Birkenfeld had been bypassed by the Nahetalbahn (Nahe Valley Railway) due to routing difficulties.

Since Birkenfeld was part of the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg, a treaty had to be signed with Prussia in order to build the railway.

Birkenfeld mayor Eissel had the railway licensed on December 2, 1879, and commissioned on October 15, 1880.

With the closing of Degussa, the line was exclusively owned by Bikenfeld from July 19, 1969, onward.

On December 31, 1962, passenger service on the line was completely replaced by bus.