On a royal trail: Joachimsthal’s Kaiserbahnhof

Entering the lush forests of Schorfheide by train, the hustle and bustle of Berlin seems miles away. Amid this green paradise lies a forgotten piece of imperial grandeur: Joachimsthal’s Kaiserbahnhof. Built in 1898, this charming station was once the exclusive stop of Kaiser Wilhelm II, who got off here to hunt in nearby Hubertusstock.

To get from the capital to Schorfheide or directly to Joachimsthal, passengers had to change coaches at Britz (1842) near Eberswalde. This applied even to the emperor. With the construction of the Britz-Joachimsthal-Templin-Fürstenberg track, it became a lot more comfortable, especially for imperial hunting parties. Here, close to Lake Werbellin, a unique railway station was built between Berlin and the Schorfheide region.

A station like no other

The Kaiserbahnhof is no average station. As soon as you enter the platform, you feel the historical allure. When you get off, you walk across the original platform, which is still made up of tiny mosaic tiles from the time of Wilhelm II. And yes, the emperor is even proudly waiting for you if you come at the weekend and the small museum in the station building is open.

The wooden half-timbering, the ornate Prussian eagle above the entrance and the impressive Kaisersaal – with its stained-glass windows and imposing fireplace – take you back to a time when only the elite were allowed to alight here. Emperor Wilhelm arrived here by luxurious train and was immediately transferred to a carriage, ready to venture into the dense forest for his beloved hunting parties.

Inside, the original wooden panelling and decorative ceiling beams can still be admired, while the old waiting room now serves as an exhibition area with historical photos and objects from the imperial era. A special detail is the elegant imperial waiting room, where Wilhelm II could refresh himself briefly before travelling on.

From past glory to cultural heritage

After Wilhelm II’s abdication in 1918, the station lost its exclusive function. The building fell into disrepair, especially during the GDR era. Yet a large-scale restoration between 2004 and 2007 revived this piece of history. Today, the Kaiserbahnhof serves as a unique radio play venue and a cultural centre where visitors can enjoy stories and exhibitions in a nostalgic setting.

A trip down memory lane

With the RB63 line of the Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn, you can easily travel to this historic place. Take a walk along the serene Werbellinsee or discover the Schorfheide, one of Europe’s most beautiful nature reserves. A visit to the Kaiserbahnhof is more than a journey through time – it is a royal experience in the heart of Brandenburg.

From Berlin Hauptbahnhof, travel time is 1 hour and 20 minutes, including (usually ample) change in Eberswalde.

A nice half-day excursion is the walk along the banks of the Werbellinsee towards Altenhof (about 2 hours), where you can get back on the bus to Eberswalde.