Härtsfeldbahn-Museum

Description

The narrow gauge railway Härtsfeldbahn was running from Aalen via Neresheim to Dillingen on Danub. It was judged a prototypical popular "Schwäbische Eisenbahn" and proved an hallmark for the region. Transported were mixed good and mixed people: workers, pupils, market women ... . The railway was passing by a beautiful and relaxing scenery . Finally, in 1972 the so called  „Schättere“ was abandoned and broken up. But: The history of this railway, well mounted in the minds of the regional populatiuon, was not ended. An Association was erected by Enthusiasts: The Härtsfeld-Museumsbahn e.V. attempted to try the impossible - successfully, as we kow now. In the old station of Neresheim the Härtsfeldbahn-Museum was implemented. Authentical and original rolling stock was salvaged, collected, and restored - some to workinmg condition. To present these running, a stretch of 6 km of the orioginal line has been rebuilt. The re-opening was acchieved in two sections, the first was inaugurtated 2001, just 100 Years after the original launch. The second part was opened for the public on  August 1st, 2021. Since then, the original feeling of travelling local trains can be experienced here in perfection. Our star of course is the originally preserved steam loco, a 0-4-0 tank Engine by Esslingen, 1913. Next popular is our Railcar T 33 of 1934 / 1964, where curious children (and their ancestors) can have a view over the shoulders of te driver out on the track and scenery.

Rund um die Museumsbahn kann man schöne Wanderungen unternehmen: von Steinmühle in de Wachholderheide Zwing,  von Sägmühle zum Hochstatter Hof, vom Endpunkt Katzenstein aus um den Härtsfeldsee oder zur Burg Katzenstein. Fahrräder und Kinderwagen werden in den Güterwagen kostenfrei mitgenommen. Man sollte rechtzeitig vor Abfahrt der Züge da sein, beim Wasserfassen der Dampflok zuschauen und die Dauer-Ausstellung im Härtsfeldbahn-Museum im 1. Stock des Bahnhofs Neresheim besuchen.