Mansfelder Bergwerksbahn
Heritage railway in the Mansfelder Land: rides on 11 km of preserved track of Germany's oldest operational narrow-gauge railway.
About the museum
On November 15, 1880, the Mansfelder Bergwerksbahn began operating on 750-millimeter gauge, initially on a section of about five kilometers between the Kupferkammerhütte smelter near Hettstedt and the Glückhilf shafts near Welfesholz. Over the following decades the network grew to a total of about 95 kilometers, and for some 110 years it was the most important means of transport for the Mansfeld mining and smelting operations. It carried copper shale, coal, coke, pit timber, slag stones, and building materials – and, until 1969, the miners as well.
With the end of copper shale mining, the railway faced closure. On November 16, 1991, the association Mansfelder Bergwerksbahn e. V. was founded to keep a section of the line in operation. Today it runs on about eleven kilometers between Benndorf at Klostermansfeld station and Hettstedt-Kupferkammerhütte through the slag-heap landscape of the former mining district; the line is considered Germany's oldest narrow-gauge railway still in operation.
The volunteer-run association uses historic passenger cars and locomotives and, in addition to regular trains, offers themed rides, special trains, cab rides, and courses for amateur engine drivers. At Benndorf station, the historic waiting room has been restored, and in the engine shed at Hettstedt-Kupferkammerhütte an interim exhibition shows the railway's role in copper smelting.
Highlights
- Germany's oldest operational narrow-gauge railway (since 1880, 750 mm gauge)
- About 11 km ride through the slag-heap landscape of the Mansfeld mining district
- Historic passenger cars, at times pulled by a steam locomotive
- Cab rides and courses for amateur engine drivers
- Themed rides such as Walpurgis Night, Oktoberfest, and St. Nicholas trips
- Founded
- 1991
- Operated by
- Mansfelder Bergwerksbahn e. V.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €4Children's fare for ages 7 to 14 (one-way €4, round trip €8); policy for younger children not specified. |
| Families | €302 adults and 2 children, round trip; not valid on special, Easter, and St. Nicholas rides |
| Round trip, adults | €16Children (ages 7–14) €8 |
| Dog | €4Please register using the form on the website |
| Cab ride Benndorf–Hettstedt and back | €160On request on operating days; no seating on the locomotive |
Regular price = one-way ticket (€8); round trip €16. Tickets at the Benndorf station building or from the conductor on the train. Themed rides, amateur engine driver programs, and special trains have their own prices.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 1.583 hrs |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €30 · 2 adults and 2 children, round trip; not valid on special, Easter, and St. Nicholas rides |
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Departure in Benndorf, Hauptstraße 15, at Klostermansfeld station.
By car
Parking available
Parking at the departure station in Benndorf (Hauptstraße 15, Klostermansfeld station).
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
- Weddings / ceremonies
Up to 60 guests.
Restored, heated historic waiting room at Benndorf station for parties, weddings, meetings, and receptions (up to approx. 60 seats, kitchen and restrooms). Special trains with a custom timetable and catering also available on request.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The round trip takes about 1.5 hours. On "Infozüge" (info trains), a guide explains the history, technology, and surroundings at several stops. When steam locomotives are running, soot and flying sparks may occur. Special trains can be booked for companies, clubs, daycare centers, and schools. |
