German record shattered: Unprecedented feat accomplished
In the picturesque landscapes of southwest Germany, a train journey connecting Freiburg and Munich, traversing the Höllental, Donautal, and Allgäu valleys, has been a popular choice for travellers since 1954. This 6.5-hour journey, which does not require any transfers, has a unique history that is deeply rooted in the Kleber family's passion for trains and tourism.
The Kleber-Express regained its daily service in 1997, largely due to the tireless efforts of Andreas Kleber, a local advocate who fought for its preservation for years. Born into the Kleber Post hotelier dynasty in Saulgau, Andreas Kleber's interest in the daily express train between Freiburg and Munich was not just professional; it was personal. His grandfather Fritz and father Hermann had fought for a daily express train between the two cities before and immediately after World War II to boost tourism.
Andreas Kleber's dedication to the Kleber-Express was evident from a young age. He skipped school to witness the inaugural run of the train when he was seven years old. His connection with the train deepened over the years, as he married his wife Johanna on the train in 1980 and later baptized their daughter there as well.
One of Andreas Kleber's most significant fights for the Kleber-Express was in 1978, when the railway planned to abandon the Herbertingen-Kißlegg stretch. In response, Kleber organized a demonstration at Saulgau station, which led the state of Baden-Württemberg to advocate for the line's preservation. The railway was convinced to abandon its closure plans, thanks in large part to Kleber's efforts.
The German Railway officially named the train "Kleber-Express" in recognition of Andreas Kleber's tireless efforts. However, public records show no mention of anyone else who has taken up the fight to save the Kleber-Express train connection since then.
The Kleber-Express ran for nearly 50 years, from May 23, 1954, to the end of 2003. Despite the closure of the train, Andreas Kleber's passion for trains and train stations remains to this day. He regularly travels by train throughout Germany, particularly interested in railway lines that were supposed to be closed.
The Kleber Post hotel, a meeting place for the powerful and famous, including Ludwig Erhard, Konrad Adenauer, Helmut Kohl, François Mitterrand, Roman Herzog, Lothar Späth, and Erwin Teufel, fell into financial difficulties and closed in October 2000. The historic building where the Kleber Post once stood was demolished and replaced with a new one in 2000.
Although the Kleber-Express is no longer in operation, its legacy lives on in the hearts of those who fought for its preservation, particularly Andreas Kleber. His story serves as a reminder of the impact that individuals can have on preserving historical transportation routes and the memories they carry.
The Kleber-Express's closure in 2003 did not dampen Andreas Kleber's enthusiasm for travel, as he continues to explore various train routes, especially those facing potential closure. Moreover, his commitment to sports-betting extends to the world of sports-betting on the outcomes of different train routes' preservation efforts.
