Buschtunnel, West Portal: A Subterranean Journey Through Time
Discover Aachen's railway history at the Buschtunnel, Germany's oldest operating train tunnel, a marvel of 19th-century engineering.
The Buschtunnel, West Portal, marks the entrance to a fascinating piece of Aachen's history. These parallel railway tunnels, an old and a new one, pierce through the Aachener Wald (Aachen Forest) near the German-Belgian border. The older tunnel, inaugurated in 1843, stands as Germany's oldest operating railway tunnel. The tunnel's construction addressed the need to overcome the Aachener Wald's terrain when building the railway line between Aachen and Liège. The original tunnel stretches 691 meters, with a maximum overburden of approximately 51 meters. A smaller, 150-meter tunnel once connected to it towards Liège. Over the years, the Buschtunnel has undergone several renovations. Issues with water seepage led to the construction of longitudinal and transverse adits shortly after its opening. During WWII, explosions damaged the tunnel vault, halting rail traffic until 1949. The line's electrification in the 1960s brought further construction, and subsequent repairs involved reinforced shotcrete to seal the masonry. A new, 711-meter tunnel was constructed between 2004 and 2007 to increase speed and safety. The old tunnel was renovated and reopened in 2011. Today, the Buschtunnel is primarily used by passenger trains, including high-speed connections.
Local tips
- Check the opening hours before your visit as the tunnel may have specific tour times.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the walk through the tunnel can be uneven in places.
- Consider joining a guided tour for a more enriching experience, as they provide interesting insights about the tunnel.
A brief summary to Buschtunnel, Westportal
- Lütticher Str. 503, Aachen, 52074, DE
- Visit website
Getting There
-
Walking
From Aachen Hauptbahnhof (main train station), head south on Monheimsallee. Continue until you reach Lütticher Straße, then turn left. Walk approximately 1.5 kilometers east on Lütticher Straße; Buschtunnel, Westportal will be on your right at Lütticher Str. 503. This walk takes about 20-25 minutes.
-
Public Transport
From Aachen Hauptbahnhof, take bus line 21 towards 'Aachen, Lütticher Str.' and get off at the stop 'Aachen, Lütticher Str./Hauptbahnhof'. Walk a short distance east on Lütticher Str. to Lütticher Str. 503. The Buschtunnel, Westportal will be on your left. A single bus fare is approximately €2.80.
-
Parking
If driving, be aware of Aachen's low emission zone; a green sticker is required for entry. Several parking garages are available in Aachen. Consider using the Park & Ride system for cheaper parking and easy access to the city center via bus. P+R tickets, valid for up to 5 people, cost €5. Parking garages near the city center typically charge €2-3 per hour.
