Train Thur Doller Alsace
Heritage steam railway between Cernay and Sentheim, run by volunteers over about twelve kilometres.
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About the museum
The association that runs the train was founded in 1971 under the name Chemin de fer touristique de la vallée de la Doller and took its current name in 2006. The Cernay–Sentheim line, opened in 1869, lost its passenger service in 1967 and was officially closed in 1973. In 1976, volunteers restored services between Cernay and Sentheim, making it one of the first tourist railways of this type in France.
Today, the route crosses the countryside for about twelve kilometres, with stops at Aspach, Burnhaupt and Guewenheim. The depot and restoration workshop are at Burnhaupt-le-Haut station, where visitors can see the workshop during the train’s stop.
The fleet includes several steam locomotives, two of which are listed as Monuments historiques, as well as diesel railcars and historic carriages. The volunteer-run association also offers themed trains, such as the Train des Étoiles, the Halloween train and the Christmas train.
Highlights
- 12 km steam ride through the Thur and Doller valleys
- Historic locomotives, two of them listed as Monuments historiques
- Visit to the restoration workshop during the stop at Burnhaupt
- Themed trains: Halloween, Christmas, Train des Étoiles
- Founded
- 1971
- Operated by
- Association Train Thur Doller Alsace (bénévoles)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €13 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €11Holders of CE+, CEZAM, Accès culture, student card, Passtime, Découvrir en Famille, Passeport Gourmand, people with disabilities, job seekers and residents of the municipalities along the line, on presentation of proof. |
| Children & teens | €11free up to age 2 · Return fare for children aged 4 to 13; a ticket is required for all children. |
| Families | €40Return for 2 adults and 2 or 3 children. |
| Adult (from age 14), single journey | €11 |
| Child (aged 4–13), single journey | €9 |
| Reduced adult fare, return | €11 |
| Reduced child fare (from age 4), return | €9 |
| Family, single journey | €322 adults and 2 or 3 children. |
| Station-to-station journey | €3Sold on the train only, per section between two stations. |
Fares for the full Cernay–Sentheim route (return: adult €13). Free for children under 3, with ticket. Special trains (Doller Western, Train des Étoiles, Halloween, Christmas) are sold online only. Payment by bank card, cash, cheque and holiday vouchers.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
“Open to all” carriage with easier access (semi-open compartment for about 5 wheelchairs, closed compartment for about 7 seats) and a powered ramp. Arrive 20 minutes before departure and notify by email when booking. Toilets are located in the stations (not on the train); those in Sentheim are accessible.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 2 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €40 · Return for 2 adults and 2 or 3 children. |
- Family tours & workshops
Family fare and themed trains (Halloween, Christmas, Train des Étoiles). Pushchairs are accepted in some carriages, but not recommended on some fully booked themed trains.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Cernay gare · 2 km
Mulhouse tram-train towards Thann to the “Cernay gare” stop, then about 2 km on foot to Cernay St André station (separate from the SNCF station).
By car
Parking available
The car park opposite the platform has disappeared due to cycle path works. On Sundays, park at the car park of the Jardinerie des 2 Vallées, open to train passengers; on the garden centre’s opening days (for example Wednesdays), park along the large building to the right of the garden centre.
Cernay St André station: Route d’Aspach (D34), opposite the Jardineries de la Thur and the Institut Saint-André; from Mulhouse, Colmar or Belfort, follow signs for Thann (RN66) and then the D34 towards Aspach-le-Haut. Sentheim: 24 rue de la Gare, first left at the junction at the entrance to the village.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Snack bar and souvenir stand in the former goods hall at Sentheim; picnic tables around the station; a food truck is present on trips in 2026 (not guaranteed at Sentheim during the lunch break).
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
- Weddings / ceremonies
Up to 250 guests.
Private hire of a steam train or a railcar (May to October) for birthdays, wedding receptions, company events or group trips. The Sentheim hall can be hired together with a privately chartered train (120 seats). No catering provided.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Cernay to Sentheim: about 1 h 30 min; return: about 1 h; a round trip takes 3 to 4 hours depending on the timetable. No toilets on the train. Dogs are welcome on a lead. Bicycles and trailers are carried in a dedicated wagon (groups: request by email). School trips on request. |
