Imagine chugging along a narrow gauge railway. You are surrounded by the Deutsches Gruben- und Feldbahnmuseum. This unique museum tells the story of mining and industrial railways in Germany. It’s more than just a collection of old trains. It is a living testament to the region’s industrial past.
The Deutsches Gruben- und Feldbahnmuseum is located in Witten-Bommern. This is part of the Ruhr area. It sits on the grounds of the former Zeche Theresia coal mine. This mine closed in 1892. The museum’s origins go back to 1989. That’s when the first locomotives and wagons were displayed on the site. After 13 years of dedicated work the museum officially opened in 2002.
The museum isn’t just about pretty trains. It showcases the grit and innovation of miners and railway workers. It displays an impressive collection of around 90 locomotives and approximately 200 wagons. These include diesel electric and compressed-air locomotives. You’ll also find passenger and freight cars. Many of these vehicles came from the peat mining areas of Lower Saxony. Some are even English wagons. These were used to transport ammunition during World War I. The museum’s members cleverly converted these into passenger cars. They are still used on the museum’s track today.
The Deutsches Gruben- und Feldbahnmuseum is run by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Muttenthalbahn. This is a non-profit organization. Their goal is to preserve historically valuable railway vehicles. Their name Muttenthalbahn comes from the Muttentalbahn. This railway line was vital for local coal transport in the 19th century.
Unfortunately the museum suffered severe damage in July 2021. A landslide caused by heavy rainfall struck the locomotive shed. The damage was extensive. Locomotives and equipment were heavily damaged. Thanks to the efforts of numerous volunteers and supportive businesses the museum reopened in April 2022. However some damage still remains.
The museum offers visitors a unique experience. They can ride the museum railway line. This line runs from the Nachtigallstrasse car park through the museum. It even continues to the nearby LWL-Industriemuseum Zeche Nachtigall. For just 4 euros you can enjoy unlimited rides. A passenger train runs hourly.
The Deutsches Gruben- und Feldbahnmuseum is more than just a museum. It’s a journey through time. It showcases the history of mining and the industrial railways. It is a window into the heart of Germany’s industrial past. A visit is a truly enriching experience. Don’t miss it.