Railway Station Raeren

This former rural railway station can be found in the heart of the small village of Raeren, near the German-Belgian border. The station comprises several buildings which, for the most part, have been preserved in their original state: a main building, a depository and, a bit further off, a signal box. Today, the old station building is in private hands. Standing on the former platform, one has an overview of the entire building: the large windows of the former ticket hall, the entrance doors, flanked by two flatter building parts to the left and to the right, large wooden sliding gates, and a ramp. The platform which used to be directly in front of the ticket hall has been removed, all that is left here are old umbilical masts. The station seems deserted, exuding an eerie atmosphere, and the surroundings could easily be mistaken for the geographical end of the world. A brick building which stands a bit off to the side is inhabited. Its fenced-in garden borders the out-of-service rail tracks which have been overgrown by weeds. Following the tracks, past the former water filling system and signal masts, one reaches the old signal box, which has been entirely preserved in its original condition. It houses an original mechanical lever frame with oversized levers which were operated by the signalman to exercise control over train movements. The feeling that time has stood still is particularly present in this spot. In modern halls, located a bit off the terrain, old trains and locomotives are being renovated by a local association. It is entirely conceivable to get trains up and running, and a few waggons have already been set on the tracks. Overall quiet location. Sanitary facilities and possible crew rooms could be made available on the association's premises. High-voltage power supply and ample parking available. Easily accessible. In 2008, the station doubled as a 1935 Siberian railway station for the historic documentary Fräulein Stinnes travels the world.