When traveling by train in the Czech Republic, it’s worth visiting several railway museums located in various regions of the country. Not all of them are open year-round, so check the opening hours before your journey.
Railway museums in the Czech Republic
Czech Railways’ Museum in Luzna u Rakovnika (Muzeum Českých drah v Lužné u Rakovníka) – the largest railway museum in the Czech Republic, managed by České dráhy, located near the Lužná u Rakovníka railway station. The charming surroundings and exhibits housed in former locomotive depots give this place a unique atmosphere. The museum displays a rich collection of rail vehicles – steam locomotives, electric and diesel locomotives, old electric trains, vintage carriages, and more. The museum also features a short narrow-gauge railway line, operational only on seasonal weekends. The museum is open from May to the end of October, usually on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. In July and August, retro train rides are organized between Prague and Lužná u Rakovníka station.
Railway museum Výtopna Jaroměř (Železniční muzeum Výtopna Jaroměř) – a small railway museum located near the Czech-Polish border. It is situated at the Jaroměř railway station, in the building of a former steam locomotive depot. It has a decent collection of vintage locomotives, not just steam ones, and various other exhibits. Several times a year, retro trains run between Stará Paka – Jaroměř or Turnov – Jaroměř. The museum is open on weekends and holidays from April to October, and daily in July and August.
The Museum of Old Machines and Technologies in Žamberk (Muzeum starých strojů a technologií) – a very interesting museum established on the grounds of a former textile factory in a small town near the Czech-Polish border. It features a very large display of old machines – rollers, pumps, cars, as well as locomotives. In the summer season, narrow-gauge train rides are offered on a short preserved industrial spur. The museum receives very good reviews from visitors.
Muzeum in Zubrnice – a small railway museum in Zubrnice in the Ústí nad Labem region, recommended due to its proximity to the picturesque open-air museum in the village and the weekend trains running from May to September on the unused Ústí nad Labem – Zubrnice route. These trains consist of vintage diesel railcars.
In addition to the mentioned museums, during railway events, Czech railway museums in Olomouc and Chomutov are opened, though they are usually closed on a daily basis.
Related articles:
Train travel in the Czech Republic – a comprehensive guide
Narrow-gauge railways in the Czech Republic
Scenic railways in the Czech Republic
Funicular railways in the Czech Republic
