A Day on the Rails
Sunday was all about steam, smoke, and squealing whistles. Košice’s Children’s Railway, tucked into the wooded valley just outside the city, was celebrating its anniversary and there was no way I was going to miss it.
Originally built in the 1950s as a pioneer railway, today it’s run with a mix of adult railway staff and young volunteers, making it one of the quirkiest attractions in the region. The anniversary weekend promised a rare line-up: steam locomotives, diesels, handcar rides, craft stalls, and a whole family-friendly festival atmosphere.
Arrival at Čermeľ Station
The morning began at Čermeľ station, the line’s city terminus. The place was buzzing, families with kids clutching tickets, volunteers in vintage railway uniforms, and the unmistakable smell of coal smoke drifting down the track.
The star attraction was “Krutwig,” a gleaming green steam engine brought out for the special occasion.
Steam in Action
Boarding meant climbing into wooden coaches, each packed with families eager for the short ride to Alpinka. With the first blast of the whistle, we set off with the rhythmic chuff-chuff filling the valley, punctuated by the occasional coal-smoke puff through the open windows.
It’s a short journey, maybe 20 minutes, but with the soundtrack of steam and the squeals of excited children, it felt far longer, in the best possible way.
The Festival Atmosphere at Alpinka
At Alpinka, the line’s forest terminus, the festival really came alive. Tents and stalls had been set up: local crafts, food stands, railway memorabilia, and demonstrations. The highlights? A hands-on candle-making workshop for children, clowns, and a famous Slovakian childrens entertainer all added to the atmosphere.
Nearby, the little “drezina” handcars were proving a hit. Teams of kids and parents took turns pumping the levers, inching up and down a short siding with huge grins.
Locos Side by Side
For enthusiasts, there were open cab visits: a chance to step up and peer into the firebox, admire the brass gauges, or sit in the driver’s chair for a photo.
A Festival Worth the Trip
The Children’s Railway is already one of Košice’s quirkiest attractions, but on its anniversary weekend it transforms into something special. The combination of working steam, volunteer enthusiasm, and family-friendly atmosphere made it one of the highlights of my trip.
If you’re in Košice during the summer, check their schedule, even on a regular day, it’s worth the short ride for the novelty alone. But if you can time it for a festival? Even better.
Back to the city
Another special for the event was the appearance of a vintage bus to shuttle people from the city to the station and back. This was a real bone rattler but again an unusual experience against today’s padded seat comfort!
Review Summary
- Children’s Railway Atmosphere: ★★★★☆ – Family-friendly and buzzing, though quickly crowded.
- Steam & Diesel Experience: ★★★★★ – Authentic, lively, and unusual.
- Festival Extras (handcars, crafts, demos): ★★★★☆ – Great fun, especially for families.
- Overall Verdict: A quirky and charming must-do if you’re in Košice, even more so during a special event.
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