The section from Grünstadt to Eisenberg was opened as early as 1876 by the Palatine Northern Railway Company.

The iron ore industry in and around Eisenberg gave the line considerable importance for the transport of goods, whilst passenger services played a rather secondary role.

The remaining stretch of line to Enkenbach was not completed until 1932 under the direction of the Deutsche Reichsbahn.

After passenger services had been withdrawn in 1976, strategic considerations during the Cold War prevented its complete closure.

In the period from 1994 to 2001 the line between Grünstadt and the Eiswoog reservoir was re-opened; the remaining section, however, stayed closed.