The term “railway” refers first of all to an “iron road”, i.e. the fixed installation that first gives locomotives and wagons their path. This “iron road” is referred to by railwaymen as the “superstructure” and includes rails, sleepers and gravel. The railway embankment is then consequently referred to as the “substructure”. The fact that the superstructure, with 21 – 25% of the railways’ fixed assets, outweighs the rolling stock – 20% at most – is in stark contrast to its shadowy existence in the public perception. This is why our museum also presents the historical development of the superstructure, its components and the associated working environment.
On about 60 square metres, a tour leads through the most diverse aspects of the subject and explains, largely on the basis of original parts, dead ends and successful superstructure designs. To ensure that the material is not too boring, there is the opportunity to try out one or two things for yourself and then rest a while on a “Royal Bavarian Sleeper Stone” from 1856.
Hop on the steam train, hauled by 23 042, at Darmstadt or Bensheim, and experience the German Grape Harvest Festival with Palatinate wine, local specialities and live music. Alternatively, railway enthusiasts can take the iconic ‘Kuckucksbähnel’ and the ‘Sissi’ steam locomotive through the idyllic Elmstein Valley – a special outing for connoisseurs and lovers of railway nostalgia!
On 7 and 8 November 2026, take a historic steam train from Darmstadt Central Station to the Dieburg St Martin’s Market!
The St Martin’s Market awaits you with the season’s first mulled wine and a wide range of other culinary and craft delights. The special train runs three times a day, there and back.
On the 3rd Sunday of Advent, 13 December 2026: Special steam train journey to the Heidelberg Christmas markets!
From Darmstadt or Bensheim, we’ll take you to the enchanting Christmas markets in the various squares along the Hauptstraße, with views of the illuminated Heidelberg Castle.
Mit unserem Jubiläumskalender feiern wir 50 Jahre Eisenbahnmuseum Darmstadt-Kranichstein – eines der bedeutendsten Eisenbahnmuseen Deutschlands. Die zwölf eindrucksvollen Motive zeigen dabei verschiedene Exponate im Kontext unvergesslicher historischer Meilensteine aus fünf Jahrzehnten gelebter Eisenbahnkultur.
For better reading, the masculine form is used for personal names and personal nouns on this website. Corresponding terms apply in principle to all genders for the purpose of equal treatment. The abbreviated form of language is for editorial reasons only and does not imply any valuation.
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