font size A A A

Narrow Gauge Railways

Narrow gauge railways are a disappearing sight in the Polish landscape. They were built in the 19th century as a step in natural evolution from the previously existing horsecars. The world’s oldest narrow gauge railway exists in the Polish region of Silesia. The railway, which is operated until today, was built in 1851. It connected numerous Silesian industrial establishments: mines, steelworks, factories. Currently the tourist trail of Bytom – Tarnowskie Góry - Miasteczko Śląskie is still in operation.

There are over 30 narrow gauge railroads operated in Poland. Some of them, like “Bieszczadzka Ciuchcia” (“Stem-Engine Train of Bieszczady Mountains”) are tourist legends present in literature, paintings, and films. Others, like Railways of Wigry or Sochaczew Regions go through the areas of national parks (Wigierski National Park and Kampinos National Park).

Narrow gauge railways of track gauge narrower than 1435 mm are superseded by faster and much more efficient standard gauge railroads. We usually travel on trains that go faster than 200 or 300 km/h. However, during holidays, a trip on a steam–engine train offers a unique atmosphere. The whistling sound of the engine, clatter of the wheels, smell of smoke have a soothing and relaxing effect. It is a journey like in the time of our grandparents, when to travel 20 kilometres was a real expedition.

See also: