning city views and a novel way to navigate Stuttgart's hills. While the ride is short, its charm and practicality, especially for cyclists, make it a memorable part of any visit. Some find it can get quite crowded at the main station.
"This path it’s amazing."
Ali Asghar Aghili
"This is a must go one time experience. This is the historical train still operational on the elevation route. Too much rush at Marienplatz station. Many people like to visit it. At last stop there is a place, where you can just sit and view the city landscape."
Kratika Parmar
"That is one pretty tram ride! The 'Zacke' takes you through Stuttgart's rather posh area, offering panoramic view of the city along the way"
Stathis Amoi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Zacke rack railway (Line 10) starts at Marienplatz in Stuttgart. You can easily reach Marienplatz via various public transport options within the city.
While the termini are in urban areas, parking directly at the stations can be challenging. Public transport is the recommended way to access the Zacke.
Many travelers suggest riding it downhill from Degerloch to Marienplatz to avoid crowds and enjoy the views more peacefully.
Yes, it operates on a regular schedule, but it's always a good idea to check the latest timetable from SSB (Stuttgarter Straßenbahnen AG) before your visit.
Absolutely! Standard public transport tickets and passes for Stuttgart are valid on the Zacke rack railway.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Zacke operates with standard public transport fares. A single ticket or a day pass for Stuttgart's public transport network will cover your ride.
No special ticket is required. Your regular public transport ticket or day pass is sufficient for the Zacke rack railway.
Discounts are typically available for children, students, and seniors with valid identification, as per the standard public transport fare structure in Stuttgart.
It's best to purchase your ticket before boarding from ticket machines at stations or via the SSB app to avoid potential issues or fines.
The Zacke generally runs throughout the day, but hours can vary. It's advisable to check the official SSB website or app for the most current operating times.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the Zacke in action as it climbs the steep incline, or photograph its unique design at the termini. The panoramic city views from the train are also excellent photo opportunities.
Yes, the Zacke has a dedicated trailer for bikes, making it a unique subject for photography. Capturing this combination is a popular choice for visitors.
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light for cityscapes, while mornings can provide clearer views with fewer people.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of other passengers and avoid intrusive photography.
Definitely! The ascent provides increasingly impressive panoramic views of Stuttgart, perfect for capturing stunning cityscapes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the trip smoother with kids, consider riding downhill from Degerloch to avoid the initial crowds at Marienplatz. This allows for a more relaxed boarding experience and more space to enjoy the views. Pack some snacks and drinks, as the ride itself is relatively short, but the overall experience of exploring the area around the termini can extend the outing.
🚴 Cyclists and Active Travelers
Ride the Zacke up to Degerloch and then enjoy a thrilling downhill cycle back towards the city center, or explore the many paths and trails in the higher districts. It's a practical and enjoyable way to cover significant distances and explore areas that might otherwise be too challenging to reach by bike alone.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider riding during off-peak hours or taking the S-Bahn to Degerloch and riding down to avoid crowds and get clearer shots. The combination of the unique train, the steep incline, and the expansive city vistas offers a wealth of photographic possibilities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of the Zacke
This historic line connects the Marienplatz in the city center with the Degerloch district, a journey that offers not only a practical mode of transport but also a scenic experience. The design of the railway, including its distinctive carriages and the infrastructure supporting the rack system, is a testament to the ingenuity of late 19th-century engineering. It's a living piece of industrial heritage that continues to be a vital part of Stuttgart's public transportation network.
Travelers often express surprise and delight at the existence of such a specialized railway within a modern city. The experience is often described as unique and memorable, providing a different perspective on urban travel. The fact that it still operates with a high degree of reliability and integrates with the broader public transport system makes it a fascinating case study in sustainable and historical urban mobility.
Experiencing the Zacke with Your Bicycle
The bike trailer service operates between the termini of the line, meaning you can load your bike at the bottom (near Marienplatz) and unload it at the top (Degerloch), or vice versa. This makes it an excellent option for day-trippers or locals who want to combine a scenic train ride with a downhill cycling adventure. Many users on social media highlight this feature as a major draw, appreciating the practicality and the opportunity it provides for active exploration.
+1When planning to use the bike trailer, it's advisable to check the specific operating times and any potential capacity limitations, especially during peak tourist seasons. However, the general consensus is that it's a well-managed and highly beneficial service that adds significant value to the Zacke experience for cyclists.
Navigating Crowds and Enjoying the Views
The panoramic views of Stuttgart offered from the Zacke are a significant highlight. As the train ascends, the cityscape unfolds below, providing a unique perspective of the city's layout, its green spaces, and the surrounding valleys. These views are particularly stunning during the late afternoon when the light softens, creating a beautiful golden hour effect.
For those who prefer a more serene experience, traveling during weekday mornings or late afternoons is recommended. These times generally see fewer tourists and locals, allowing for a more comfortable ride and better opportunities to soak in the scenery. Even with crowds, the unique nature of the rack railway and the captivating views make it a worthwhile experience for most visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit