Historische Mittel-Thurgau-Bahn
Museum railway with historic vehicles of the Mittel-Thurgau-Bahn: public steam and special trips from Romanshorn, depot at the Locorama.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Mittel-Thurgau-Bahn was a private railway based in Weinfelden and was liquidated in 2003. When its rolling stock was put up for sale at the end of 2002, four people founded the Verein Historische Mittel-Thurgau-Bahn on January 14, 2003, in order to preserve the vehicles. A fundraising drive among the Thurgau population raised the necessary sum within a few weeks; in 2003 the steam locomotive Ec 3/5 No. 3 and the whole “Mostindien-Express” came into the association’s possession.
Today the association owns, among other things, the steam locomotive “Choli” built in 1912, the railcar ABDe 4/4 No. 12 “Weinfelden” with control car (“Thurgauer Zug”), the diesel locomotive “Ernst Stadler” and several historic carriages. The vehicles are housed in the home depot, the former SBB engine shed on the Locorama site in Romanshorn; volunteers carry out minor maintenance work in the association’s own workshop. The rolling stock inside can only be seen as part of a guided tour of the Locorama. The association’s registered office remains in Weinfelden.
The public trips are at the heart of the association’s activities: during the summer half-year, the steam train “Mostindien-Express” departs from Romanshorn on the last Sunday of each month, in the morning on the Seelinie line to Ermatingen or along the Thurtal to Märwil, in the afternoon to Rorschach, and with a through carriage to Heiden. There are also special trips such as the Advent trip to Einsiedeln, as well as charter trips for groups.
Highlights
- “Mostindien-Express” steam train with the steam locomotive Ec 3/5 No. 3, built in 1912
- “Thurgauer Zug”: electric shuttle train of the former Mittel-Thurgau-Bahn
- Public trips to Ermatingen, Märwil, Rorschach and Heiden
- Home depot and workshop in the former engine shed on the Locorama site
- Charter trips and meals on board to order
Permanent exhibition
- Historischer Fahrzeugpark der Mittel-Thurgau-Bahn – Steam locomotive “Choli” (1912), railcar and control car of the “Thurgauer Zug”, diesel and electric locomotives, and historic passenger and special carriages; on view in the depot on the Locorama site.
- Founded
- 2003
- Operated by
- Verein Historische Mittel-Thurgau-Bahn
Admission & discounts
| Adults | CHF 30 |
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| Children & teens | freefree up to age 5 · Children up to age 6 travel free. |
| Romanshorn – Rorschach, return | CHF 30Adults, 2026 fare |
| Romanshorn – Ermatingen, return | CHF 45Adults, 2026 fare |
| Romanshorn – Märwil, return | CHF 50Adults, 2026 fare |
| Romanshorn – Heiden on the direct through carriage, return | CHF 55Adults, 2026 fare |
| Bicycle carriage | CHF 5if possible |
Prices are per adult for the 2026 trips; the lowest fare (Rorschach return) is given as the base price. Strollers and dogs travel free. Only the association’s special tickets are valid, available on the train or shortly before departure; general passes (GA), half-fare cards (Halbtax), day passes and similar are not valid. Vouchers with values of CHF 10, CHF 20, CHF 50 and CHF 100 can be redeemed on all public trips.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
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Family-friendly fares: children up to age 6 travel free, and strollers are carried free of charge.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Romanshorn
The trips start at Romanshorn station (Thurbo lines S1, S7, S10 and RE1). The depot at Egnacherweg 1 is about a 20-minute walk from the Schiffslände Romanshorn Hafen.
Home depot in the former SBB engine shed on the Locorama site, Egnacherweg 1.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The train serves drinks, coffee, tea and homemade cake; for groups of four adults or more, Zmorge (breakfast), brunch, aperitif or Zvieri platters are available on request. Lunch is available by advance reservation in the historic Rottenwagen (track maintenance car) in the depot.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Booking is recommended for individual travelers and required for groups (reisedienst@mthb.ch or contact form). On steam trips a diesel or electric locomotive may be used at short notice, and individual trips may be cancelled if too few passengers book. Vehicles in the Locorama can only be viewed from inside on a Locorama guided tour. Charter trips with steam or electric traction can be booked; the standard formation of the Mostindien-Express holds 40 to 50 passengers. |
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