The Bergische Museumsbahn was founded in response to the gradual closure of tram lines in the Bergisches Land region. After Wuppertal’s last metre-gauge tram line ceased operation in 1970, a group of enthusiasts formed the association Bergische Museumsbahnen e.V. to preserve the legacy of electric streetcars. Their goal was to restore and operate historic trams on a surviving stretch of track between Kohlfurth and Cronenberg, part of the former Line 5.

The chosen route through the Kaltenbachtal valley was originally built in 1914 by Barmer Bergbahn AG and served both passenger and freight traffic until the 1930s. It was decommissioned in 1969, but its secluded alignment—largely separated from road traffic—made it ideal for heritage operations. Volunteers began restoring vehicles and infrastructure, culminating in the museum’s official launch in 1992, inaugurated by then NRW Minister-President Johannes Rau.

Over the years, the museum amassed a collection of historic trams from cities like Wuppertal, Düsseldorf, Bochum, and Remscheid. These include Triebwagen 105 (built 1927) and Tram 94 (built 1928), both of which once ran on local lines. The museum also maintains departmental and maintenance vehicles, and offers rides through forested terrain with steep gradients and scenic stops, such as the historic Manuelskotten grinding workshop.

In July 2021, the museum suffered severe damage during a regional flood disaster. Rising waters from the Wupper River inundated the depot and carriage shed, leaving behind mud and mechanical damage. Restoration efforts took nearly four years, and the museum triumphantly resumed operations in April 2025, continuing its seasonal tram services from April to October.

Today, Bergische Museumsbahn stands as Germany’s smallest licensed tram operator, run entirely by volunteers. It offers nostalgic journeys through wooded hills, technical exhibits, and a glimpse into the region’s electric transport history. The museum remains a beloved destination for tram enthusiasts, families, and heritage tourists alike.

This historical summary was generated using AI and draws on publicly available sources including Wikipedia, bergisch-mal-drei.de, and the official BMB website.