East German Express Train SVT Görlitz Returns After Restoration

A beloved piece of East German railway history, the SVT Görlitz express train, has been brought back to life after an extensive, multi-year restoration. Bahn enthusiasts gathered in Radebeul to celebrate the return of this iconic train, a former prestige vehicle of the Deutsche Reichsbahn used in international service.

The streamlined train, originally built in 1968, underwent a meticulous refurbishment process lasting over five years. The project reportedly cost around 7 million Euros to complete. Its distinctive, sharp nose and aerodynamic front were a hallmark of its era.

The SVT Görlitz was officially handed over to enthusiasts in the Harz region on Saturday, where hundreds of spectators watched its first official journey to Magdeburg and back to Halberstadt. On Sunday, the train continued its celebratory tour, traveling via Halle and Leipzig to Radebeul, where it was welcomed with a special festival.

Regular special excursions are planned for the SVT Görlitz, according to Mario Lieb of SVT Görlitz gGmbH. These trips will take passengers to popular destinations such as Prague and Karlsbad, the Rhine Valley, and the coastal towns of Hamburg and Sylt. Notably, on June 28, the train will transport fans of the band Keimzeit to a concert in Cottbus. In its heyday during the 1960s, eight trains of this type were built, capable of reaching speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour, connecting cities like Berlin with Prague and Vienna.

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The train will regularly be available for special trips.