ArsTecnica
Digitally controlled H0 model railway exhibition with over 100 trains at the Ardenner Cultur Boulevard in Losheim, right on the Belgian border.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The exhibition opened in March 1997 under the name Euro Tecnica in the former customs office of Losheim, right on the German-Belgian border. At the time the layout was considered the largest fully digitally controlled model railway in Europe. Today, as ArsTECNICA, it is part of the Ardenner Cultur Boulevard, which combines exhibitions on nativity scenes, dolls and minerals with shops and gastronomy at a former smugglers' spot.
At its heart is the H0 layout, which has been extended several times since the opening: on around two kilometres of track, more than 100 trains run through Eifel landscapes and fantasy worlds, complemented by further layouts and dioramas. A day-and-night cycle makes the scenery look new in the dark, with black light and fluorescent paint.
Since 2007 the OSTRA collection of the collector Otto Straznicky has also been on show, with manufacturer's plates from locomotives as well as rare tin toys and model railways by Märklin and Bing, among others, from the period between 1870 and 1970. The model railway is now shown together with the OldHISTORIES exhibition; a specialist model-making shop is part of the complex.
Highlights
- Around 2 km of track with over 100 digitally controlled trains in H0
- Day-and-night cycle with black-light effects
- OSTRA collection with manufacturer's plates and historic toys (1870–1970)
- Model railway specialist shop on site
Permanent exhibitions
- H0-Modellbahnanlage – Large digitally controlled layout with over 100 trains, Eifel scenery, an airport and a day-and-night cycle, complemented by further themed layouts.
- OSTRA-Sammlung – Locomotive manufacturer's plates and rare railway toys, including by Märklin and Bing, from the years 1870 to 1970.
- Founded
- 1997
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €4free up to age 5 · Children aged 6 to 12: €4; under 6 free (children's groups: price on request). |
| Groups (20+ people) | €7 per personPrice per person for 20 or more people; no further discounts. |
| Families | €202 adults and up to 4 children. |
The admission ticket is valid for ArsTECNICA and the OldHISTORIES exhibition.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
Located directly on the German-Belgian border on the B265/B421; satnav: Prümer Straße 55, 53940 Hellenthal-Losheim.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Model railway and model-making specialist shop in the exhibition; the Ardenner Cultur Boulevard also has the café-bistro “OldSMUGGLER”, a snack bar and the border market.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
