Since fewer and fewer narrow gauge locomotives are now serviceable it’s become very quiet around the Polish narrow gauge lines. However, the situation may become slightly better in 2016. The line at
In April the tracks are still not overgrown by weeds and, hence, are visible. We’ll be arriving shortly before the normal tourist season starts and we have a good chance of finding trees in blossom along the line and the meadows yellow with dandelions.
Our focus lies on authentic trains which could have been seen some 20 to 35 years ago on Polish narrow gauge lines. As far as possible we’ll replace the names of the new owners with the original PKP (Polish State Railway) lettering. As usual we’ll use the beautiful early morning light to be rewarded with steam exhaust from the morning chill and we’re also planning some night shots. Sunrise in Poznan is at 05.33, sunset at 20.09 hrs (April 25th). By noon the light is already harsh, so we’ll take a break for us and also for the loco crews around midday.
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Date |
Itinerary |
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23.04. |
Meeting of the group in Gniezno (Gnesen) standard gauge station at 18 hrs (the train tickets for EC55 Berlin Hauptbahnhof – Gniezno 14:37 – 17:57 hrs can be organised by FarRail Tours), charter bus to |
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24.04. |
With an authentic looking train, hauled by the black Px38 805 we’ll spend the whole day on the lovely narrow gauge line between |
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25.04. |
Same again as yesterday. Our charter bus will take us back to our accommodation. |
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26.04. |
Charterbus back to Gniezno station – or you’ll join the private standard gauge steam event further in the south of Poland. By car it will take you about four hours to get there. The return train journey to Berlin with EuroCity EC 54 starts at 10.00 am with arrival in Berlin at 13:43 hrs. You can book tickets through FarRail Tours if you like. |
Except for seasonal tourist traffic this once large railway network ceased regular operation in the mid 1990’s. The first tourist train ran here as early as the late 1970’s, so the railway is used to being frequented by tourists. Unfortunately, almost all the coaches have been rebuilt as colourful, large windowed or open tourist coaches which have nothing in common with the regular trains, so we cannot use them for our train. Already, nine years ago, we chose four freight wagons from the still available ones to be overhauled for our photographic purposes. They were a flat wagon with bogies, a 4 wheel flat wagon, a 4 wheel open wagon and a 4 wheel covered wagon. Some of the wagons have since been freshly painted but we hope that the wagons will look a little weathered by next year. We also hope that one of the authentic green passenger coaches will be overhauled in April, so we can use it for a mixed train. If not, we’ll travel in or on the freight wagons. We’ll change the train composition from time to time, but you should keep in mind that the number of serviceable wagons is very limited.
Of the once 76 km line, there remains only 12 km, from
The museum of the railway is in Wenecja. We’ll have plenty of time to explore the extensive collection; the ticket price is included in the tour price. Virtually all locos there are painted green which was the common colour of a large part of the Polish steam loco fleet.
The line passes though rural countryside, mostly flat but with a few hilly parts. Large fields, little lakes, small forests and narrow roads are the surroundings of our line.
The tour is designed for the demanding photographer and video film maker, and for the lover of authentic narrow gauge steam trains. Our accommodation is simple but clean and quiet; it has no spa or fitness centre. It’s a newly refurbished building which can be rated as a youth hostel. We’ve booked the whole building, so there won’t be any guests other than us.
Poland is country of the European Union. Following a deep recession, the economy is now growing strongly, even during the recent worldwide recession. However, the condition of the roads and railways leaves something to be desired occasionally. Traffic may follow different rules from those you are used to. The official language is Polish, and the younger population often has a decent command of English. Older citizens often speak some German.
Petty crime such as theft or pick-pocketing is no worse than in other European countries. Nevertheless, you would be well advised to keep a close eye on your photo equipment, as always. Our hostel/hotel can be considered as very secure.
Please be considerate to others when taking pictures since all participants want to bring home high quality shots. Please do not wear high-visibility jackets etc. You should wear strong shoes. To make this tour successful for you, you should bring a tripod. We will take some night shots, so please be prepared.
We’ve arranged breakfast (early in the morning) and lunch (maybe later as usual), but not dinner. Breakfast and lunch are included in the tour price.
Entry into Poland requires a valid ID card for inhabitants of Schengen states, all others need a passport (but for most countries no visa is required).
Electricity (220V, 50 Hz) is available in our accommodation, power cuts are very uncommon. You may need an adaptor for the sockets (they have a special safety pin in the centre of the socket). Mobile phone coverage is very good. Poland uses normal European GSM standards. Please take care as you will have to pay roaming costs for incoming phone calls as well as outgoing.
Please bear in mind that transportation in Poland may partly fall short of the newest EU and North American safety standards. Always use common sense when crossing roads and railway tracks. FarRail Tours cannot be held responsible and will not accept any liability whatsoever in the case of any accident, damage or delay. We suggest you take out a comprehensive overseas accident and health insurance policy.
The tour starts and ends at Gniezno (standard gauge) railway station. I will guide the tour from and to Berlin. You can board the tour in Berlin, Gniezno or fly to Poznan and hire a car there.
| Poland | ||
| Spring on the Znin Narrow Gauge Railway | 11 to 26 participants | £290 |
| 23.04.2016 – 26.04.2016 | Single room surcharge | £44 |
| Registration Deadline: 31.01.2016 | ||
When you book early enough the train ticket from Berlin to Gniezno is 39 Euros per direction.
The price includes
Not included are
