500 mm Feldbahnprojekt
Volunteer-run 500 mm gauge museum narrow-gauge railway in the FEZ Wuhlheide: around 30 operating days a year, rides for a donation.
About the museum
The idea arose in fall 1990 in a model railway club of the Pionierpark, today's Freizeit- und Erholungszentrum (FEZ, leisure and recreation center) in the Wuhlheide. At first a draisine (handcar) line was planned, but as early as February 1991 the first locomotive arrived – a diesel engine from Mildenberg. By 1995 a line just over one kilometer long with three stops had been built and was approved for operation for the first time that same year. In 1996 the volunteers founded the nonprofit association 500 mm Feldbahnprojekt e. V.
In the following years the track was rebuilt with a heavier rail profile so that larger locomotives could run as well. Today the system comprises around two kilometers of track with more than 30 switches, of which about 1.5 kilometers is running line through the FEZ grounds, with stations such as Museum, Palast, and Eichgestell, where it connects to the Berliner Parkeisenbahn (park railway).
The collection is one of the largest of its gauge in Germany: at the beginning of 2024 it included 18 diesel or battery-powered locomotives and around 150 tipper cars and freight wagons from brickworks, mining, agriculture, and forestry, as well as track material, a brick collection, and a fuel pump from around 1910. The members restore the vehicles on a volunteer basis and finance operations through donations.
Highlights
- Around 2 km of narrow-gauge track with more than 30 switches in the FEZ Wuhlheide
- 18 narrow-gauge locomotives and about 150 tipper cars and freight wagons
- Rides for a donation on around 30 operating days a year
- Annual Feldbahnfest (narrow-gauge railway festival) with multi-train operation
- Connection to the Berliner Parkeisenbahn at Eichgestell station
- Founded
- 1996
- Operated by
- 500 mm Feldbahnprojekt e. V.
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Adults | free |
|---|
Rides are free; a donation is requested. On FEZ event days, admission may be charged for the FEZ grounds. Charter rides by arrangement (no prices published).
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Kids’ birthday parties
Charter rides for families, daycare groups and elementary school classes; children's birthdays by arrangement. On public operating days, a donation is requested in place of a fare.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Freizeit- und Erholungszentrum (Tram 27, 60, 67)
Tram 27 (from U5 Tierpark) or tram 60/67 (from S Schöneweide) to Freizeit- und Erholungszentrum; alternatively S3 to Wuhlheide and walk, or take the Parkeisenbahn to Eichgestell station.
By car
Parking available
FEZ parking lot, access signposted via the street An der Wuhlheide; free on weekdays, paid on weekends and event days.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | The line runs through the outdoor grounds of FEZ Berlin. Tours of the collection and charter rides (e.g. for birthdays, school classes, and daycare centers) by prior arrangement. |
|---|
Museums nearby
Industriesalon Schöneweide
Dokumentationszentrum NS-Zwangsarbeit
Museum Berlin-Karlshorst
Wassersportmuseum Grünau
Gründerzeitmuseum im Gutshaus Mahlsdorf
