The museum occupies a locomotive depot constructed in 1873.
The 15-meter turntable is original and remains fully operational.
The collection includes the Bavarian S 3/6, one of the most famous German steam locomotives.
The site features a rare collection of snowplows and cranes used for heavy-duty railway maintenance.
Several locomotives at the museum have been used as props in feature films and historical productions.
The museum regularly organizes 'steam train days' where visitors can witness live maintenance and steam-ups.
The site hosts an extensive archive of historical railway documents and technical drawings.
The Bavarian Railway Museum is housed in a former locomotive depot in Nördlingen that features an authentic 15-meter turntable and 15-stall roundhouse. It maintains a extensive collection of historic steam, diesel, and electric locomotives alongside varied passenger and freight carriages. The site serves as a functional maintenance base for historic trains that still operate on special excursion runs. Many of the displayed engines are preserved in operational condition rather than being static museum pieces. The facility provides access to original service pits and workshop infrastructure used for rolling stock restoration. It is one of Germany’s most significant private railway museums, focusing on preserving the technological history of the German railway network.
From the center of the turntable facing the roundhouse stalls.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes as you will be walking through an active workshop environment with metal flooring and gravel.
Check the museum's events calendar before visiting to see if a steam-powered excursion train is departing that day.
Bring a camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the interior of the roundhouse.
Do not attempt to climb onto locomotives or carriages unless explicitly permitted by staff or signage.
Closed on Mondays during the winter season; generally open daily from April to October.
Maintain caution near tracks and workshop pits; follow all safety signage regarding moving equipment.
