Nebenlinien

Nebenlinien are railway lines that branch off from main lines to serve regional or local destinations. They are distinguished from Hauptlinien (main lines) by their lower traffic volumes and their role in linking smaller towns, rural areas, and peri-urban communities. The term is used in German-speaking countries to describe lines that form part of a broader rail network but lie outside the principal long-distance routes.

Typical characteristics of Nebenlinien include smaller stations with limited facilities, slower speeds, and often single-track operation. They frequently carry regional passenger services and may also handle freight traffic, seasonal tourism traffic, or school and commuter traffic. Because of lower demand, timetables on these lines tend to be less frequent than on main lines, and infrastructure is commonly less extensive, though some lines have been upgraded with improved signaling or electrification where needed.

The role of Nebenlinien is to ensure regional accessibility, support local economies, and provide a transportation option for residents without access to cars. They can be essential for rural mobility, enable access to education and healthcare, and contribute to regional development. Conversely, they are also more vulnerable to cost-cutting measures and competition from road transport, leading to closures or partial suspension in some periods. In many countries, efforts to preserve and revitalize Nebenlinien involve public funding, regional transport authorities, and, in some cases, conversion to heritage or tourist rail operations.

Historically, Nebenlinien emerged during the expansion of railway networks in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with many lines built to connect sparsely populated areas. After mid-20th century cutbacks, some were revived or maintained as part of local transport strategies or converted for tourism and cultural purposes.