Tunnelmuseum Niederwillingen

The Tunnelmuseum Niederwillingen stands two kilometres north-east of the Behringen tunnel in rural Thüringen. It centres on a walk-through tunnel model at 1: 4 scale that shows modern tunnelling methods and construction. Three parallel tubes form the complex: two for motorway traffic and one for a new railway line.

The museum explains geology, excavation techniques and the machines and tools used underground. Visitors see how the land was changed before and after the tunnels were built, with photographs, aerial views and topographic maps. The displays let people compare the landscape’s past and present side by side.

Inside, the model tunnel lets visitors walk through a cross-section of the underground works. Outside, the site overlooks rolling farmland and woodland typical of the region. Information panels along the route add detail about each stage of tunnel construction and operation.