Waldeisenbahn Muskau

About the museum

The Waldeisenbahn Muskau began as an industrial railway of the Muskau estate, whose owner, Count Hermann von Arnim, developed the region economically from 1883 onward. In 1895 a first line, still horse-drawn, went into service, carrying lignite from a pit near Krauschwitz to a loading point. Steam locomotives from Munich were added the very next year, and the narrow-gauge network grew to more than 85 kilometers. Besides coal, it carried timber, clay, gravel and cellulose.

After World War II the railway lost much of its infrastructure to dismantling and was transferred to the Deutsche Reichsbahn in 1951. Its main customer was now a clay pit, and when that closed in 1969 the business dried up; operations officially ceased in March 1978.

As early as the mid-1980s, railway enthusiasts campaigned to save the line and organized the first special trips. After German reunification, the district decided in 1990 to rebuild the railway as a tourist attraction: trains ran to Kromlau again in 1992 and to Bad Muskau in 1995. Since 1993 the lines have been operated by Waldeisenbahn Muskau GmbH.

In 2001 a forest railway museum with locomotives and restored freight cars opened at the “Anlage Mitte” museum station in Weißwasser, followed by a maintenance center in 2008. The surviving facilities are protected as a heritage ensemble.

Highlights

• Narrow-gauge steam train rides from Weißwasser to Bad Muskau (Fürst-Pückler-Park) and Kromlau (Rhododendron Park)
• Special clay railway trips to the Schwerer Berg
• Forest railway museum “Anlage Mitte” with locomotives and restored freight cars
• Steam locomotive with a striking diamond-shaped smokestack
• Themed trips such as moonlight, Halloween and Santa Claus rides

Permanent exhibitions

• Waldbahnmuseum „Anlage Mitte“ – Engine shed and outdoor area with steam and diesel locomotives as well as restored freight cars that once carried coal, clay, gravel and cellulose, complemented by information on the region's industrial history.

Founded

1895

Operated by

Waldeisenbahn Muskau GmbH

Admission & discounts

2026 fares; the standard price listed is the one-way trip Weißwasser–Kromlau (Teufelsticket; €7–24 depending on the route). Tickets at Weißwasser-Teichstraße station, at other stations from the train conductor, or online; card payment accepted.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

A semi-open multipurpose car accommodates wheelchairs, rollators and strollers; boarding via a mobile ramp with a 20–27% gradient at all terminal stations. Groups with more than three wheelchair users should register in advance. Accessible restrooms at Teichstraße station and at the “Anlage Mitte” museum station. Recognized by Tourismus Marketing Gesellschaft Sachsen as a trendsetter for accessibility.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

Adventure playground and nursing and baby changing area at Weißwasser-Teichstraße station; children's menu at the "Zum Hemmschuh" restaurant. Moonlight rides and combined excursions by train and boat.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Coat check: not available

Terrace restaurant "Zum Hemmschuh" directly at the Weißwasser-Teichstraße platform (open on operating days). Souvenirs in the online shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Available for hire are a semi-open hunting car (16 seats) and two closed vintage cars with stove heating (17 seats each), €50 per car per operating day plus fares, on scheduled service or special trips; charter trains for groups are also available. Catering on request.

Plan your visit