Railway museums in Germany

The Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin (German Museum of Technology Berlin) is one of the largest engineering museums in the world, with an exhibition area of ​​approximately 50,000 m². The exhibition includes: vintage cars, airplanes, trains, ships, electromagnetic coils, coffers, jewelry, machines, co

The Oldtimer Museum Rügen, formerly known as the Rügen Railway and Technology Museum, is a unique destination for railway enthusiasts and history buffs. Located on the picturesque Baltic Sea island resort of Rügen in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany, the museum offers a deep dive into the history and evolution of railway technology in Germany.

The Palace of Tears (Tränenpalast) is the former train station and a crossing place between East and West Germany. Citizens from the west part of the country were allowed to travel and this was the place where they said their goodbyes to their friends and family in the east. After the fall of the Be

The Darmstadt-Kranichstein Railway Museum, located in Darmstadt, Germany, is recognized as the largest railway museum in the state of Hesse. This museum offers a comprehensive insight into the history and evolution of railways in the region, making it a significant destination for those interested in railway history and technology.

The Verkehrsmuseum Karlsruhe is a museum that showcases the history of transportation from the early 19th century to the present day. The museum's collection includes historical bicycles, motorcycles, cars, and railway models. It also highlights technical inventions and introduces developers from the region, such as Karl Drais and Felix Wankel.

The Freilassing Locomotive World, also known as Lokwelt Freilassing, is a railway museum situated in the Berchtesgadener Land. The museum is run in collaboration with the town of Freilassing and the Deutsches Museum. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of railways and locomotives.

The Thüringer Waldzoo Gera is home to a diverse range of wildlife, with nearly 900 animals from about 76 different species. Most of these species are native to the northern hemisphere, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about and interact with animals they may not encounter elsewhere. From deer and bison to yaks and reindeer, the zoo offers a rich and varied animal experience.

The Worms Zoo, situated in the recreational area Bürgerweide in the city of Worms, was inaugurated in 1972. It spans across an area of approximately 8.5 hectares. The zoo is home to over 500 animals from 80 different species, making it a diverse and engaging destination for visitors of all ages.

The DB Museum is a railway museum in Nuremberg. Important historical railway vehicles include parts of the royal train for the Bavarian king, Ludwig II and an original coal wagon from 1829, the oldest steam locomotive in Germany still preserved in its original state, the Nordgau (built in 1853). Fur

The Hannoversche Straßenbahn-Museum (HSM) is a museum dedicated to trams and related vehicles. It is located in Wehmingen, a district in Sehnde, southeast of Hannover. The museum is privately run and operates on a voluntary basis.

The Bavarian Railway Museum, also known as Bayerisches Eisenbahnmuseum or BEM, is situated in the historic locomotive sheds at Nördlingen station in Bavaria, Germany. This location adds a unique charm to the museum, as it is housed in a place that has been a part of the railway history itself. Visitors can experience the rich history of the railway while exploring the museum's exhibits.

The German Steam Locomotive Museum, also known as Deutsches Dampflokomotiv-Museum (DDM), is situated in a scenic location at the base of the Schiefe Ebene ramp on the Ludwig South-North Railway. This is in the town of Neuenmarkt, which is part of Upper Franconia, a region in northern Bavaria, Germany. The museum's location adds to its charm and makes it an interesting destination for tourists.

The DB Museum in Koblenz is located in the district of Lützel, in a building that was once a goods wagon repair shop. This historical setting adds a unique charm to the museum, providing a tangible link to the past of railway transportation.

The Luftfahrtmuseum Finowfurt is an aviation museum located in Brandenburg, Germany. It is situated on a part of the former military airfield Eberswalde Finow. The museum showcases around 25 aircraft, helicopters, rockets, rail vehicles, cockpits, navigation instruments, engines, and approximately 60 historical vehicles as part of eight thematically organized exhibitions.

What moves you - Dresden Transport welcomes you to an exciting time travel. Impressive locomotives, elegant vintage cars, adventurous flying machines, magnificent ship models and many active stations invite you to discover, to experience and to embark.

The Neustadt/Weinstrasse Railway Museum, also known as Eisenbahnmuseum Neustadt/Weinstraße, is one of two railway museums managed by the German Railway History Company, also known as Deutsche Gesellschaft für Eisenbahngeschichte or DGEG. This museum is a significant part of Germany's railway history and offers a unique insight into the country's railway heritage.

The Dieringhausen Railway Museum is a significant historical site located in Dieringhausen, a district of Oberbergischer Kreis in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. This museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of railways in the region. It is situated on the grounds of the former Deutsche Bundesbahn locomotive depot at Dieringhausen, which is a protected historical monument.

The Wiesloch Feldbahn and Industrial Museum, located in Wiesloch, Baden-Württemberg, is dedicated to the preservation and operation of historical field and mine railways. The museum also showcases machines from the former brick industry. Visitors can learn about the history of these industries and see the machinery used in them.

The Hamburg Museum, or Museum of Hamburg History, is a history museum on this history of the city of Hamburg that was established in 1922. The museum has many objects preserved by the Society of Hamburg History that was founded in 1839. The museum is known for displaying miniature scale models that

The German Mining and Field Railway Museum, located in Witten - Bommern in the Ruhr area, is a technical museum that offers a unique insight into the history of mining and field railways. The museum is situated on the grounds of the Zeche Theresia mine, which closed in 1892, and is part of the Muttental mining trail. This location not only provides a historical context for the exhibits but also offers a scenic backdrop for visitors.

The Deutsches Museum Verkehrszentrum is a museum in Munich with exhibits on the aspects of transport from various angles. The museum displays exhibits on the subject of traffic and mobility. On 12,000 square meters, vehicles, including motor vehicles, locomotives, cars, bicycles and trams are exhibi

The Museumsdorf Seppensen is an open-air museum located in Buchholz - Seppensen. The museum features a central village square surrounded by four half-timbered houses, a brick house, and a bee stand. This setup provides a unique insight into the historical architecture and lifestyle of the region.

The Fahrzeugmuseum Marxzell, located in Marxzell near Karlsruhe, is a private transport and technology museum. It boasts an impressive exhibition space of over 3600 square meters, making it a spacious venue for visitors to explore and learn about the history of transportation and technology.

The Historischer Lokschuppen Wittenberge is a railway museum situated in Wittenberge. It is located on the grounds of the former Wittenberge depot, which adds a layer of historical significance to the site. The museum is a great place for railway enthusiasts and history buffs alike, offering a unique insight into the history of railways in Germany.

The Eisenbahnmuseum Metelen Land is situated on the Münster–Enschede railway line (route 407). Since 1986, it has been operated and maintained by the Eisenbahn-Interessengemeinschaft Metelen e. V. (EIG). This museum offers a unique insight into the history and operation of the railway in this region.

The Feldbahnmuseum Oekoven is a railway museum located in the Rommerskirchen district of Oekoven. It was founded on January 31, 1976, by a group of railway enthusiasts. This privately initiated museum is a testament to the passion and dedication of its founders, making it a unique destination for those interested in railway history.

The Finstergrund mine, located in Wieden in the Black Forest, is a historical site that was once a medieval silver and lead mine. Today, it serves as a visitor mine, a role it has fulfilled since 1982. This transformation allows tourists to explore the mine's rich history and its modern river and barite mining operations.

The Hamburger Bahnhof - Museum für Gegenwart is a museum of contemporary art in Berlin that is located in a former railway station called the Hamburger Bahnhof. The Hamburger Bahnhof collection is part of the modern art collection of the Nationalgalerie. The collection includes works by Joseph Beuys

The Museum for Communication Berlin (Museum für Kommunikation Berlin) traces the history of communication and projects the possible future as well. One section of the exhibition is dedicated to the history of transport - displaying historical carriages and coaches. You will learn interesting facts a

The Bahnbetriebswerk Arnstadt is a railway museum located in Arnstadt, Thuringia. Since 1992, it has been home to steam locomotives of the former Reichsbahndirektion Erfurt. This museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of steam locomotives and the railway industry in Germany.

The Bochum Dahlhausen Railway Museum (Eisenbahnmuseum Bochum) is a railway museum in Bochum in Germany. It is located in a locomotive depot that was built between 1916 and 1918 and consists of 46,000 square metres, making it the biggest railway museum in Germany. In the middle of the museum, there i

The Brandenburg Railway Museum Falkenberg (Elster) is a unique museum situated in the former canteen of the once railway depot of Falkenberg (Elster) station. This location gives the museum an authentic atmosphere, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the history of the railway.

The Emsland Moormuseum, located in Gro Hesepe, Geeste municipality in the Lower Saxony district of Emsland, is recognized as the largest moor museum in Europe. It offers a comprehensive insight into the history and significance of moors in the region, making it a unique destination for those interested in natural history and environmental conservation.

The Deutsches Feld- und Kleinbahnmuseum (DFKM) is a museum dedicated to the history of field railways. It is situated in the municipality of Deinste, in the Stade district of Lower Saxony. This location offers a unique insight into the history and development of field railways, making it an interesting destination for railway enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

The Localbahnmuseum Bayerisch Eisenstein is a railway museum situated in Bayerisch Eisenstein, Bavaria. It is managed by the Bayerische Localbahn Verein e. V., an organization that set up the museum between 1981 and 1994 in a historic locomotive shed. This provides a unique setting for the museum, adding to its charm and appeal for visitors.

The Bergische Museumsbahn is a heritage tram museum in Wuppertal that operates its own tram line on original rails with original cars. It is one of the smallest running tram systems in the world.

The Lehrstellwerk Kornwestheim is a significant institution located in Kornwestheim, approximately 10 kilometers north of Stuttgart. It is utilized by Deutsche Bahn for training purposes, and it also functions as a museum open to the public. This dual-purpose facility offers a unique insight into the operations of the German railway system, making it an interesting destination for tourists interested in transportation history and technology.

In 1999, the Schwichtenberg–Uhlenhorst section of the MPSB was reconstructed by a railway association. This section now operates as a museum, offering visitors a chance to experience the historical railway firsthand.

The Verkehrsmuseum Frankfurt am Main (Traffic Museum Frankfurt am Main) is a transport museum dedicated to the history of urban transport in Frankfurt am Main and the Rhine-Main area in Frankfurt's Schwanheim district. The museum is also a company museum of the Stadtwerke Frankfurt am Main and Verke

The Eisenbahnmuseum Würzburg is a railway museum located in Würzburg, Germany. It is managed by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Eisenbahngeschichte (DGEG), a German society for railway history. The museum offers a unique insight into the history and development of the German railway system.

The Saxon Railway Museum, located in Chemnitz, is a historical site that houses a collection of railway vehicles. The museum is situated on the grounds of the former railway depot Chemnitz-Hilbersdorf, adding to its historical significance. Visitors can explore the rich history of railway transportation and get a close look at the various types of railway vehicles that were once operational.

The Frankfurter Feldbahn Museum is a musuem in Frankfurt dedicated to the narrow gauge railway. Feldbahnen are a narrow-gauge railway transport system. Track systems can be laid quickly, flexibly and without much technical effort. The gauge of the field railway is often 600 millimeters. For comparis

The Ziegelei-Museum is a privately owned museum situated to the south of Germersheim on the Rhine. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history of the region while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Rhine.

The Fränkisches Freilandmuseum Fladungen is an open-air museum located in Fladungen, Unterfranken. It is dedicated to preserving and documenting the rural architecture, living conditions, and economy of the past. The museum provides a glimpse into the life of the rural population in earlier times, complete with historical and social contexts.

EFA Mobile Zeiten, previously known as EFA-Museum für Deutsche Automobilgeschichte, is a museum located in Amerang, Upper Bavaria. It offers a unique chronology of German vintage cars, with approximately 70 German vehicles displayed over a 2000 m² exhibition area. This extensive collection provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of German automotive history.

The Deutscher Eisenbahn-Verein e. V. (DEV) is a club based in Bruchhausen-Vilsen. Its primary goal is to preserve a small railway with all its facilities as a living open-air museum. This initiative provides a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the historical railway system in its original form.

The Städtisches Museum Seesen is a municipal museum situated in the Lower Saxon town of Seesen. It is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering a wide range of exhibits that provide insights into the history and culture of the area.

The Museumsstellwerk Lpf is a historic signal box located in Lehrte. It is strategically positioned between the still operational routes to Hannover and Celle. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a piece of railway history while being in close proximity to active railway lines.

The Angelner Dampfeisenbahn, also referred to as the Angelner Eisenbahn or Angeln-Bahn, is a museum railway that provides rides on the Süderbrarup–Kappeln route through Angeln. This railway offers a unique opportunity to experience the scenic beauty of the region while enjoying a ride on a historic train. The museum railway operation was started in 1979 by the Friends of Rail Transport Flensburg, founded in 1973.

The Eisenbahnmuseum Kötzschau, situated in the Kötzschau railway station building, has been welcoming visitors since the spring of 2014. The museum is dedicated to the history of the Leipzig–Großkorbetha railway line, providing an in-depth look into the past of this significant transportation route.

The Berliner U-Bahn Museum (Berlin Underground Museum) is housed in the electromechanical Hebelstellwerk Olympia Stadion, which was in operation from 1931 to 1983. The adjecent rooms of the signal box are exhibition rooms with numerous exhibits. In addition to occasional photo exhibitions, four to s

Eisenbahnmuseum Bw Dresden-Altstadt is a railway museum in Dresden. It is located at The Bahnbetriebswerk Dresden-Altstadt, a former railway depot in Dresden. of which only a few parts of the original facility exists. The actual stock of the Dresden-Altstadt Railway Museum includes various steam loc

The Blankschmiede Neimke in Dassel is a unique museum that combines technology and agriculture. It houses a water-powered hammer forge, providing visitors with a glimpse into the past. This museum is a cultural monument and offers an interesting insight into the historical techniques of forging.

The Museumseisenbahn Küstenbahn Ostfriesland e. V. (MKO) is a society based in Norden, Germany. Its primary objective is to preserve and maintain the operational status of the historic coastal railway stretch between the former district town of Norden and the municipality of Dornum. This railway line once formed part of the continuous connection between Emden and Jever along the East Frisian North Sea coast.

The Trossingen Railway, also known as Trossinger Eisenbahn, is a DC-electrified branch line located in the German state of Baden-Württemberg. This railway has been connecting the town of Trossingen with Trossingen station since 1897. It is not part of the Deutsche Bahn network, but is owned by Stadtwerke Trossingen GmbH. The railway was formerly operated by this company, but since 2003, operations have been carried out by the Hohenzollerische Landesbahn (HzL).

The Technikmuseum Freudenberg, located in the Büschergrund district, is an exhibition that showcases a variety of machines and technical devices. This museum provides a comprehensive overview of the world of work and the history of technology.

Leeraner Miniaturland is a model railway exhibition that spans an area of 1,100 m². It is situated in the western part of the city of Leer, in the region of Ostfriesland, Germany. The exhibition also includes outdoor areas for visitors to explore.

The Rheinische Industriebahn-Museum (RIM) is a museum in Cologne. The museum preserves and exhibits industrial rail vehicles and researches and documents their history. The Rheinisches Industriebahn-Museum owns about 70 traction units of different gauge (600 mm and standard gauge) and traction type,

The Museum der Stadt Lennestadt is situated in the district of Grevenbrück. The building that houses the museum was originally constructed in 1910 and served as the “Royal Prussian Cadastre Office Förde” in the Olpe district. This historical building adds a unique charm to the museum, making it an interesting destination for tourists who appreciate architecture and history.

The City and Steam Engine Museum Werdau offers a unique insight into the city's history and local industrial heritage. It houses one of the largest collections of Fraureuther porcelain in Germany, making it a significant destination for those interested in ceramics and industrial history. The museum's exhibits include various displays and models that provide a comprehensive overview of Werdau's past.

The Straßenbahnmuseum is a transport museum that focuses on the history of trams. Visitors can expect to see a variety of exhibits, including rail vehicles and tram-related equipment. The museum also houses theme-related items such as network maps, tickets, timetables, and other historical documents. Additionally, uniforms and models are part of the collection, providing a comprehensive overview of tram history.

The Magdeburger Eisenbahnfreunde (MEBF) is a group of railway enthusiasts based in Magdeburg. Their main focus is on the preservation, restoration, and maintenance of historic railway vehicles. They are also committed to promoting interest in railway history. This includes the restoration of steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, railcars, and other historic vehicles. Their goal is to preserve these vehicles for future generations and occasionally make them available for special occasions such as museum trips, special trips, or events.

The Mitteldeutsches Eisenbahn- und Spielzeugmuseum is a specialized museum situated in the historic town of Quedlinburg, in the Harz district of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. This museum offers a unique experience for visitors interested in railways and toys, providing a glimpse into the past with its extensive collection.

The Ottiliae Shaft is recognized as part of the World Heritage Route of the UNESCO World Heritage in the Harz. This recognition underscores the historical and cultural significance of the site, making it a noteworthy destination for those interested in history and heritage.

The Wutach Valley Railway, popularly known as the Sauschwänzlebahn, is a unique railway line in Germany. It connects the town of Waldshut-Tiengen, located on the High Rhine Railway and the border of Baden-Württemberg and Switzerland, with Immendingen on the Black Forest Railway. The railway line is known for its twisting route, which has earned it the nickname 'pigtail line'.

The Bahnbetriebswerk Adorf, a railway depot, originated from the Adorf locomotive station. This was established after the construction of a six-stand heating house from 1877 to 1880. The depot is a testament to the town's rich railway history and offers a unique insight into the workings of a 19th-century railway facility.

The Maschinenhaus Löbau is a railway museum situated in the station of Löbau, Saxony. It is located on the site of the former railway depot, providing visitors with a unique insight into the history and development of the railway industry in the region. The museum is managed by the Ostsächsische Eisenbahnfreunde (OSEF), a group of East Saxon railway enthusiasts.

The Stadtmuseum Schwabach, situated in the O'Brien Park since 1994, is a museum committed to preserving the cultural heritage of the city of Schwabach and its immediate surroundings. The museum is housed in a building that was originally constructed in 1935 as the headquarters of the then Wehrmacht barracks. The building is almost entirely original and serves as a 'walk-in exhibit' as part of the city history department.

The Modellbundesbahn, also known as the Model Federal Railway, is a publicly accessible model railway layout located in Brakel. This fascinating exhibit was first opened to the public on October 14, 2005, and has since been a popular attraction for both locals and tourists alike.

The Eisenbahn-Museum Jünkerath offers a comprehensive display of exhibits that span over 140 years of railway history, with a particular emphasis on the Eifel region. Visitors can explore a wide range of items, from large raw iron pan wagons and a driving axle of the steam locomotive 44 1211 to small everyday railway objects such as lamps, tools, signals, telephones, Morse devices, service regulations, or train running boards.

The Stadtmuseum Damme has four main exhibition focuses. Visitors can explore exhibits on the "oldest plank road in the world", artifacts from the surrounding Neolithic and Bronze Age burial sites, and exhibits on the Dersaburg and the territorial dispute of the Prince-Bishops of Osnabrück and Münster in the city area from 1252–1802 or 1817. These exhibits provide a deep dive into the rich history and culture of the region.

The Verkehrshistorische Ausstellung Galerie is a private transport museum located in Lüdenscheid. It specializes in the history of public transport, with a particular emphasis on bus transport and small railways in the Märkischer Kreis area. This museum provides a unique opportunity to delve into the history of transportation in this region.

The Eisenbahnmuseum Schwarzwald, located in Schramberg, is a museum dedicated to model railways. It is an extension of the "Auto- und Uhrenwelt Schramberg", a museum that showcases automobiles and clocks. This unique combination provides a diverse experience for visitors, offering a glimpse into the world of transportation and timekeeping.

The Uns lütt Museum, also known as the Heimatmuseum Dargun, is located in the former guesthouse of a monastery in Dargun, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The address is Schloss 13 / Klosterdamm 6. This historical building, which dates back to the 14th century, has been repurposed to house a museum that showcases the local history and culture.

The Westfälisches Eisenbahnmuseum was located in the Hansaviertel district of Münster. The museum primarily focused on the theme of railway depots from the 1950s. This gives visitors a unique insight into the history and operations of these depots during this period.

The term 'Museumsbahnhof' refers to railway stations that serve as their own exhibit for historical railway operations. These stations are not just buildings, but also include track facilities that were once used for rail traffic or are still used for the operation of a museum railway. As a visitor, you can expect to see a functional building that is part of a railway museum, offering a unique insight into the history of railway operations.