The ICE 1 was the first generation of Germany’s Intercity-Express trains and entered passenger service in 1991.
ICE 1 trains began operating on June 2, 1991, when Germany introduced its new high-speed rail service. The first services used newly built or upgraded routes linking cities such as Hamburg, Hanover, Würzburg, Stuttgart and Munich. ICE 1 trainsets were formed with two power cars and a group of passenger coaches.
The name ICE stands for Intercity-Express. It refers to Germany’s high-speed train system as well as to individual train generations, so ICE 1 should not be confused with the later ICE 2, ICE 3 or ICE 4.
ICE 1 trains were designed for a maximum service speed of 280 km/h on suitable lines. Their introduction marked a major shift from conventional intercity trains toward dedicated high-speed passenger travel in Germany.