Can you hear the echoes of a bygone era? This is the Eisenbahnmuseum Schwechat. It is a place where iron horses come to life.
The Eisenbahnmuseum Schwechat stands on historical ground. This was once the main base of the legendary “Pressburger Bahn”. The Pressburger Bahn connected Vienna and Pressburg which is now Bratislava. It started in 1914.
In Vienna, it ran like a tram with DC current. From Schwechat to Pressburg’s edge, it acted as a mainline railway. It used AC current with 15,000 volts and 16⅔ Hz which is still common. In Pressburg, DC current locomotives took over again. Back then, this railway was a pioneer in electric long-distance travel.
Vehicles from the Pressburger Bahn are a key part of our collection at Eisenbahnmuseum Schwechat. Key exhibits include a two-axle city locomotive, a mainline locomotive and three four-axle passenger cars. The electric multiple units 4030.210 were also used on this route. This happened after the change to rapid transit.
The Eisenbahnmuseum Schwechat focuses on local passenger cars. A unique set of two-axle cars with flat roofs is over 100 years old on average. Many of these cars can be entered and admired inside.
Diesel vehicles are another highlight at the Eisenbahnmuseum Schwechat. The four-axle diesel railcar 5041.03 is special. It was built in 1933. It is the last of its kind built in large numbers. Our collection also includes diesel locomotives. Most are from industrial and works railways. Austria’s main railway uses AC. However, many local and industrial lines used DC. We have some of these at Eisenbahnmuseum Schwechat. This includes the city locomotive of the Pressburger Bahn, the Eg2.
The Eisenbahnmuseum Schwechat also has industrial and works railway vehicles. These have a gauge of 600 mm. There are diesel locomotives, a battery locomotive and the fireless locomotive from Schwertberg Kaolin Works.
Besides maintaining vehicles, we are creating a typical railway setting at Eisenbahnmuseum Schwechat. The industrial age deeply impacted the world. Railways opened up continents. Our history involves more than just vehicles.
The VEF operates the Eisenbahnmuseum Schwechat. In the mid-1980s, the ÖBB gave us the former Pressburger Bahn area. This is in the Groß Schwechat station. It included vehicle and workshop halls. Some are historically protected. Much of the money from our tram rides goes into maintaining these old buildings and facilities.
Climb aboard for a trip into the past at Eisenbahnmuseum Schwechat. Enjoy the industrial flair. Discover the transport that shaped the world.