The station is the only location on the Zittau narrow-gauge network where trains from two different destination lines meet and pass each other.
The station complex has been carefully restored to mirror its appearance from the early 20th century, including period-accurate station signage.
Bahnhof Bertsdorf is situated at an elevation of approximately 300 meters above sea level in the Zittau Mountains region.
The railway uses historic steam locomotives, some of which date back to the early 1930s and are maintained by a dedicated local heritage association.
The station's signaling and switching systems are largely mechanical, requiring manual operation by staff members.
During peak operating days, the station hosts 'double-heading' events where two steam locomotives pull a single train.
Bahnhof Bertsdorf serves as the critical junction point for the Zittau Narrow Gauge Railway (Zittauer Schmalspurbahn), where lines from Zittau diverge toward the spa towns of Oybin and Jonsdorf. The station is a fully operational historic railway facility that preserves the atmosphere of a 19th-century Saxon train station. It functions as a living museum where steam locomotives are regularly serviced, shunted, and coupled throughout the day. The site features an original water crane, a coal bunker, and historic signalling equipment still in active use. Visitors can witness the intricate procedure of steam engine water refilling and locomotive repositioning. The station architecture reflects the regional aesthetic typical of Upper Lusatia. It remains one of the few places in Germany where narrow-gauge steam operations have been maintained continuously since their inception in the late 1890s.
The platform junction where the two tracks diverge toward Oybin and Jonsdorf, offering a panoramic view of arriving and departing steam trains.
Plan your visit to coincide with the arrival of two trains to watch the locomotives maneuver on the tracks.
Check the official railway timetable online before arrival to ensure you catch the steam train operations rather than diesel-powered service days.
Walk to the end of the platform for a clear, unobstructed view of the steam locomotives as they switch tracks.
Do not attempt to walk across the tracks between platforms; always use the designated pedestrian crossings.
Operations are more frequent on weekends and public holidays; reduced service schedules apply during winter months. Certain special steam event weekends occur throughout the year.
Stay behind the yellow safety lines on the platforms at all times, as steam locomotives are large and have limited driver visibility.
