Zahnradbahn Stuttgart (Zacke) Rack Railway from Degerloch to Marienplatz
The Zahnradbahn Stuttgart or Zacke or Stuttgart Rack Railway is an urban electric rack railway in Stuttgart, Germany. Aside from Standseilbahn Stuttgart, the Zahnradbahn Stuttgart is the other regularly-operating public transport tourist attraction in Stuttgart. While rack railways are usually thought of as old technology and slow moving, the Zahnradbahn Stuttgart is a modern rapid transit system which was upgraded in 2004.
The Zahnradbahn Stuttgart is part of the Verkehrs- und Tarifverbund Stuttgart (VVS) or Stuttgart Transport and Tariff Association, and regular public transport tickets are accepted on the Zahnradbahn Stuttgart.
Degerloch
Marienplatz is the upper terminal station on the Zahnradbahn Stuttgart, and is an interchange station with the Stuttgart Stadtbahn Lines U5, U6, U8, and U12.
There is a bicycle wagon at the upper end of the train.
The builder plates of Maschinenfabrik Augsburg – Nürnberg (MAN), Schweizerische Lokomotiv- und Maschinenfabrik Winterthur (SLM), and Allgemeine Elektricitäts-Gesellschaft (AEG) are on the steps at the door of the SSB ZT 4 train.
The interior of the Zahnradbahn Stuttgart SSB ZT 4 train, which is similar to SSB DT 8 Stadtbahn trains. Seats are laid out in bays of 4 seats, in a 2+2 configuration.
The route map of the Zahnradbahn Stuttgart (Zacke).
Departing from Degerloch.
Zahnradbahnhof
Making a brief stop at Zahnradbahnhof.
Crossing over Jahnstraße.
The Zahnradbahn Stuttgart runs alongside a pavement for pedestrians.
Approaching Nägelestraße.
Nägelestraße
Making a brief stop at Nägelestraße.
The Zahnradbahn Stuttgart operates very close to houses.
Heading on to a dedicated bridge.
Crossing over Obere Weinsteige.
Approaching Haigst.
Haigst
Making a brief stop at Haigst.
Passing by someone’s garage.
Crossing Auf dem Haigst.
Some sights down to Stuttgart city from Wielandshöhe.
Wielandshöhe
Making a brief stop at Wielandshöhe. Wielandshöhe is also a crossing station in the middle of the line with an island platform.
Someone’s side entrance is by the Zahnradbahn Stuttgart track.
Continuing down the steep incline.
Pfaffenweg
Making a brief stop at Pfaffenweg.
Crossing over Alte Weinsteige.
Liststraße
Making a brief stop at Liststraße.
Turning left across Liststraße.
Heading down on the Zacke-only area.
Crossing over Filderstraße on the viaduct.
Passing over Marienplatz.
Marienplatz
Arriving at Marienplatz.
The Zahnradbahn Stuttgart journey from Degerloch to Marienplatz took 10 minutes.
The buffer stop at Marienplatz, the lower end of the Zahnradbahn Stuttgart.
At Marienplatz, the driver heads to the opposite cab to prepare for the journey back down.
A closer view of the rack railway line of the Zahnradbahn Stuttgart.
Marienplatz is the lowest station on the Zahnradbahn Stuttgart, and is an interchange station with the Stuttgart Stadtbahn Lines U1, U9, and U34.
Conclusion
The Zahnradbahn Stuttgart or Zacke is a scenic and comfortable ride for sightseeing in the hilly and residential portions of Stuttgart for a local yet touristy experience. The modern SSB ZT 4 trains are comfortable with lots of power that can be felt when the train goes uphill at a high revolution rate with ease.
The SSB ZT 4 are due to be retired in 2022, to be replaced with brand new SSB ZT 4.2 trains manufactured by Stadler Rail.