Jena, April 01, 2026. The Jenaer Straßenbahn is celebrating a remarkable anniversary: exactly 125 years ago, the first „Elektrische“ began operations in the city on the Saale. Although Jena was and is known for its technological innovations, rail-based local transport started here relatively late.
- Occasion: 125th anniversary of the Jenaer Straßenbahn
- History: First journey of the „Elektrische“ 125 years ago in the spring of 1901
- TV Note: The MDR Thüringen Journal will report on the anniversary in a segment today, Wednesday (01.04.2026), at 7:00 PM.
Technology Pioneer with a Delay on the Rails
When people think of Jena, the optical industry, science, and high technology often come to mind. However, the university city on the Saale took its time establishing a municipal tram network. Eight other cities in what is now Thüringen already had their own trams before the course for the future was set in Jena. When the first tram finally rolled through the streets 125 years ago, it marked the beginning of a new era of urban mobility that continues to shape the city’s character to this day.
Backbone of Urban Public Transport
Today, daily life in Jena is unimaginable without the tram. It transports tens of thousands of commuters, students, and locals every day, reliably connecting the various districts. The 125th anniversary is therefore not only a look back at the past but also a celebration of the continuous development of public transport (ÖPNV) in the region.
Background: The Development of the Jenaer Straßenbahn
For historical reasons, the Jenaer Straßenbahn operates on what is known as meter gauge (1,000 mm track gauge). Following the ceremonial opening in 1901, the network initially grew steadily before undergoing various restructurings during the post-war period and the DDR years. A decisive milestone in recent history was the urgently needed southern connection starting in the late 1990s: the expansion of the network into the heavily frequented and populous districts of Lobeda and Winzerla secured the tram’s continued existence and significantly relieved road traffic.
Today, Jenaer Nahverkehr operates a modern network offering high frequencies on the main axes. With the ongoing modernization of the fleet – such as the introduction of modern and barrier-free low-floor trams of the „Tramlink“ (Lichtbahn) type – it is ensured that the tram will remain the transport backbone of Jena for decades to come.
Source:
125 Years: Jena celebrates its tram | MDR.DE
Transparency Note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.