Referendum on Juist: Return of the tourist train in danger?

Referendum on Juist: Return of the tourist train in danger?

There's a lot going on in terms of traffic on Juist at the moment. A citizens' initiative has found the necessary support to initiate an important decision. On August 3, 2025, the people of Juister will be able to vote on the introduction of a tourist train that will connect the island with the airport. How NDR reported that the initiators of the petition have collected enough signatures to force a citizen vote.

The idea behind this railway is to stimulate passenger traffic on the car-free island. The local council had originally decided to rent an electrically operated tourist train for a three-month test phase. But the current situation is a little more complicated: The council meeting, which was canceled at short notice, has alarmed the citizens, as there is also talk of converting the existing carriage bus service to vehicle-powered transport. The referendum now has a suspensive effect and is at the center of discussions about the future of the island.

The planned railway has not only triggered an uprising among citizens, but has also sparked a lively debate about future traffic design in Juist. The referendum will raise the fundamental question: Should Juist remain car-free and rely on horse farming, or should the island move towards motorized mobility? Once again the question arises as to what sustainable tourism means for an administration as fragile as Juist. While the administration is now looking for around 20 election workers to carry out the decision smoothly, the question of innovative projects such as the delivery of medication by drone is also being raised. This could give Juist a little technical progress.

A referendum for car freedom

How NWZonline reports, the vote will take place on Sunday, August 3rd. In order to make the referendum possible, the initiators needed additional signatures, and these are not just an official act, but an expression of broad concern about the future of the island. It is an impressive increase in citizen participation, as can be seen in many communities.

But why all the fuss about a train that might travel lonely through the dunes? The Greens and other environmentalists argue that making the island car-free not only preserves the charm of the landscape, but also ensures the quality of life of the residents. After all, sustainable tourism is not just a buzzword; it means actively experiencing nature without damaging it. More and more people want gentle tourism that respects local conditions and preserves the village character of the island - an aspect that sustainable travel offers support.

Overall, it is up to the people of Juist to decide which path should be taken - the one to take the tourist train or the one to maintain the car-free idyll that makes Juist a special travel destination. One thing is certain: the coming weeks will be exciting for everyone who loves life on the island.