Welcome to Nuremberg, a city rich in history and culture. While many visitors flock to the medieval castle and picturesque Old Town, there’s a different kind of journey waiting for you just a short trip away. The Nuremberg Transport Museum (Verkehrsmuseum Nürnberg) is a must-see for anyone with an interest in technology, history, or simply a love of travel.
As one of the oldest technical history museums in Europe, this landmark institution offers a fascinating deep dive into Germany’s railway and communication history.
I was in Nuremberg for a few days in the summer of 2025. My main reason to do so was to see Anna Lapwood, the organist of the famous Royal Albert Hall in London, play the organ at Saint Sebald Church for the ION music festival. But, since I was there, I decided to spend my time exploring the city.
During these days in town, I was surprised to see so many interesting things to do and places to go. One of the places that caught my attention was the Nuremberg Transport Museum since I have a big thing for trains.
The museum complex is an impressive space that houses two main collections: the DB Museum and the Museum of Communications (Museum für Kommunikation). While both are impressive, the DB Museum is the clear star of the show, a true highlight on the European Route of Industrial Heritage. With more than 200 years of railway history to explore, you’ll be taken from the earliest days of steam power to the high-speed trains of today.
And you’ll love every minute of it. So, let me start telling you why this museum is so fantastic.
All Aboard for History: A Deep Dive into the Nuremberg Transport Museum
The Nuremberg Transport Museum’s history is just as fascinating as the items it displays. Its roots trace back to 1899, when it opened as a royal Bavarian railway museum, making it the oldest railway museum in Germany. In 1996, the Deutsche Bahn took over the museum, investing in its future and ensuring its place as a top-tier destination.
Walking through the museum, you’ll be surrounded by an incredible collection of historical railway vehicles. And these are not just dusty old trains; they are magnificent machines that helped shape a nation. Among the most notable exhibits are parts of the luxurious royal train for Bavarian king Ludwig II and the sleek, powerful E 19 12 express train locomotive. But the royal train is the one that will catch the attention of most people.
You’ll also get to see the Nordgau, the oldest steam locomotive in Germany still in its original state. And, for a true trip back in time, take a look at the original coal wagon from 1829, on loan from the National Railway Museum in York, England. This is the oldest surviving railway vehicle on the European mainland!
These massive machines are a testament to the technological advancements of their era, and the opportunity to observe them up close is an experience that will remain etched in your memory for years. At least if you are as big a fan of trains as I am.
While the historical locomotives are a major draw, the Nuremberg Transport Museum offers much more than a static display of old engines. A special part of the museum is dedicated to its incredible collection of 160 1:10 scale models. And I can easily say that I spent far too much time walking around that area. Crafted with astonishing detail by apprentices of the Royal Bavarian State Railways since 1882, these models occupy a sprawling 1,000 square meters and offer a different perspective on the evolution of rail transport.
For a more hands-on experience, the museum provides interactive features that are perfect for families. You can walk through a mock-up tunnel, operate signals and points, and even try your hand at a driving simulator. These educational elements make the history and technology of the railway accessible and fun for all ages. I know I would love to explore this place if I were a child.
From Steam to Speed: Discovering the Nuremberg Transport Museum
The centerpiece of the Nuremberg Transport Museum is a massive exhibition spread across two floors, detailing the history of the railway in Germany.
This journey begins in 1835, the dawn of Germany’s rail history. The country’s first line, a short 6 km track between Nuremberg and Fürth, introduced a new era of travel. This “century of steam” is brought to life with a wealth of original objects and detailed models that show how the railway transformed Germany from an agrarian society into an industrial powerhouse.
The exhibition then moves to the tumultuous period between 1920 and 1945. Here, you’ll learn about the creation of the Deutsche Reichsbahn and its role during the “Golden Twenties” before confronting a darker chapter of German history. The museum does not shy away from the Reichsbahn’s role in the Holocaust, with films and documents revealing how the railway was used to facilitate the deportation of millions. It is an important but depressing aspect of the narrative of the museum.
The next section explores the railway in a divided Germany from 1945 to 1989. In the West, the Deutsche Bundesbahn had to compete with the rise of the automobile, while in the East, the Deutsche Reichsbahn became a pillar of the socialist planned economy. Interactive elements and eyewitness accounts capture the unique challenges and advancements of this era, culminating with the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.
Finally, you’ll arrive in a vibrant, futuristic-looking room that covers the period from 1990 to the present. This final leg of the journey chronicles the reunification of the two German railways into the modern Deutsche Bahn AG. The exhibit highlights the introduction of high-speed ICE trains, the “station renaissance,” and the digital revolution that has transformed how we travel today.
The Nuremberg Transport Museum promises a wonderful experience whether you’re a history buff, railway enthusiast, or simply searching for a novel and instructive day out. Its combination of historical artifacts, interactive exhibits, and a comprehensive historical overview makes it an essential stop on any Nuremberg itinerary.
And I can easily say that I loved the afternoon that I spent there.
Uncover Germany’s Rail History at the Nuremberg Transport Museum
DB Museum Nuremberg
Lessingstr. 6
90443 Nuremberg
