Dampfbahn-Verein Zürcher Oberland
The DVZO heritage railway runs historic steam and electric trains from the early Swiss railway era between Bauma and Hinwil.
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About the museum
The Dampfbahn-Verein Zürcher Oberland grew out of a teenager's enthusiasm about the end of steam operations in Switzerland. In the late 1960s he looked for a surplus steam locomotive for his home region and found support from a locally known composer. On 25 January 1969, a small group of railway enthusiasts founded the association at the Freihof in Hinwil.
After several years of preparation and with the backing of the SBB regional directorate, the DVZO began operating between Bauma and Bäretswil in 1978; the section to Hinwil followed a year later. With twelve operating Sundays a year, a regular timetable was established, and the income allowed the association to acquire further historic rolling stock. After the railway reform, the DVZO operated as an independent railway company from 2000 and for a time even owned the Bauma–Bäretswil line itself. It later gave up the infrastructure and the transport company again, but has since regained its status as a railway undertaking.
The collection focuses on vehicles from the first hundred years of Swiss railway history with a close Swiss connection: steam, electric and diesel locomotives, wooden carriages of the 19th century, luggage and mail cars, freight wagons and two buffet cars. The association is based at Bauma station with its historic station hall, from which the steam trains depart. Operations are carried by about 200 active members who work on a voluntary basis.
Highlights
- Steam trains between Bauma and Hinwil departing from the historic station hall in Bauma
- Six steam locomotives (five of them operational) as well as electric and diesel locomotives
- Wooden carriages of the 19th century and carriages of the Amor Express
- Buffet car with regional products
- Vintage postal bus as a connection from Bauma
Permanent exhibition
- Historischer Fahrzeugpark – The association's collection includes steam, electric and diesel locomotives as well as passenger, luggage, mail and freight cars from the first hundred years of Swiss railways, including the carriages of the Amor Express.
- Founded
- 1969
- Operated by
- Dampfbahn-Verein Zürcher Oberland (DVZO), Verein mit Sitz in Bauma
Admission & discounts
| Adults | CHF 5 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 15 · Children under 16 travel free when accompanied by adults; one adult may take at most four children. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –The IV companion card is accepted. |
| Groups (10+ people) | –School classes pay a flat rate of CHF 200 regardless of the route. Groups of 10 or more can reserve seats from two stations onwards (by Thursday 12 noon before the journey). |
| Bauma–Hinwil route, one way | CHF 20Return CHF 40 |
| Day pass bus & train | CHF 50Unlimited rides on one calendar day on steam/electric trains and the vintage postal bus |
| School class (flat rate) | CHF 200Regardless of the route travelled |
Prices apply to young people aged 16 and over and adults and depend on the route: CHF 5 one way for the shortest section (return CHF 10), up to CHF 20 one way or CHF 40 return for Bauma–Hinwil. Historic cardboard tickets are available in the Bauma station hall and on the platform in Hinwil (cash, card or Twint). GA, Half-Fare, SwissPass and zone passes are not valid. Dogs and bicycles travel free of charge.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- 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
The historic carriages have 25 cm high entry steps with handrails. Wheelchair users can board and alight at Bauma or Hinwil after registering by Thursday 12 noon before the journey (reisedienst@dvzo.ch) and travel in the luggage car. Guide dogs travel free of charge. Free toilets are available at Bauma and Bäretswil stations, not on the train.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 15 |
|---|
- Stroller-friendly
- Kids’ birthday parties
Children under 16 travel free when accompanied by adults. Pushchairs are carried in the luggage car; small children should sit with you in your seat. Children's birthday parties are possible on request.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bauma
To Bauma on the S26 from Winterthur or Rüti ZH, by bus from Wetzikon (line 850) or Pfäffikon ZH (line 835); to Hinwil on the S14 from Zurich.
By car
Paid parking
Paid parking at Bauma and Hinwil stations (payment only via the SBB P+R app, day tickets at the ticket machine); free parking in Bäretswil opposite the station.
The steam trains depart from the historic station hall in Bauma, the electric trains from platform 1; in Hinwil usually from platform 3.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The buffet cars (only on selected trains) offer regional products for an aperitif or afternoon snack; seat reservation is possible until Thursday 12 noon before the journey. You may bring your own food, except in the buffet car.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
Up to 300 guests.
Outside the public rides, museum trains can be hired for up to 300 people.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The journey from Bauma to Hinwil takes 40 minutes, the round trip just under two hours; how long you stay is up to you (boarding and alighting at intermediate stations is possible, but not changing carriages during the journey). On request, groups can have guided tours of the depot, workshop and roundhouse as well as courses (e.g. stoker/locomotive driver course, fire-lighting workshop). |
