Higher speed or better dumplings? Czechia’s iconic “Knödel Express” not being written off just yet

When Czech Railways announced plans to scrap the legendary “Knödel Express” running between Berlin and Prague, the news made international headlines and fans lamented its departure as the “end of an era”. Those addicted to its old-world charm can now take some comfort. Due to modernization delays, the cult dining cars will continue to offer the familiar service for some time longer.

WRmz 815, the legendary “Knödel Express” |Photo: Czech Railways

For fans of rail travel, the scenic four-hour long journey between Prague and Berlin was one of the most enjoyable train rides in Europe. And speed had nothing to do with it. The “Knödel Express”, as it was affectionately nicknamed, offered a nostalgic experience reminiscent of a more romantic age of European rail travel.  The dining car, with its legendary red faux-leather seats, retro-lighting and white tablecloths, offered hearty Czech meals freshly prepared on board.

Roast sirloin with sauerkraut and dumplings or schnitzel with potatoes would be a popular choice accompanied by a frosty pint of Pilsner beer on tap. Apple strudel and pancakes – much loved deserts both in Czechia and Germany- were also in high demand.

WRmz 815, the legendary “Knödel Express” |Photo: Ferdinand Hauser, Radio Prague International

But after nearly 30 years of service, the Dumpling Express stood in the way of modernization plans.  Czech Railways announced last year that the time had come to replace the decades-old carriages with sleeker ones that fit more people and can travel at faster speeds. Czech Railways spokesperson Filip Medelsky says that while the company is aware of the old dining cars popularity it could not keep them in service, even if it wanted to.

“It would be advantageous to keep them running in view of their popularity, but in practice, it’s simply not an option, because the German side requires that, once the modernization is complete, trains on the Prague-Berlin-Hamburg route must be capable of reaching speeds of 230 kilometers per hour. ComfortJet trainsets are built to handle such speeds, while the old dining cars have a maximum design speed of just 200 kilometers per hour. ”

However due to a delay in deliveries of new dining cars for the ComfortJet trainsets, Czech Railways has announced that the old dining cars will continue to run on selected connections between the Czech and German capitals.

Waitress Zdeňka at the Tap|Photo: Ferdinand Hauser, Radio Prague International

In Germany, the news raised a loud cheer. "The rail connection between Berlin and Prague is favoured by many passengers mainly because of its nostalgic dining cars," wrote Stern magazine, informing readers that their lease on life was being extended.

The tabloid Bild was also full of praise for what it called the “legendary” Knödel Express. "Dishes with dumplings and Czech beer are available at sensational prices and in a cozy setting. If you haven’t yet had the chance to dine on the “Knödel Express” you still have a few more months to do so," Bild urged readers. Public broadcaster rbb24 echoes these sentiments.

The good news for travelers is that Czech Railways will not be fully discarding the old dining cars and will use them on other routes where their technical specifications are still adequate, as Filip Medelsky explains.

WRmz 815, the legendary “Knödel Express”|Photo: Czech Railways

“Given that these cars date back to the mid-1990s and are still far from the end of their service life we plan to continue using them. We’ll be moving them to domestic routes, primarily on the main line between Prague, Ostrava, and Bohumín. We're also considering deploying them on long-distance routes to Poland and Hungary. So passengers will get more time to enjoy the “old-world” railway gastronomy that they afford.”

On the German route, the popular “Knödel Express” should continue running until late autumn or early winter. To get a ride on the original “Knödel Express”, check the connections between Berlin and Prague on Czech Railway’s website. You will find a list of different trains and their respective times and clicking on the train’s name will show you its layout. Hover over the dining car and if you see “WRmz 815,” your train will offer the authentic dumpling experience.