100 Years of Romance: The Raupenbahn Ride Celebrates a Century at Rheinkirmes

The Rheinkirmes fair, one of Germany's largest funfairs, is set to open with a special centennial celebration for the "Raupenbahn," or Caterpillar Train ride. This iconic attraction, known for its romantic ambiance, marks 100 years of operation.

Peter Buchholz, who operates the ride with his wife and represents the third generation of his family to do so, expressed immense pride in reaching this milestone. "You need passion for this," Buchholz stated, highlighting the dedication required to maintain the beloved attraction for over four decades.

The Raupenbahn's unique feature is its enclosed, red leather-seated carriages that offer a degree of privacy, historically earning it a reputation as a place for "secret kissing." Signs dangling from the ceiling playfully remind visitors, "Kissing allowed." Despite needing constant modern maintenance, the ride proudly retains 60% of its original components.

Operating at a gentle nine revolutions per minute, the Raupenbahn is designed for those who prefer a more relaxed experience, avoiding high speeds or inversions. Buchholz noted that visitor numbers have fluctuated over the years, experiencing "ups and downs, just like the ride itself."

Adding to its charm, the Raupenbahn offers a unique musical experience. Passengers can choose their own music from a collection of vinyl records, some dating back to the 1930s and 40s, played on a turntable in a small chamber next to the ride. The Rheinkirmes itself, organized by the over 700-year-old St. Sebastianus Schützenverein, expects around four million visitors from July 17 to 26, featuring over 300 exhibitors.