The Danish Railway Museum
Syddanmark
The Danish Railway Museum, established in 1975 and located in Odense, Denmark, is the largest railway museum in Scandinavia. Housed in a former engine shed adjacent to Odense's main railway station, it covers 10,000 square meters and exhibits around 50 locomotives and railway carriages on 20 tracks, representing all periods of Danish railway history. The collection includes notable items such as the E class steam locomotive that hauled King Frederik IX's funeral train, a sectioned NOHAB diesel locomotive revealing its engine, original 1930s Copenhagen S-train carriages, and the 1950s Lyntog express diesel multiple unit. The museum also features original railway buildings and offers live steam-hauled train rides during school holidays. Exhibitions extend beyond rolling stock, including models of trains and ferries, displays of Danish railway history from 1847 to 1997, and safety evolution. The museum complex includes indoor and outdoor railway-themed playgrounds and mini trains for children. Its workshops maintain and restore the collection, relying on volunteer labor, and the museum offers vintage train rentals for special occasions. The museum's engaging blend of historical artifacts, interactive exhibits, and operational heritage trains makes it a unique destination for railway enthusiasts and families alike.
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Tip: Visit during school holidays to experience the live steam-hauled train rides. Purchase tickets in advance online to avoid queues. The museum offers discounts for groups, seniors, and children. Check the official website for opening hours and special events. Allow enough time to explore both indoor exhibitions and outdoor activities, especially if visiting with children.
Interesting facts
- ā¢The museum houses the E class steam locomotive that hauled King Frederik IX's funeral train.
- ā¢It displays a NOHAB diesel locomotive sectioned to reveal its internal engine.
- ā¢A replica of Denmark's first locomotive, Odin from 1846, is exhibited.
- ā¢The museum runs live steam-hauled trains during school holidays, often using a Class Hs locomotive.
- ā¢It includes royal salon carriages and the orange shunting tractor featured in the Danish film Olsen-banden pĆ„ sporet.
History
The Danish Railway Museum was founded in 1975 in Odense, utilizing a former engine shed next to the main railway station.
Over the decades, it has grown to become Scandinavia's largest railway museum, expanding its collection to include historic locomotives, carriages, and original railway buildings.
The museum's workshops, originally part of separate entities, were consolidated under its management in 2015 to streamline maintenance and restoration efforts.
It continues to preserve Denmark's railway heritage, reflecting developments from the mid-19th century to the late 20th century.
Place Guide
Main Exhibition Hall
Housed in a former locomotive roundhouse, this bright hall displays about 50 locomotives and carriages spanning Danish railway history. Highlights include the E 994 express steam locomotive, the first-generation S-train from 1934, and the 1935 Lyntog express train.
Railway History from A-Z Exhibit1847-1997
Located on the balcony, this exhibition presents Danish railway history from 1847 to 1997 through artifacts and detailed models, illustrating technological and operational developments over 150 years.
Workshops and Restoration Facilities
The museum's workshops in Odense handle maintenance and restoration of the rolling stock, staffed by volunteers under professional supervision. They also manage the vintage train rentals for special events.
Outdoor Miniature Train and Playgrounds
The museum offers railway-themed playgrounds and miniature train rides for children both indoors and outdoors, depending on weather conditions, enhancing the family-friendly experience.
Contact
Phone: 66 13 66 30
