Rhein-Schauen Museum und Rheinbähnle

★★★★★ 4.5/5 (5,341 reviews) Excellent

About This Museum

People come to Rhein-Schauen for the trains, but they leave remembering the river. This is a place that tells the epic story of the Alpine Rhine, a force of nature that was tamed through sheer human ingenuity. You can feel that history in the air, especially when you step outside to ride the charming Rheinbähnle, a vintage narrow-gauge railway that chugs right through the landscape it helped shape. It’s so much more than a static display; it’s a living, breathing experience of regional history.

Collection Highlights

The star is undoubtedly the working steam and diesel locomotives of the Rheinbähnle. Inside, you'll find massive original dredging machines and intricate scale models that show the river's transformation. The tools and stories of the workers who battled the Rhine's floods make this human-scale drama feel incredibly immediate.

Visitor Information

It's easy to find in Lustenau, and trust me, you absolutely must time your visit to include a ride on the little train—it really makes the whole story click. Check their website for the seasonal schedule, as it doesn't run every day.

Architecture & Building

Housed in what feels like a classic industrial hall, it's perfectly suited to its purpose. The building is unpretentious and functional, echoing the pragmatic nature of the river engineering it celebrates.

Contact & Location

Address: Museum Rhein Schauen, 4, Höchster Straße, Lustenau, Bezirk Dornbirn, Vorarlberg, 6893, Österreich

Phone: +43 5577 20539

Website: Visit Website