Danmarks Jernbanemuseum

About the museum

The museum's roots go back to the early 20th century: in 1904 the railwayman A. L. Ohmeyer began collecting pictures, books and smaller objects on railway history, and in 1915 he showed the first public exhibition at the Industriforeningen in København. From the 1918/19 fiscal year the railway museum received funds from the state railways' budget; there is therefore no exact founding year. From 1928 the collection was housed in the DSB headquarters in the Sølvgades Kaserne, and in the same year the first steam locomotive was added, the B 45 of 1869.

In 1975 the museum moved to Odense, into a roundhouse from 1954 that was no longer needed, directly north of the station. After modernization it reopened in 1988 with today's glass front and gradually took over the entire site. On its 21 tracks stand locomotives and carriages from Denmark's oldest surviving steam locomotive, the H 40 of 1868, to railcars and S-train sets; some vehicles are operational and run as museum trains across the country.

In 2018 the museum presented a working replica of Denmark's first locomotive, ODIN of 1846, on which volunteers had worked for 14 years. Since 2015 there has been a knowledge center with literature, archival materials and photos. The sponsor today is the foundation Fonden Danmarks Jernbanemuseum, whose operations are subsidized by DSB and Banedanmark.

Highlights

• 1954 roundhouse with 21 tracks, turntable and coal bunkers
• Denmark's oldest surviving steam locomotive (H 40 of 1868) and the largest Danish steam locomotive (E class)
• Working replica of Denmark's first locomotive, ODIN of 1846
• Royal saloon carriages and double-decker carriages of the Klampenborgbanen
• Miniature train, museum trains on its own line on selected days
• Playground with walk-in wooden steam locomotive and the children's station Børnebanegården

Permanent exhibitions

• 21 spor – Locomotives and carriages from 1847 to today on the 21 tracks of the roundhouse, many of them walk-through, plus turntable and outdoor grounds with their own platform.
• ODIN – Working replica of Denmark's first locomotive of 1846 as the centerpiece of the exhibition on the country's first railway line.
• Jernbanehistorie fra A-Z – Chronological overview of the railway history of the Danish multinational realm on the balcony, with 1:10 scale models and a 1974 Intercity compartment; parts are being renewed until about early 2027.

Founded

1975

Operated by

Fonden Danmarks Jernbanemuseum

Director

Jens Toftgaard

Admission & discounts

The miniature train and rides on the museum train on the museum's own line are included in admission. Re-entry on the same day with a valid ticket is possible. Free admission for refugees (with passport or proof) and for 18- to 27-year-olds with a K7 PLUS subscription. Members of the Museumsklubben have free admission for one year.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Certified by the association God Adgang. Step-free entrance, most of the hall is wheelchair-accessible; elevators at both ends lead to the balcony. Several accessible restrooms. Some vehicles are accessible via platforms with stairs or a wheelchair lift; wheelchairs cannot be taken onto the museum train. A loaner wheelchair is free (reservation at +45 66 13 66 30). Loaner folding stools and benches. Autism-friendly preparation via AutismGoTo. Accessible parking spaces at Odense Banegård Center opposite the entrance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties: not available

Children can climb into many carriages and driver's cabs, ride the miniature train (daily, included in admission), try out model railways and switch panels in Lokomotivmester Busse's workshop and play in the children's station Børnebanegården. Outside there is a large playground with a 15-meter-long wooden steam locomotive and a water tower with slides. For the youngest, there are tasks with the locomotive characters "Koblingerne". Strollers can go everywhere by elevator (not onto the museum train), loaner wagons, several baby changing areas and a nursing room. The museum no longer offers children's birthday parties.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Café on the balcony, run by 7-Eleven, open on weekends, public holidays and during holidays (usually 10:00–15:00); drinks otherwise at the ticket desk. Food you bring yourself is allowed indoors and outdoors, including picnics on the lawn by the miniature train. Lockable coat check lockers at the ticket desk. Museum shop with railway books, posters and toys, also accessible without admission. Dogs other than guide dogs not allowed; smoke-free indoors and outdoors.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit