Zahnradbahn Stuttgart (Zacke) Rack Railway from Marienplatz to Degerloch

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.

Marienplatz

Marienplatz is the lowest station on the Zahnradbahn Stuttgart, and is an interchange station with the Stuttgart Stadtbahn Lines U1, U9, and U34.

Marienplatz Zahnradbahn station is on Marienplatz itself, with the platform and track on level with the plaza.

The Zahnradbahn Stuttgart operates with SSB ZT 4 trains manufactured by Maschinenfabrik Augsburg – Nuremberg (MAN).

There is a bicycle wagon at the upper end of the train.

Bicycles are loaded by the passenger before boarding.

A service number 10 is displayed on the Zahnradbahn Stuttgart as it bears a tram line number.

Interestingly, the Zahnradbahn Stuttgart does not bear a U in front of the line number as the Zahnradbahn Stuttgart is legally a tram line rather than a Stadtbahn line. Perhaps the single-track line is preventing the status upgrade as it cannot offer a higher service than the 2 trains in operation at any one time.

More interestingly, this official “Line 10” is not promoted on service maps, but rather with a square “Zacke” name which translates to “teeth”.

The timetable of the Zahnradbahn Stuttgart is simple with departures from Marienplatz at 00, 15, 30, and 45 of the hour.

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).

Liststraße

Making a brief stop at Liststraße.

The Zahnradbahn Stuttgart operates on the street very close to houses.

Despite having a rack rail, there are multiple level crossings along the Zahnradbahn Stuttgart line.

Pfaffenweg

Making a brief stop at Pfaffenweg. There is also a bus stop for the Zacke Bus replacement when the Zahnradbahn Stuttgart does not operate in the late night.

Wielandshöhe

Making a brief stop at Wielandshöhe.

Wielandshöhe is located on a steep incline. The Zahnradbahn Stuttgart has a maximum incline of 17.5%.

Wielandshöhe is also a crossing station in the middle of the line with an island platform.

There is also a signal box at Wielandshöhe.

Crossing with the opposing Zahnradbahn at Wielandshöhe.

At the crossing, both trains depart at around the same time.

Merging back on to the single track.

Some sights down to Stuttgart city from Wielandshöhe.

Passing another railway crossing.

Haigst

Making a brief stop at Haigst.

Splitting off from street running after Haigst.

Taking a dedicated bridge.

Crossing over Obere Weinsteige.

Nägelestraße

Making a brief stop at Nägelestraße.

Crossing over Jahnstraße to run parallel to it.

Zahnradbahnhof

Making a brief stop at Zahnradbahnhof.

Approaching Degerloch.

The Degerloch Stadtbahn station is also located just beside Degerloch Zahnradbahn station.

Degerloch

Arriving at Degerloch with the next batch of downhill passengers ready to board.

The Zahnradbahn Stuttgart journey from Marienplatz to Degerloch took 10 minutes.

The buffet stop at Degerloch.

At Degerloch, the driver heads to the opposite cab to prepare for the journey back down.

The Degerloch Zahnradbahn platform has a direct staircase and ramp down to the underground Degerloch Stadtbahn station.

The Zahnradbahn Stuttgart uses regular tram signals.

The façade of Degerloch Zahnradbahn station.

Heading down to Degerloch Stadtbahn station.

Degerloch Stadtbahn station is served by Stuttgart Stadtbahn Lines U5, U6, U8, and U12.

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.