Trainspotter – What Is That? The Ultimate Guide to Trainspotting in the DACH Region

You’ve heard the word trainspotter and you’re wondering: what is that, exactly? In this comprehensive guide we explain what trainspotting means, how the community ticks, what equipment makes sense, what legal rules apply, and how to get going straight away – including plenty of pro tips for better sightings and photos in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Table of contents

1. What are trainspotters? A simple definition
2. A short history of trainspotting
3. What does a trainspotter actually do?
4. Equipment: from beginner to pro setup
5. Planning: finding the best trains, times and spots
6. The law in the DACH region: what’s allowed?
7. Safety & etiquette at the lineside
8. Recognising types: identifying trains and classes
9. Photo tips: settings, light & perspective
10. Seasons & weather: making the most of conditions
11. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
12. Community & netiquette
13. FAQ: frequently asked questions about trainspotting
14. Checklist: your first day of spotting
15. Conclusion & app tip for trainspotters

What are trainspotters? A simple definition

Trainspotters are people who are passionate about trains and railways. They watch, photograph and document locomotives, multiple units and wagons – often with extensive knowledge of classes, liveries, timetables and lines. Trainspotting is a varied hobby that brings together technology, photography, travel and community.

Typical goals of trainspotters:

• Recording sightings (e.g. classes, locomotive numbers, operators, diagrams, special features)
• Photographing and filming trains in motion or on the platform
• “Chasing” special trains (special workings, diversions, rare locomotives, new liveries)
• Exchanging information in the community and comparing sightings

A short history of trainspotting

Modern trainspotting began in Britain, where enthusiasts collected locomotive numbers in notebooks. Over time the hobby spread across Europe. In German-speaking countries, trainspotting has gained a lot of appeal thanks to the sheer variety of classes, railway operators and freight workings. Digital cameras, social networks and specialised tools have professionalised the hobby – today sightings are shared practically in real time.

What does a trainspotter actually do?

• Watching: spotting and identifying trains at stations, on bridges, in cuttings and along open sections of line.
• Documenting: recording numbers, classes, operators, time, line and special features.
• Photographing/filming: using technique, subject and light deliberately.
• Planning: checking running times, engineering works, diversions and spot locations.
• Sharing: sharing sightings and photos with the community, discussing them and building knowledge.

Equipment: from beginner to pro setup

Beginner

• A smartphone with a decent camera is enough to get started: use burst mode, tidy up your shots, keep it clean.
• A power bank for long sessions.
• Weatherproof clothing, non-slip shoes, and a hi-vis vest if needed (not necessary outside railway land, and often not permitted within it).

Advanced

• A mirrorless or DSLR camera with a fast shutter lag.
• Lenses: 24–70 mm for the platform, 70–200 mm or 100–400 mm for the open line; fast apertures for poor light.
• A tripod/monopod for video or panning shots.
• Filters: a polarising filter against reflections, ND for video.
• Ear protection at noisy spots.

Optional

• A notebook or app for structured sightings.
• Rain/dust protection for camera and rucksack.
• Gloves, a hat, sunscreen depending on the season.

Planning: finding the best trains, times and spots

Good preparation increases your chances of special sightings and strong photos.

Sources & strategies

• Timetable tactics: note the differences between weekdays (freight traffic is often heavier on working days), school holidays and engineering works.
• Diversions & special workings: during engineering works or disruptions, trains run in unusual ways – perfect opportunities for rare subjects.
• Light & sun: check the orientation of the line (east/west); golden hour gives you warm light.
• Scouting spots: platforms, bridges, embankments and curves with a clear view – keep safety in mind.
• Community knowledge: exchange with groups and forums – those who share, benefit.

Tip: a specialised app helps you keep track, find out what’s running where, discover good spotting locations, and record and share sightings in a structured way. More on that in the conclusion.

The law in the DACH region: what’s allowed?

Not legal advice, but these principles help:

• Photographing from public places is generally permitted. Stations have house rules – follow staff instructions.
• Never step onto tracks or into restricted areas – it’s life-threatening and a criminal offence.
• Personal rights: only photograph or publish identifiable people with their consent. Treat registration marks, faces and staff with respect.
• Don’t enter private land without permission. Fences mark a boundary.
• Drones: strict rules apply (including distances, no-fly zones and altitude limits). Always check local regulations.

Safety & etiquette at the lineside

Do’s

• Keep a minimum safety distance from the tracks and stay behind the safety line.
• Position yourself with foresight: keep escape routes clear, don’t set up close to the track near curves.
• Show respect towards staff, passengers and local residents.
• No flash as a train is coming in – it dazzles the driver.

Don’ts

• Never cross the tracks or walk on the ballast.
• Don’t leave any litter behind; protect nature.
• Don’t put equipment down on platform edges.

Recognising types: identifying trains and classes

A brief overview of common trains in the DACH region (not exhaustive):

• Germany: ICE (including ICE 1/2/3/4/T), IC/EC, RE/RB, S-Bahn. Typical classes: 101, 120, 145/146, 185 TRAXX, 187, 189, 193 Vectron, 218; multiple units such as 425/426, 440, 442, 644/648, 612, 1440, 483/484.
• Austria: Railjet (Taurus 1116/1216), the night train brand Nightjet, Cityjet (4744/4746), the classic 1144, freight traffic with the 1293 (Vectron) among others.
• Switzerland: IC/IR/RE, S-Bahn and freight traffic, with passenger services mostly run by the Swiss Federal Railways. Classes: Re 460, Re 420 (Re 4/4 II), the RABe families (e.g. RABe 511), the Ae 6/6 on special workings.

This variety is what makes trainspotting exciting – every region has its own “signature” trains and liveries.

Photo tips: settings, light & perspective

• Shutter speed: for a sharp pass-by, 1/800–1/1600 s. For a sense of motion with panning, 1/60–1/160 s.
• Aperture: f/5.6–f/8 for good depth of field on the front of the train.
• ISO: as low as possible, as high as necessary. In low light, raise the ISO rather than using too long an exposure.
• AF mode: continuous autofocus (AF-C) with subject tracking.
• Composition: use foreground/leading lines, show curves, include context (signals, landscape, bridges).
• Light: early or late with the sun behind you; avoid midday light or use it creatively as high-key.
• RAW format: gives you more headroom in post-processing.
• Burst shooting: shoot sequences and pick the best frame.

Seasons & weather: making the most of conditions

• Spring: fresh colours, changeable light – dramatic clouds.
• Summer: long days; watch out for heat haze at a distance.
• Autumn: golden colours, fog for atmosphere.
• Winter: snow as contrast, but short days and cold – keep batteries warm.
• Rain: reflections and droplets as a creative element.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Arriving too late: always build in a buffer; trains are fast – the moment is gone in an instant.
• The wrong standpoint: watch the background (masts, shadows, fences) and respect the safety line.
• Too slow a shutter speed: avoid motion blur with fast trains.
• Unstructured sightings: without a system, data gets lost – use an app or clear notes.

Community & netiquette

• Share thoughtfully: don’t promote sensitive locations where rules could be broken.
• Crediting: name photographers, respect sources.
• Be helpful: welcome newcomers warmly; answer questions patiently.
• Location details: use geotags responsibly – safety comes first.

FAQ: frequently asked questions about trainspotting

Is trainspotting legal?

Yes, generally so from public spaces. Mind house rules, safety zones, personal rights and local regulations.

What does the hobby cost?

Getting started is cheap (a smartphone, a notes app). Higher costs come from camera equipment, travel and, potentially, specialist lenses.

Where do I find special trains?

At engineering works/diversions, on freight corridors, at major junction stations, and through community tips. An app helps you spot opportunities in real time.

What’s the best way to get started?

1. Choose a station with a clear layout or a bridge with a good field of view.
2. Plan the light and your journey there.
3. Use a sighting list or app for structure.
4. Share your results, ask for feedback and keep learning.

Checklist: your first day of spotting

1. Charge batteries, clear the memory card, pack a power bank.
2. Choose a spot, check how to get there and the light.
3. Check running times; build in a buffer.
4. Go over the safety rules; wear weatherproof clothing.
5. Document sightings in a structured way and review them later.

Conclusion & app tip for trainspotters

Trainspotters are railway enthusiasts who combine a love of technology, photography and community. With good planning, safe conduct and structured sightings, the hobby becomes even more fun – and your results improve measurably.

Try the Traintrack app at traintrackapp.de. It’s built specifically for trainspotters and helps you take your hobby to the next level:

• Keep sightings organised: cleanly document classes, locomotive numbers, location, time and special features.
• Share & connect: find fellow spotters, swap information and photos.
• Find out what’s running where: never miss a highlight, and spot trends and opportunities.
• Discover good spotting locations: community spots with tips on perspective, light and safety.
• Collect points & badges: gamification for extra motivation and more fun with trainspotting.

Get started now, record your sightings, and never miss the next special locomotive again – with Traintrack.