This abandoned tunnel is fun for the whole family but don’t forget your flashlight and guts!
This abandoned tunnel is fun for the whole family but don’t forget your flashlight and guts!
The Stempelkopf Tunnel is a deep, dark chasm and is part of the disused Eistalbahn rail line between Enkenbach-Alsenborn and Ramsen. At 483 meters (1500 feet) in length, it is long enough to swallow what little sunlight reaches the track bed. Although not officially off-limits, caution is advised (caution meaning wits and a flashlight). Taken out of service in 1988, it has layed dormant ever since, with hikers, urban explorers and graffiti artists bravely entering the portals. Due to its location deep in the forest and in a ravine to boot, the wind plays tricks on the ears of wayward hikers, making one think something breathes in the tunnels bowels. But alas, it is just a tunnel and fun for the whole family. Supposedly, there is a locally famous Geocaching site inside.
Combine with: Eistal Bridge
For more information about the tunnel, check out Wikipedia (German only)
For you history nerds, here’s a great website with historical photos of the tunnel and the abandoned rail line: Signalbruch.de (German only)
To get there, take the L395 from Enkenbach-Alsenborn (just follow the signs that say “Ramsen”). About halfway between Enkenbach-Alsenborn and the Eiswoog Lake, you will find some small turn-offs on the north side of the road. Be careful! Drivers like to fire through there so be watchful when you’re looking for parking. There are no signs to the tunnel after you park so be sure to research Google Maps to familiarize yourself with the way. The same abandoned rail line boasts not only the Stempelkopf Tunnel, but two bridges as well. Have fun and be careful!
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