Polish Travel [#20] - Where can you go by narrow-gauge railway?

Narrow-gauge railways are becoming increasingly popular in Poland in proportion to the development of tourism and the number of tourist attractions. Each year, the number of inquiries about where to travel by narrow-gauge railway increases. This is not a permanent database, as the number of places offering rides changes each season. Some locations emerge while others close for various reasons. Fortunately, most have been operating continuously for many years, becoming a permanent part of the surrounding landscape. We present a list, divided by regions, of the most popular places where you can find narrow-gauge railway stations in Poland.

 

LUBLIN REGION 

Nadwiślańska Narrow-Gauge Railway - Karczmiska - Opole Lubelskie - the option to modify the route to Poniatowa.

The railway has traditions dating back to the end of the 19th century and has been operating intermittently until today. Open rides are available on Sundays and holidays from May to the end of September.

More information - www.nadwislanskakolejka.pl

 

KUJAWSKO-POMORSKIE

Żnińska Narrow-Gauge Railway - Żnin – Wenecja – Biskupin – Gąsawa.

One of the most popular and characteristic narrow-gauge railways. It is currently part of the Pałucka Land Museum in Żnin. It serves as a natural complement when exploring the archaeological sites in Biskupin and the surrounding area.

More information - www.muzeumznin.pl

 

POMORZE

Żuławska Railway - Nowy Dwór Gdański - Sztutowo - Stegna Gdańska - Jantar - Mikoszeowo - Right Bank of the Vistula.

A railway with a long tradition. It currently operates thanks to the activity of the Pomeranian Society of Railway Enthusiasts.

More information - www.kolejzulawska.pl

 

PODKARPACKIE

Bieszczadzka Forest Railway - Majdan - Cisna - Dołżyca - Przysłup.

The famous "Bieszczadzka ciuchcia," a permanent feature of the Bieszczady landscape. It currently operates thanks to the efforts of the Bieszczady Forest Railway Foundation in Cisna.

More information - www.kolejka.bieszczady.pl

 

Przeworska Narrow-Gauge Railway - Przeworsk - Dynów.

On the route, there is the longest narrow-gauge railway tunnel in Poland - about 600 meters long in the village of Szklary. Currently, the operator is the District Road Management in Przeworsk.

More information - www.pogorzanin.powiatprzeworsk.pl

 

MAZOWIECKIE

Narrow-Gauge Railway in Sochaczew - Sochaczew - Tułowice - Wilcze Tułowskie.

A retro-style railway. It carries tourists from Sochaczew to the edge of the Kampinos National Park at a speed of 15 km/h.

More information - www.mkw.e-sochaczew.pl

 

DOLNOŚLĄSKIE

Narrow-Gauge Railway in Krośnice.

A park railway where you can admire the beauty of the Milicz District while riding.

More information - www.krosnice.pl

 

ŚLĄSKIE

Historic Narrow-Gauge Railway in Rudy, running on the Stanica - Paproć route.

A railway with a rich tradition.

More information - www.kolejkarudy.pl

 

ŁÓDZKIE

Narrow-gauge railway on the Rogów - Rawa route.

It has been operating for over 100 years.

More information - www.kolejrogowska.pl

 

ZACHODNIOPOMORSKIE

Koszalińska Narrow-Gauge Railway - Koszalin - Bonin - Rosnowo.

A railway with a long tradition. It currently owes its operation to the Koszalin Narrow-Gauge Railway Society.

More information - www.waskotorowka.koszalin.pl

 

WARMIŃSKO-MAZURSKIE

Ełcka Narrow-Gauge Railway - Ełk - Sypitki.

It is currently part of the Historical Museum in Ełk.

More information - www.muzeum.elk.pl

 

PODLASKIE

Hajnówka Forestry Narrow-Gauge Railways - Hajnówka - Topiło.

More information - www.hajnowka.pl/turystyka-1/169-kolejka-waskotorowa.html

 

ŚWIĘTOKRZYSKIE

Starachowice Narrow-Gauge Railway - Starachowice - Lipie.

It currently operates thanks to the efforts of the Association of Supporters of the Historic Jędrzejów Railway.

More information - www.skw.org.pl

 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION AND TIPS RELATED TO TRAVELLING BY NARROW-GAUGE RAILWAY

• Before your trip by narrow-gauge railway, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the website of the given operator. It's worth checking the current timetable and the days when the railway operates (most operate on weekends and public holidays). By visiting the website, you can find out if all seats are booked for a specific ride, helping you avoid unnecessary travel.
• Some operators offer ticket sales or reservations via phone or online.
• It’s advisable to make a reservation, especially when traveling as a larger group. Some trains have both open and closed carriages, which is significant on hot days.
• Most narrow-gauge railways operate from the end of April to the end of September, although some operate year-round.
• Narrow-gauge railways, in their current ownership structures, can operate thanks to the activities of foundations, societies, and associations. As a result, rides can more readily be offered upon special request, at non-standard times, or outside of scheduled hours - for example, for companies. There is no problem obtaining an invoice for the narrow-gauge railway ride.
• It happens that as part of the ride - especially if we buy tickets for a return trip - a bonfire or other attractions are organized.

 

In some cities or towns, there are city trains, park railways, or horse-drawn trams. An example is Maltanka in Poznań. These are shorter forms of travel, but also charming and provide an interesting way to explore places in Poland.