Markersdorf-Taura
Museum railway with a rural station: an observation car train and draisines (rail trolleys) run through the Schweizerthal along the Chemnitz River.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Chemnitz Valley Railway from Wechselburg to Chemnitz was built after long pressure from the industrialists in the valley, and it was the most expensive secondary railway in Saxony. Construction costs came in about half again over budget, which even cost the Saxon finance minister his post. The line opened on June 30, 1902, eleven days after the death of King Albert, in the midst of state mourning.
Textile and machine factories were established along the line, including the typewriter factory of Gustav Friedrich Großer in Markersdorf. Later, businesses here also shipped laundry and dishwashing detergents. Toward the end of the war, the two tunnels were used to hide heavy railway guns from air raids. After 1990, many factories closed and traffic collapsed.
Today the Eisenbahnfreunde Chemnitztal (Chemnitz Valley railway enthusiasts) maintain the old rural station of Markersdorf-Taura, made up of six buildings: the station building, the commercial building, a water station, the freight office, a grain store and the engine shed. The signal box, telecommunications equipment and ticket office show the daily life of railway workers. The museum train runs through the Schweizerthal on the most scenic section of the line.
Highlights
- Rural station with six historic station buildings
- Rides in the observation car train through the Schweizerthal
- Draisines with hand or bicycle drive, by appointment
- Historic vehicles such as diesel locomotives V 22 and V 10
- Signal box, telecommunications equipment and ticket office
Permanent exhibition
- Eisenbahnmuseum Landbahnhof Markersdorf-Taura – The preserved rural station of the Royal Saxon State Railways, with authentically furnished rooms, a ticket office, a signal box and historic vehicles.
- Operated by
- Eisenbahnfreunde Chemnitztal e.V.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €1.50 |
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| Children & teens | €1 |
Fares are graded by distance: single ride for adults €1.50 to €3.00, for children €1.00 to €2.50 (fares as of January 1, 2024). Draisine rides and special trips on request.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
The museum train ride is meant for young and old alike. On some travel days there is a reading station for bookworms.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Draisine rides with hand or bicycle drive, as well as special trips, can be booked via the contact form or by phone. |
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