Farewell to Knödelexpress
15 January 2025
On the Prague-Berlin-Hamburg railway line, you can dine almost as if on the Orient Express. Professional chefs prepare delicious yet affordable meals directly on board in old-school food carriages, designed with white tablecloth-dressed tables and cute lamps.
A passenger favourite was the traditional Czech dish "svíčková", served with dumplings (Knödel), which gave the carriages their nickname. But "Knödelexpress" will soon retire. The technical state of the old food carriages makes them unsuitable for the planned modernisation of the railway and higher speed of trains. Therefore, they will soon be taken out of operation despite still being popular among travellers.
![]() | Eli Volencová For train enthusiasts like myself, this is sad news. Fresh coffee and cake in the stylish food carriage was always something to look forward to on my regular commutes between Prague and Berlin. For me and many other Czech and German passengers, Knödelexpress made the travel experience truly enjoyable. After the carriages finish their last ride, refreshments will remain available on board but only microwaved and served directly to your seat. In Poland and Hungary, meanwhile, traditional food carriages are still rolling. While they offer regional treats like Goulash or Pierogi, Czech "svíčková" will leave European trains for good. |
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