Steam Locomotive Festival
Bahnwelt Darmstadt-Kranichstein is organising its traditional steam locomotive festival on 20 and 21 September 2025. Similar to the Bahnwelttage in spring, visitors can expect an extensive programme of railway-related events with demonstrations, exhibitions and other attractions.
With the Steam Locomotive Festival, Bahnwelt is also taking part in the Germany-wide “Tag der Schiene”, on which various companies, associations and museums from the world of the railway present themselves. You can find more information on Rail Day at www.tag-der-schiene.de.
The programme at a glance
Information and guided tours on the upcoming new construction of the ICE stabling facility in the immediate vicinity of the museum site. We provide information on the construction project of DB-Fernverkehr, which will be built on the railway site of the marshalling yard in coordination with the monument protection authorities, using overview plans.
The mechanical training signal box demonstrates control and safety processes using two original mechanical signal boxes, simulating operation on a model railway. The model replica of Darmstadt’s former main railway station from 1846 is shown in operation on a large layout. In and around the historic roundhouse, forging work will be demonstrated and a historic wheelset lathe will be on show. The superstructure collection shows the technical development of the railway system and in the extensive uniform exhibition the work clothing and equipment of railway workers from the imperial era to the end of the German Federal Railways can be comprehensively traced.
As a special treat, you can test your strength with rail sawing!
The “Klein – Kranichsteiner – Kreisbahn” also offers children the opportunity to ride on its carriages behind real steam and electric locomotives. It is operated on a 12.5 cm gauge by the museum’s young railway workers. Finally, a large bouncy castle in the shape of a steam locomotive rounds off the children’s programme.
A souvenir stand offers antiquarian books, magazines and railway items (including lamps and signs).
There will be coffee, cakes and cold drinks for your physical well-being. A barbecue stand is set up in the engine shed and tables and benches invite you to take a break. Numerous station benches set up in the outdoor area invite you to watch and linger.
Opening hours
| Sat., 20/09/2025: | 10.00 – 18.00 |
| Sun., 21/09/2025: | 10.00 – 18.00 |
Admission fee
| Adults | € 10,00 |
| Children (4-14 y.) | € 5,00 |
| Families (2 ad. + max. 3 children) | € 25,00 |
Fares hist. Shuttle train to Darmstadt main station (one way)
| Adults | 4,00 € |
| Children (4-14 yrs.) | 2,00 € |
| Familien (2 ad. + max. 3 children) | 10,00 € |
Tickets can be purchased on the train for the one-way journey. If you are travelling by shuttle train from Darmstadt main station, you can also buy your admission ticket for the museum visit on the train.
Time table
| Railway museum from | 10:00 | 11:30 | 14:00 | 16:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darmstadt main station from | 10:45 | 12:00 | 14:45 | 16:45 |
