A railway connexion was of particular interest to the local glass and porcelain industry resident in the so-called "Tettau Corner" (Tettauer Winkel).

On 10 March 1900 the Bavarian Landtag gave its approval for the planning and construction of this Lokalbahn and, on 9 July 1901, the state treaty between the two countries was signed.

The largest part of the cost (1.2 million marks for construction and operation of the branch line was borne by Bavaria.

In spring 1952 the Deutsche Bundesbahn laid new sleepers and tracks, but on 28 May 1952 train services ended abruptly when the line was shut by the East Germany.

To support industry in the Tettauer Winkel on 1 June 1952 the Deutsche Bundesbahn introduced a Culemeyer heavy trailer service.