Bratislava East Railway Museum
- Museums
- For Kids
On the outskirts of Bratislava, in a remarkably well-preserved 19th-century steam depot, the Railway Museum of the Slovak Republic offers one of the most unusual and atmospheric heritage experiences in the city. This is not a polished indoor exhibition it is an open-air site where historic locomotives, carriages and railway machinery stand in their original working environment, surrounded by protected heritage buildings.
History
The depot was built in the late 19th century to serve the newly established marshalling yard then known as Pozsonyi rendező pályaudvar. It operated as a working steam depot until the early 1970s, after which it fell into disuse. Since 2008 the site has been a protected heritage zone, and the same year the first permanent railway exhibition opened here. The building complex is one of the most intact surviving steam depots in Central Europe.
What to expect
The outdoor exhibition centres on a collection of operational and displayable historic railway vehicles on the tracks of the former disinfection station and turntable area. Highlights include several steam locomotives, a World War II German armoured wagon, motor railcars, a steam crane, a collection of track maintenance machines and passenger and freight wagons dating from 1884 to 1935.
Two protected historic water towers dominate the site. The lower tower houses an exhibition on railway water supply systems. The pipe workshop building contains an exhibition of tools and equipment used in railway vehicle maintenance and repair.
The museum’s library and archive are housed in the former staff kitchen building and are accessible to researchers by prior arrangement. A model railway layout is open to visitors every even-numbered Saturday during the season from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
The museum also hosts the annual Rendez event, a nationwide gathering of historic railway vehicles that has taken place here every year since the early 2000s.
Getting there
Located in the Východné area between Rača and Vajnory. Take bus 52 or 56 to the stop Železničné múzeum, then follow the asphalt road through the allotments and garages for approximately 10 minutes in the direction of Rača.
Tips
- Outdoor exhibitions only during regular opening hours; indoor exhibitions and guided tours require booking at least 3 days in advance by calling +421 2 2029 7296
- The annual Rendez event in June is the best time to visit, with steam trains running and special activities
- Free entry year round
- Check the event calendar at zeleznicnemuzeum.sk before your visit as special events take place throughout the season
Opening hours: Apr 15 – Oct 15 - Outdoor exhibitions only
-
Daily
10:00 - 17:00
Address
Dopravná, 835 17 Bratislava, Slovensko
Get updates
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.