Bautzen railroad station named 'Station of the Year 2024'

From renovation case to picture-book building: the pro-rail alliance has named Bautzen station "Station of the Year 2024". According to the association, the station in the Saxon mustard town impressed the jury with its façade, which has been renovated in keeping with its listed status, and its bright and open interior spaces.

Good parking facilities and short distances

Good parking facilities for bicycles and cars have been created on the redesigned forecourt. The jury also praised the short distances to the tracks. Inside and in the immediate vicinity, a lounge area, a café and a model of Bautzen's historic old town make waiting for the train easier. "Additional seating in the building and free toilets complete the offer for travelers in the station building," it said.

There are only a few points of criticism: "For example, there is no baby changing area in the toilet, which would benefit travelers with small children," Allianz added. Longer opening hours for the building at weekends would also be desirable.

According to the information, the Bautzen train station was on the verge of decay around ten years ago. For a long time, the platforms were only accessible via the outside area because the station building was closed due to its poor condition.

District council decision saves the station

In 2016, the district council finally decided to house parts of its administration in the building in future. As a result, the station, which had previously belonged to Deutsche Bahn, was taken over by a private investor and extensively renovated between 2017 and 2020. "Today, in addition to the travel center and café, the station also houses offices of the district administration, such as the vehicle registration office, and a health insurance company," said the Pro-Rail Alliance.

Special prize for Sörup station

In addition to the award for Bautzen station, the association also presented a special prize to Sörup station in Schleswig-Holstein this year. "Small train stations in rural areas often only offer the bare essentials: a platform, a journey display for passengers and a waiting shelter," said the jury. This is different at the small rural station on the line between Kiel and Flensburg.

"Here, travelers will find a small waiting room and a toilet in the station building. Wi-Fi is also available at the station." There is a bakery and a supermarket in the immediate vicinity and an ice cream parlor open daily in the building itself. The historic station building in the community of 4,000 inhabitants has been extensively renovated thanks to their commitment.

Every year since 2004, the Pro-Rail Alliance has presented awards to what it considers to be the best railroad stations in Germany. The main thing that is assessed is the services offered to travelers: Train information, accommodation options but also the connection to other means of transport in the surrounding area.