Pasewalker Station functioned as a genuine railway station.
In the heart of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, a region with historical roots dating back to the Middle Ages, lies the picturesque town of Pasewalk. One of its most iconic landmarks is the Pasewalk train station, a relic of the 19th century railway expansion in Prussia.
The station, with its distinctive smell, is remembered fondly by many, including the writer, who shares a sentimental attachment, despite no longer residing in Pasewalk. After the Wende, the station continued to serve the community, hosting at least a small mini-market and a billiard hall.
However, a comprehensive exploration of the station's history and current state reveals a gap in available information. The station was likely part of key rail lines influenced by German and Prussian railway developments, but specific details about its construction, architectural style, renovations, or operational status are not readily found.
In recent times, the station has seen a decline. It was sold cheaply for 36,000 euros to a speculator from Mannheim, and since then, not much has changed. The ticket counters are closed, the waiting room is locked, and the only remaining warm place is a gaming hall. The platforms, however, were renovated before the sale.
The station square in Pasewalk was depicted in the film 'Ete and Ali', adding a touch of cinematic history to the site. A renovation project for the station shed is currently underway, with more funds recently allocated, indicating a renewed interest in preserving this historical site.
The city of Pasewalk and the owner of the train shed are driving this renovation, with the aim of restoring the station to its former glory. During DDR times, the station was bustling with activity, featuring ticket counters, luggage pick-up and drop-off, a Mitropa restaurant, and functioning toilets.
For those who have left Mecklenburg, Vorpommern, or the Uckermark but still miss their home, the "Homesickness" section of the website is a comforting resource. Here, memories of the station are shared, from enjoying snacks from a kiosk vending machine after school, to waiting for the bus, to being picked up for studies and holidays.
Angelika, a former resident of Pasewalk, and Birgitt, who remembers drinking hot chocolate in the Mitropa restaurant while waiting at the station with her mother, are among those who have shared their memories with the Heimweh Newsletter editorial team. The station remains a significant place for many, a symbol of a time gone by.
As the renovation project continues, the Pasewalk train station stands as a testament to the past, a bridge connecting the present to the rich history of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and a beacon of hope for its future. For those who miss the charm of this quaint town, the "Homesickness - The Special" magazine, available for purchase for 5.95 euros, offers a glimpse into the heart of Pasewalk, past and present.
The renovation project aims to restore the Pasewalk train station, once a vibrant hub of activity during DDR times, to its former glory, serving as a symbol of the region's rich home-and-garden lifestyle in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. As residents share memories of the station, such as waiting for buses or enjoying snacks at a kiosk, it is clear that the station continues to hold a significant place in many people's lifestyles, reminding them of their roots and the charm of the town.
