The German Mining and Field Railway Museum, located in Witten - Bommern in the Ruhr area, is a technical museum that offers a unique insight into the history of mining and field railways. The museum is situated on the grounds of the Zeche Theresia mine, which closed in 1892, and is part of the Muttental mining trail. This location not only provides a historical context for the exhibits but also offers a scenic backdrop for visitors.
The German Mining and Field Railway Museum was opened in 2002 after a 13-year construction period. It is operated by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Muttenthalbahn, a non-profit organization founded in 1986. The organization is dedicated to preserving historically valuable rail vehicles from the mining and field railway sector. Their aim is to maintain these vehicles as part of a museum collection and, if possible, keep them operational for future generations to appreciate.
The German Mining and Field Railway Museum boasts a vehicle collection that consists of 92 locomotives and approximately 200 wagons. The collection includes diesel, electric and compressed air locomotives, passenger and mining cars, as well as numerous lorries from the field railway sector. The museum's collection is not limited to mine railways from the Ruhr area; a significant portion of the collection comes from the peat extraction areas in Lower Saxony. Visitors can also see English wagons that were used to transport ammunition to the Belgian front during the First World War.
The German Mining and Field Railway Museum operates a railway line specially designed for visitors. This line runs from the Nachtigallstraße car park, through the Mining and Field Railway Museum, and onto the grounds of the nearby LWL Industrial Museum Zeche Nachtigall. On operating days, visitors can shuttle between the three stops with a passenger train that runs every hour. For a fee of 4.00 €, visitors can purchase a day ticket that entitles them to unlimited rides.
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Gruben- und Feldbahnmuseum has 1 rating.
The Gruben- und Feldbahnmuseum in Witten, Germany, offers an engaging experience for railway enthusiasts and history buffs alike. This museum showcases a collection of narrow-gauge mining and field railways, providing visitors with insights into the industrial heritage of the region.
Visitors appreciate the well-preserved locomotives and wagons on display, many of which are still in working condition. The outdoor exhibition area allows guests to see these historic vehicles up close and even ride on some of them during special events. This hands-on approach is particularly popular among families with children.
The museum's volunteers are often praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm, offering informative tours and explanations about the exhibits. Their passion for the subject matter enhances the overall experience for visitors.
However, some reviewers note that the museum might be relatively small compared to other railway museums, and the focus on narrow-gauge railways might be too specific for casual visitors. Additionally, as an outdoor museum, the experience can be weather-dependent, which some visitors find less enjoyable during inclement weather.
The museum's opening hours are limited, typically operating on weekends and holidays, which can be inconvenient for some travelers. Some visitors also mention that more detailed information in English would be helpful for international tourists.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Gruben- und Feldbahnmuseum is generally regarded as a worthwhile attraction for those interested in industrial history and railways. Its unique focus on narrow-gauge mining and field railways sets it apart from other museums in the area.
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.
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