Nassauische Touristik-Bahn
Heritage railway association on the listed Aartalbahn in Wiesbaden, running special steam trains from Dotzheim station – currently only occasional special trips.
About the museum
The association was founded in the summer of 1986 to establish a tourist heritage railway on the Aartalbahn between Wiesbaden and the Taunus hills. The line, which once connected the spa towns of the Aar valley, has been a protected historic monument since 1987. For many years the association's trains ran on Sundays and public holidays from Easter to early October between Wiesbaden-Dotzheim and Hohenstein, recreating 1950s railway operations with matching steam locomotives and cars.
Twice, trucks damaged a bridge within the city: after a first interruption in 2007/2008, an accident at the Flachstraße bridge in November 2009 halted service from Dotzheim for around 15 years. In 2014 the subsidiary Aartalbahn Infrastruktur gGmbH took over operation and maintenance of the Hessian section of the line.
On November 3, 2024, a train ran again for the first time, on a short section from Wiesbaden Ost to the Henkell sparkling wine cellars. For the association's 40th anniversary in September 2026, a passenger train once again reached Dotzheim station, and in 2026 the Nikolaus-Express (St. Nicholas Express) departs from there for the first time in many years. The rolling stock includes steam locomotives 50 3576 and Tkp 4408 as well as several diesel locomotives; two of the association's own passenger cars are to be restored to working order with donations. A workshop for carpentry and a future museum are being set up in the restored historic summer station in Dotzheim.
Highlights
- Special steam trains on the listed Aartalbahn
- Nikolaus-Express on December 5 and 6, 2026, from Wiesbaden-Dotzheim to Frankfurt-Höchst
- Steam locomotive 50 3576
- Historic Dotzheim station with signal box and summer station
- Station festivals and special event days, such as Germany's Heritage Day (Tag des offenen Denkmals)
- Founded
- 1986
- Operated by
- Nassauische Touristik-Bahn e. V.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €35 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €14free up to age 3 · Nikolaus-Express: children aged 4 to 14 €14 (2nd class) or €19 (1st class); children under 4 ride free without their own seat. |
| Nikolaus-Express 1st class (adults) | €40Children aged 4–14 €19. |
Prices apply to the 2026 Nikolaus-Express (2nd class, adults €35). Tickets are sold exclusively online via Reservix. Prices for other special trips are announced separately.
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
Historic cars; on the Nikolaus-Express, strollers must travel in the baggage car. No information on taking wheelchairs on board.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Stroller-friendly: not available
On the Nikolaus-Express, Saint Nicholas hands out small gifts to the children on the train; children under 4 ride free as lap children. Strollers must travel in the baggage car and are not allowed in the passenger compartment.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bahnhof Dotzheim
City bus 23, 24 or 27 to Bahnhof Dotzheim, then turn onto Moritz-Hilf-Straße; the station grounds are on the left.
By car
Parking available
Parking on the surrounding streets; the spaces at the goods shed are reserved for association members.
Amenities & dining
On the Nikolaus-Express, food and drinks are served at the station and on the train; the historic cars are heated.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | The association also offers educational leave courses (Bildungsurlaub) and opportunities for volunteers to get involved. |
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