Bayerisches Eisenbahnmuseum

About the museum

The association that runs the museum was formed in Munich in 1969 by a group of railway enthusiasts and was initially called Eisenbahnclub München. From 1981, it was already operating museum trains. In the fall of 1985, the association took over the partially dismantled Nördlingen locomotive depot and has since been called Bayerisches Eisenbahnmuseum.

The depot dates back to 1849, when a workshop for locomotives and cars was built along with the Ludwig-Süd-Nord-Bahn from Lindau to Hof. Two sections of the roundhouse and several workshop buildings still date from the 19th century; the facility was expanded until 1937 and received a 20-meter turntable. Partially rebuilt after heavy air raids in 1944/45, the depot lost importance with the end of the steam era, electrification, and the closure of branch lines, and in 1982 it was closed as an independent unit.

Since 1985, the volunteer members have been rebuilding the tracks, water cranes, and workshops step by step. The aim is not a polished indoor museum but a locomotive depot as lively as possible, like one from the 1950s. The collection comprises more than 220 steam, diesel, and electric locomotives, railcars, and cars, making it one of the largest private vehicle collections in Germany. Through its subsidiary BayernBahn, the association runs museum trains in the Ries, for example to Gunzenhausen and Harburg, as well as special trips throughout southern Germany.

Highlights

• More than 220 historic rail vehicles
• Roundhouse with a 20-meter turntable and water tower
• Operational steam locomotives, including the classes 01 and 52
• Steam train rides on the Seenland-Express to Gunzenhausen
• Model railway show and special event days such as the Rieser Dampftage (Ries Steam Days)

Permanent exhibitions

• Fahrzeugsammlung im Bahnbetriebswerk – In the roundhouse and on the outdoor grounds stand more than 220 steam, diesel, and electric locomotives, railcars, and cars, some operational and some under restoration.

Founded

1985

Operated by

Bayerisches Eisenbahnmuseum e.V.

Admission & discounts

Tickets only at the museum ticket desk. Different admission prices apply at special events. No discounts for retirees or people with reduced mobility on the train rides.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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

The historic cars of the museum trains are not accessible; train staff help with boarding and getting off – please mention wheelchairs and rollators when booking. No information is available on the museum grounds themselves.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Activity days for families such as the Rieser Teddy Bear Day. On the historic museum trains, only foldable strollers are allowed (specify when booking).

Getting there & parking

The museum recommends arriving by regional train or historic special train.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop; buffet car on the grounds, food and drink served at events (at the railway festival in the locomotive shed).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

For groups and events, the museum also opens outside regular hours, with a custom program of guided tours and catering; special trains and reserved compartments via the special services department (Sonderverkehre).

Plan your visit