Ambarawa Railway Museum is a tourist destination that brings to life the history of railways in Indonesia, with a collection of steam locomotives, antique railway equipment, and interesting educational tourist activities.
Ambarawa Railway Museum is one of the museums that preserves the long history of railways in Indonesia. Located in Ambarawa, Semarang Regency, Central Java, this museum used to be a railway station called Willem I Station.
This museum not only presents collections of antiques related to railways, but also provides an educational experience about the history and development of railway transportation in Indonesia.
From ancient steam locomotives to legendary ticket printing machines, the Ambarawa Railway Museum presents many interesting things for visitors who want to know more about Indonesia’s historical heritage in the world of railways.
History of the Ambarawa Railway Museum
Ambarawa Station, which is now the Ambarawa Railway Museum, was first built on May 21, 1873 by the Nederlandsch Indische Spoorweg Maatschappij (NISM), a private Dutch railway company.
Initially, this station was built to facilitate transportation and military mobilization of the Dutch East Indies government after the Diponegoro War.
This station is very strategic because it is located between three major cities on the island of Java—Semarang, Surakarta, and Yogyakarta.
As one of the highlights in Things to do Ambarawa, visiting this historic station offers a glimpse into Indonesia’s rich railway heritage and its role in shaping the region’s development.
In addition, Ambarawa is also the location of Fort Willem I, which was built between 1835 and 1848 during the Dutch colonial period.
The name Willem I Station was taken from the name of the fort, which was a symbol of Dutch power at that time. On February 1, 1905, the Sekong-Magelang railway line was opened using a cogwheel track to facilitate travel across steep terrain.
Several years later, in 1907, the station was renovated by replacing the original wood and bamboo materials with bricks. In 1976, the Ambarawa Railway Museum was opened after the station was no longer operating as an active station.
This museum was established to immortalize the history of railways in Indonesia, store various collections of railway goods, and introduce the public to the history of transportation in Indonesia.
Unique Collection of Ambarawa Railway Museum
The Ambarawa Railway Museum has various interesting collections that make it different from other railway museums.
Some of the most impressive main collections are antique steam locomotives, antique ticket printing machines, and rare cogwheels. Here are some of the main collections in this museum:
1. Steam Locomotive
Steam locomotives are the main collection of interest at the Ambarawa Railway Museum. Some of the locomotives on display here are rare locomotives that have existed since the station was built.
Steam locomotives, although powered by steam, are capable of carrying large loads and are the backbone of railway transportation at that time.
The locomotives on display in this museum include the large and impressive CC type, as well as other types such as the B, C, and D series with varying sizes.
These locomotives are not only part of the collection, but also serve as a mode of transportation for tourists who want to experience riding a steam train.
2. Ticket Printing Machine
One of the rare objects that can be found in the Ambarawa Railway Museum is an antique ticket printing machine.
This ticket printing machine was created by Thomas Edmondson in 1840 and was used to print train tickets until 2009. This machine is large in size and is an early symbol of the train ticket system.
In addition to the ticket printing machine, the museum also stores various other antique objects such as bells and whistles used by train officers at that time, as well as communication tools such as telegraphs and telephones from various eras.
3. Geared Train Wheels
One of the most unique and rare collections in the Ambarawa Railway Museum is the cogwheel. This cogwheel is used for trains that pass through cogwheel tracks, which are necessary for steep terrain.
There are only three similar cogwheels in the world, and one of them can be found in this museum. In addition, this wheel is still used in tourist trips carried out on cogwheel trains, providing an extraordinary historical experience for visitors.
Address and Access to Ambarawa Railway Museum
The Ambarawa Railway Museum is located at Jalan Stasiun No. 1, Panjang Kidul, Ambarawa, Semarang, Central Java. The location is quite easy to reach, only about 40 km from the center of Semarang City.
You can use Google Maps or ask locals to find this location. Because it is located in an area that was once the capital of Semarang, this museum is easily accessible via various transportation routes.
Entrance Ticket Prices and Operating Hours
To enjoy historical tourism at the Ambarawa Railway Museum, visitors are charged a very affordable entrance fee. Entrance tickets vary depending on the visitor category, from adults, children, students, to foreign tourists.
The museum is open daily from 08.00 to 17.00 WIB. Visitors can enjoy various facilities and views around the museum related to the history of Indonesian railways.
Interesting Tourist Activities at the Ambarawa Railway Museum
For visitors interested in the history and transportation of trains, there are various activities that can be done at the Ambarawa Railway Museum, including:
Train Tour
This museum provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about the history of Indonesian railways. In addition to seeing the collection of locomotives and antiques, visitors can also observe various replicas of trains, as well as tools used at that time.
The museum also has a library called “Kereta Api Pustaka” which provides various books on the history and development of railways in Indonesia.
2. Steam Locomotive Collection
As a railway museum, of course the steam locomotive collection is the main attraction. Some of the steam locomotives registered in this museum are B2502, B2503, B5112, as well as B, C, D and CC series locomotives.
Each locomotive has its own story and history that is interesting for visitors to learn.
3. Ambarawa-Bendono Tour
Visitors can enjoy a trip using a steam train on the Ambarawa-Bendono route (35 km round trip). The natural scenery along the way is amazing, with the backdrop of Mount Merbabu, Ungaran, and Telomoyo.
This tour uses the only functioning cogwheel track in Indonesia, providing a unique experience for tourists.
4. Shopping for souvenirs
The Ambarawa Railway Museum also has a souvenir shop where visitors can buy miniature trains and other items as souvenirs. This shop is the right place for anyone who wants to take home a souvenir typical of the museum.
Facilities Available at the Ambarawa Railway Museum
The Ambarawa Railway Museum is equipped with comfortable facilities, such as a restaurant for dining, a large parking area, and a prayer room for worship. Clean toilets are also available for visitors’ convenience.
Ambarawa Railway Museum is a tourist destination that presents more than just a collection of trains. It is a place where history, culture, and education meet, providing an unforgettable experience for anyone interested in railway transportation.
With unique collections such as steam locomotives, antique ticket printing machines, and rare cogwheels, the museum provides an in-depth insight into the history of Indonesian railways.
As one of the Tourist Attractions in Ungaran, this museum is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in learning about Indonesia’s rich railway heritage.
