The Localbahnmuseum Bayerisch Eisenstein, located in the Bavarian Forest near the Czech border, is a railway museum dedicated to preserving the legacy of Bavaria’s local railways. It is housed in a historic locomotive shed originally built in 1877 by the Bayerische Ostbahn, a railway company that played a key role in regional transport development. The museum’s location is unique, as the station building itself straddles the German-Czech border, symbolizing the cross-border nature of railway history in the region[1].
The museum was established by the Bayerischer Localbahn Verein e.V., a railway preservation society, which began developing the site in 1981. After years of restoration and collection efforts, the museum officially opened to the public in 1994. The society also operates a workshop in Landshut and organizes special train journeys across Bavaria, further promoting railway heritage[2].
The museum’s collection includes over 20 original locomotives and wagons dating from 1876 to 1955. Among the highlights are steam locomotives such as the “Sepperl” (1902), “Anna” (1890), and “Osser” (1922), as well as early electric and diesel engines. These vehicles are displayed in their original condition, offering visitors a vivid glimpse into the evolution of railway technology and travel in Bavaria[1].
Beyond locomotives, the museum features a wide array of railway artifacts, including draisines, signal boxes, turntables, and water cranes. The outdoor area showcases infrastructure from the steam era, such as a 20-meter turntable and inspection pits. These elements help recreate the operational environment of historical local railways, making the museum an immersive experience for enthusiasts and families alike[3].
Today, the Localbahnmuseum Bayerisch Eisenstein continues to expand its exhibits and host special events, including guided tours and steam train rides to nearby towns like Zwiesel. It remains a vital institution for preserving and celebrating the cultural and technological heritage of Bavarian railways. The museum’s picturesque setting in the Bavarian Forest adds to its charm, attracting visitors from across Europe[4].
This historical overview was generated using AI and is based on publicly available sources.
