Nördlingen Railway Festival

A Declaration of Love for the Historic Railway

In the heart of the medieval town of Nördlingen, one of Germany's three fully walled cities, lies the Bavarian Railway Museum, one of the most important collections of historic rail vehicles in Southern Germany. Every year on Ascension weekend, the former railway depot transforms into a vibrant railway festival: the Nördlingen Railway Festival.

Experience Steam Locomotives Live

The highlight of the festival is the special excursions with historic steam locomotives. From Nördlingen station, trips run to Donauwörth, Harburg, and Gunzenhausen. The routes through the Nördlinger Ries, a 14-million-year-old meteorite crater, are scenically attractive and offer rail enthusiasts an authentic travel experience from the pioneering years of the railway.

Special Exhibitions and Roundhouse Tours

In the historic roundhouse, the museum presents its extensive collection of steam, diesel, and electric locomotives, many of which are operational. Guided tours explain the history of the Bavarian and German railways. Additional special exhibitions on specific themes are shown for each festival – in 2026, for example, on electric mainline locomotives from six decades.

Model Railway and Railway Market

At the large model railway market, exhibitors from all over Bavaria showcase model railways of all gauges and eras. Collectors will find rarities here, families can experience elaborately built layouts, and beginners receive expert advice. A classic railway flea market completes the offer.

Family Program

The festival is explicitly aimed at families with children: With the miniature railway, children can enjoy their own little railway journey through the museum grounds. Cab rides on diesel and steam locomotives are a special highlight. Regional specialties and drinks provide culinary accompaniment in the historic roundhouse.

Concert on Father's Day

On Ascension Day – the traditional Vatertag (Father's Day) in Germany – the band Felix & Friends will provide atmospheric live music from 2 p.m. onwards in the historic setting. A combination of industrial culture, family outing, and relaxed festival atmosphere that makes the Nördlingen Railway Festival unique in its form.

Nördlingen – The Town in the Crater

A visit to the Railway Festival can be ideally combined with a city tour through medieval Nördlingen. The completely preserved city wall, the 90-meter-high tower of St. George's Church (»Daniel«), and the market square make the town in the Donau-Ries district one of the most beautiful destinations in Bavaria.