Bahnwelt Darmstadt-Kranichstein

Description

Volunteers have been running the Darmstadt-Kranichstein Railway Museum under the umbrella organisation Bahnwelt Darmstadt-Kranichstein since 1970 and continue to expand it.
The museum's supporting association is recognised as a non-profit organisation and worthy of support. Over 200 original railway vehicles, including 40 traction units, are part of the museum's collection. In addition, there is a large number of interesting collections and exhibitions from the entire railway industry.

The museum is located in the railway depot of the former Darmstadt-Kranichstein marshalling yard. The locomotive exhibition is housed in the depot's original roundhouse, where the locomotives for special trips are also maintained. The collection of wagons is presented in the former "freight wagon fast repair shop", which still fulfils its purpose today as a wagon workshop for our fleet of operating wagons.

Vehicles from all eras of railway history are presented. Starting with a Württemberg T 3 from 1891, locomotives from the German Reichsbahn (V 36, class 41 and 44) and the German Federal Railways (class 01.10, class 23) through to comparatively "modern" electric locomotive series such as 141 or 103. The history of private and works railways is also highlighted with a few examples (184 DME, no. 13 "Olga", V12). There are also other special vehicles such as a KLIMA snow plough or a railway master's trolley.

During normal opening hours, you will mainly visit the locomotive collection on a 1-1.5 hour guided tour. You also have the opportunity to visit some of the exhibitions on various aspects of the railway (ticket, uniform and superstructure exhibitions) in the museum building. The carriage collection is only open during special events such as the Bahnwelttage in spring or the Steam Locomotive Festival in autumn.

There is still a lot to do! The railway museum aims to be able to show the vehicles in operation. Therefore, a great deal of effort is required to maintain them. Our active employees take care of the many tasks in their free time and would be delighted to show you round the museum on Sundays or welcome you to our other events.