 The Wesselburen–Heide Railway Company ("Wesselburen–Heider Eisenbahngesellschaft") opened a branch from Weddinghusen to the town of Wesselburen on 1 November 1878 and to Büsum in 1883 (for freight from 1 November and for passengers from 15 November)—this route, the Heide–Büsum railway, still exists today.The Karolinenkoog–Karolinenkoog Eider ferry section was opened on 1 June 1886.From there, a steam ferry operated for passengers and freight over the Eider river to Tonning.