Anniversary of the Molli Railway: 15 million passengers and a festival in Kühlungsborn!

Anniversary of the Molli Railway: 15 million passengers and a festival in Kühlungsborn!

The Mecklenburgische Bäderbahn “Molli” is celebrating a very special anniversary this year: the privatization of the railway began on October 1, 1995 and since then around 15 million guests have sat down in the historic wagons. This impressive event was celebrated on October 4, 2025 with a large train station festival under the motto “Sound & Smoke” in Kühlungsborn West. Around 90 dedicated employees ensure that the Molli runs between Bad Doberan and Kühlungsborn every day and that you can enjoy its journeys through beautiful avenues lined with lime trees.

On September 30, 2023, the right to transfer the infrastructure assets back to Deutsche Bahn AG expired, meaning that the privatization of MBB has now been completely completed. Thanks to numerous investments in vehicles, train stations and infrastructure since 1995, the Molli not only shines in new splendor, but also proudly shows off with two special vehicles at the anniversary celebration. A magnificently prepared locomotive in historical paint and a carriage with a timeline of Molli's history provide a glimpse of the long tradition of this steam railway.

A look into the history of Molli

The history of Molli goes back to the 19th century. As early as June 19, 1886, Grand Duke Friedrich Franz III. the license for the construction of the narrow-gauge steam railway, and on July 9, 1886 the first line from Doberan to Heiligendamm opened. Over the years, the route network expanded to the Baltic Sea resort of Kühlungsborn, which was connected on May 12, 1910. Originally the railway was operated by the Doberan-Heiligendamm Railway and was eventually nationalized on March 13, 1890 to become part of the Grand Ducal Mecklenburg Friedrich-Franz Railway.

The Molli gained particular fame when it switched to year-round operation when freight traffic was introduced in 1910. Today the train is not only a popular means of transport for tourists, but also important for events such as the Zappanale Festival, which brings together fans of Frank Zappa's music. Increasing demand in the summer months ensures that the trains are well filled, while in winter many journeys are replaced by the Mollibus.

Investment and support

The continuous modernization and preservation of the Molli would not have been possible without the support of the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Various funding measures have made a significant contribution to keeping the railway in good condition. Around 90 long-standing employees ensure smooth operations and manage to maintain the unique atmosphere of this historic railway.

The shareholders of MBB, consisting of the Rostock district, the cities of Bad Doberan and Kühlungsborn as well as a private shareholder, have shown a good hand for the company: With a journey time of just 40 minutes over the 15.4 kilometer long route, the Molli is a charming connection between nature and culture on the Baltic Sea.

The Molli Museum at the Kühlungsborn West terminus shows the history and importance of this traditional railway. The Molli has developed from a regional means of transport into a part of the cultural heritage of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and will remain with us - perhaps even for the next 15 million passengers.