A narrow-gauge steam railway operating since 1886 between Bad Doberan and Kühlungsborn, running directly through Bad Doberan's town streets.
The Molli has run between Bad Doberan and the coastal resort of Kühlungsborn since 1886, making it one of Germany's oldest continuously operating narrow-gauge steam railways. Its vintage locomotives, still coal-fired, pull directly through Bad Doberan's main street at walking pace before picking up speed for the roughly 15-kilometer run past Heiligendamm, Germany's oldest seaside resort, to the Baltic coast at Kühlungsborn. The line operates hourly departures for most of the day, with the schedule varying seasonally, and a one-way trip takes about 40 minutes, making a half-day return journey with stops a popular way to combine the ride with time on the Kühlungsborn beach. Midweek travel avoids the busiest summer weekend trains and gives the best opportunity to photograph the steam engine running through the town's main street without crowds of onlookers. Bad Doberan's own station connects directly to the DB regional network, making the Molli an easy addition to a day trip from Rostock.
| Admission | Round-trip Bad Doberan-Kühlungsborn €14.50 (~$15.65) adult; 7-day unlimited pass €24.70 (~$26.70) |
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Weather through the year in Germany
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Germany.
Highlights
- Coal-fired steam locomotives running since 1886
- Track running directly through Bad Doberan's main street
- Passes Heiligendamm, Germany's oldest seaside resort
- Hourly departures for most of the operating day
- Connects directly to the DB regional network at Bad Doberan
Tips for visiting
- Travel midweek to avoid the busiest summer weekend trains
- Photograph the engine as it passes through Bad Doberan's main street
- Check the seasonal timetable at molli-bahn.de before planning a trip
- Consider the 7-day unlimited pass for multiple rides during a longer stay
- Combine with a stop in Heiligendamm to see the resort's white neoclassical facades
When to visit
Midweek departures for smaller crowds; summer for full hourly service and warm-weather beach time at Kühlungsborn.
Accessibility
Boarding platforms at Bad Doberan and Kühlungsborn are step-level to the carriages; some historic carriages have narrow doorways not suited to wheelchairs.
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Frequently asked questions
How long is the ride from Bad Doberan to Kühlungsborn?
About 40 minutes one-way; a half-day allows time for a return trip with stops.
Does the train run year-round?
Yes, though departures are less frequent outside the main summer schedule; check molli-bahn.de before visiting.
Where does the train run through town?
It runs directly along Bad Doberan's main street at walking pace before speeding up toward the coast.