Definition
Enkenbach station (German: Bahnhof Enkenbach) is a railway halt situated in the municipality of Enkenbach, in the state of Rhineland‑Palatinate, Germany. It serves passenger traffic on the Alsenz Valley Railway (Alsenztalbahn) and is operated by Deutsche Bahn.
Overview
The station lies on the single‑track line that connects Neustadt an der Weinstraße with Kaiserslautern, passing through the Upper Alsenz valley. It is classified by Deutsche Bahn as a category 5 station, indicating a small station with basic facilities. Enkenbach station provides regional train services and limited bus connections to the surrounding villages. The station is located at an elevation of approximately 260 meters above sea level and is integrated into the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Neckar (VRN) public‑transport network.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Enkenbach” derives from the local village of the same name. The suffix “‑bach” is a common German toponymic element meaning “brook” or “stream,” reflecting the settlement’s historic proximity to a watercourse. The station’s name follows the standard German practice of naming railway facilities after the municipality they serve.
Characteristics
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening date | 1870, concurrent with the inauguration of the Alsenz Valley Railway. |
| Owner | Deutsche Bahn (DB Netz). |
| Operator | DB Station&Service. |
| Platforms | 1 side platform, serving a single track. |
| Facilities | Shelter with seating, ticket vending machines, electronic passenger information displays, and step‑free access to the platform. No staffed ticket office. |
| Rail services | Regionalbahn (RB) line 63, providing hourly connections between Neustadt an der Weinstraße and Kaiserslautern; additional services during peak periods. |
| Intermodal connections | Local bus stop with routes linking Enkenbach to neighboring villages such as Waldleiningen and Otterberg. |
| Passenger volume | Approximately 200–300 boardings per day (estimated based on category 5 stations in the region). |
| Architectural style | The original station building, constructed in the late 19th century, reflects the typical modest brick architecture of rural Palatinate stations; the building is currently used for commercial purposes and is not part of the passenger area. |
Related Topics
- Alsenz Valley Railway (Alsenztalbahn) – the railway line on which Enkenbach station is located.
- Deutsche Bahn station categories – classification system for German railway stations.
- Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Neckar (VRN) – the regional transport association coordinating fares and timetables in the area.
- Enkenbach (Pfalz) – the municipality served by the station, part of the district of Kaiserslautern.
- Rail transport in Rhineland‑Palatinate – broader context of regional railway infrastructure.