Bavarian Railway Museum Munich

Nostalgic Train Rides

Veronica from Munich

"Hop on Munich’s steam train for a nostalgic, magical journey through the city’s festive streets or visit the nostalgic Railway Museum year-round!"

The steam engine train rides around Munich, particularly those at Christmas where St Nicholas visits are something truly special: a walk into the past, where the hiss of the steam and the rhythmic clatter of wheels conjure a bygone era. Organized by the Bavarian Railway Museum, the rides allow passengers to explore Munich from a wholly unique perspective, boarding from stations such as Ostbahnhof and watching the city unfold from the vantage point of a historic carriage.

Children receive gingerbread as St Nicholas moves through the compartments, his presence adding an air of enchantment to the experience. The carriages themselves, polished wood and brass fittings, exude a sense of nostalgia, while the powerful steam locomotives outside command attention with every puff and whistle. For adults, the ride is a gentle reminder of the elegance of travel in times gone by, with the city’s modern skyline glimpsed fleetingly through frosted windows.

The route wends through neighbourhoods that feel almost untouched by time, the Isar bridges rising like sentinels over the water below, and each turn of the wheels evokes a connection to the stories and labor of railway engineers long past. Families, couples and enthusiasts alike share in the warmth of this festive excursion, a perfect blend of history, wonder, and seasonal cheer. By the time the train returns to the station, one is left with a lingering sense of magic, the past momentarily alive, carried on steam and festive joy.

Art & culture

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Munich Spotter Veronica

I’m a journalist, editor and writer who grew up under the Maltese sun, studied and worked in Scotland, and since 2016 have been based in Munich. Trained by the Associated Press and with a Masters from the University of Edinburgh, I now run my own content company, ittra.eu, where I write creative and business content. I also coach public speaking. Beyond words, I’m a proud mum of wonderful boys and an actress who has performed and written my own plays. I’m at my happiest swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. Travel, for me, is about stories: discovering places through their people, food and hidden...

About this spot

Orleansplatz

Museum ticket:

€

Website

Dec 4, 2025

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