Ever wondered why this unassuming building is called the Kaiserbahnhof? This isn’t just any train station. This is the Kaiserbahnhof in Brühl Germany. Right here before you stands a monument to a bygone era a testament to imperial travel and local pride.
Built in the 1870s by master builder Lemcke the Kaiserbahnhof in Kierberg was completed in 1874. The first trains arrived on October 1 1875. It wasn’t just a railway stop though. It served as a grand reception building for Kaiser Wilhelm I. He used it as his departure point for autumn maneuvers in the Eifel mountains. A special siding was even built for his exclusive use. The Kaiserbahnhof earned its name because of this. During his visits to Brühl the Kaiser stayed at Augustusburg Palace.
The Kaiserstrasse was specially widened to 19 meters. It was lined with chestnut trees planted by Brühl’s gardener Stephan Schäfer. Schäfer also landscaped the Kierberg Bahnhofspark surrounding the station. The building itself is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture. It’s made of yellow brick with two floors and eight axes. Notice the red sandstone used for the frames and columns. It contrasts nicely with the yellow brick. The terracotta vases on the roof are from Villeroy & Boch in Mettlach. They’re adorned with grapevines. Quite a detail isn’t it?
The ground floor had a vestibule a porter’s lodge and the station office. The inspector’s office was also located there. There were waiting rooms for 3rd and 4th class passengers. The first and second class waiting rooms were upstairs. A ladies’ room was in an annex. The inspector’s apartment and two salons were on the upper floor.
Besides being an imperial stop the Kaiserbahnhof became a popular destination. People would come for excursions to the Vorgebirge area. It also served as a restaurant. The station even survived both World Wars largely unscathed. After the nearby brown coal mines closed and car use increased the Kaiserbahnhof fell into disrepair. But it wasn’t forgotten. In 1984 it received landmark status. A complete renovation took place between 2006 and 2010. Today the Kaiserbahnhof thrives once again. It functions as a restaurant a reminder of its illustrious past and a jewel in Brühl’s crown. So enjoy your time here. Enjoy this piece of history this Kaiserbahnhof.