Railway Museum of Cantabria — Attraction in Santander

The Railroad Museum of Cantabria in Santander is a hidden gem and a testament to the region's rich industrial heritage. What makes this museum particularly special is its management by ACAF (Asociación de Amigos del Ferrocarril), a group of passionate volunteers.

Walking through the museum is like stepping back in time. You'll find a collection of restored locomotives, carriages and other railroad artifacts that offer a connection to the past, providing a fascinating insight into the lives of those who worked and traveled on these lines.

One of the museum's standout features is an impressive H0 (1:87) scale model railroad layout. Countless hours of dedication have gone into its creation, and it's a delight for visitors of all ages.

The dedication of ACAF is evident in every corner of the museum. Their passion for preserving this vital part of Cantabria's heritage is truly commendable. They've done an exceptional job of creating an engaging and informative experience, often providing personal anecdotes and insights that enrich the visit.

However, this remarkable museum deserves greater recognition and support. It's disheartening to think that such a vital piece of cultural history doesn't receive the resources it needs. The museum, and the dedicated volunteers behind it, deserve more substantial support to ensure its continued preservation and growth.

Whether you're a train enthusiast or simply interested in local history, this museum is...

We were on holiday, returning to Santander a second time from Scotland, and we had a lovely visit here. It's important to phone first and, as we don't speak English well, we had help booking our visit through the tourist office. We had a fascinating tour, a little in English and Spanish, and there is such a fascinating collection of railway memorabilia, locomotives and other items. There's also a huge model railway display! Check the opening days and times, and follow the path between the two stations and behind the car park/Correos. Thanks to all the...

Tuve ocasión de visitar recientemente el Museo que cuenta con piezas muy bien conservadas, locomotoras de vapor, eléctricas, tractores diésel y vagones, así como reproducciones de modelismo, uniformes, faroles, fotografías, etc. Durante la visita, ilustrada con material fotográfico y audiovisual, el guía nos fue contando la historia de la colección de las máquinas, vagones y maquetas con un trato cordial y muy profesional. Se puede apreciar el gran trabajo realizado por esta Asociación para conservar este patrimonio ferroviario permitiendo así dar a conocer a las nuevas generaciones la historia de esta región. Hace poco he leído en la prensa que este museo puede desaparecer debido a la futura reordenación ferroviaria que ADIF va a ejecutar en esta zona. Espero que este magnífico Museo continúe, y se le encuentre un emplazamiento definitivo en el que pueda seguir esta Asociación con su labor difundiendo todo lo relacionado con la historia de los ferroviarios en Cantabria y evitar así la pérdida de este importante patrimonio cultural...