Bahnbetriebswerk Arnstadt
Railway museum in the historic Arnstadt locomotive depot with a roundhouse, a 23 m turntable and numerous steam and diesel locomotives.
About the museum
Shortly after the railway line from Erfurt to Arnstadt opened in 1867, a small locomotive depot was built here in 1868. As traffic toward the Thuringian Forest grew, it was enlarged several times: in the 1890s a roundhouse with a turntable was added, which grew to 22 stalls by World War I. In 1936 the depot received the turntable with a 23-meter bridge that is still in place today.
A special chapter in the history of technology is the pulverized-coal locomotives of class 44, which were based in Arnstadt between 1955 and 1973. A dedicated grinding and bunker plant was built in 1961 to supply them. Regular steam operations in Arnstadt ended in 1976.
From 1992 onward, museum steam locomotives of the former Reichsbahn directorate in Erfurt were gathered at the depot. In 1994 railway workers founded a friends' association that turned the facility into a railway museum; since 1996 only museum vehicles have been stationed here. Today the volunteer-run association displays steam, diesel and electric locomotives, railcars and coaches, as well as the workshops and facilities of the former depot.
Highlights
- Roundhouse with a 23 m turntable from 1936
- Steam locomotives such as 01 1531, 41 1144 and 44 1093
- Diesel locomotives from the V 22 to the V 300, plus the VT 2.09 railcar
- History of the pulverized-coal locomotives (1955–1973)
- Railway festivals, children's festival and railway Christmas
Permanent exhibitions
- Fahrzeugsammlung und historisches Betriebswerk – A tour of the roundhouse, workshops and outdoor grounds with steam, diesel and electric locomotives, railcars and coaches from the Reichsbahn era.
- Founded
- 1994
- Operated by
- Förderverein Bahnbetriebswerk Arnstadt/hist. e.V.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €9 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €7 |
| Children & teens | €4Children aged 6 to 14: €4; the price list gives no rate for younger children. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €8 per personGroups also outside opening hours with advance reservation. |
| Families | €222 adults and 2 children; each additional child €3. |
| Guided tour flat fee (by arrangement, 5 or more people) | €30plus admission |
Different prices may apply during special events.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Family ticket | €22 · 2 adults and 2 children; each additional child €3. |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
Annual children's festival on the museum grounds with activity stands for children; family ticket for two adults and two children.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Amenities & dining
The grounds can be requested for events and photo shoots.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
According to the website, available as a venue for events and photo shoots; inquire with the association.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours by arrangement (5 or more people, flat fee €30). In winter, IGE Werrabahn Eisenach runs “Rodelblitz” special trips departing from the depot (book with the operator). The museum is run by volunteers. |
