Polish Narrow Gauge Środa Wielkopolska to Zaniemyśl May 4th 2025

A visit to the 750 mm Narrow Gauge Sroda to Zaniemysl line and the station on May 4th 2025 during the May Day holiday celebrations. Here we see the 0-8-0 former PKP class PX48 hauling passenger trains between Środa Wielkopolska to Zaniemyśl. The narrow gauge railway between Środa Wielkopolska and Zaniemyśl is the remaining segment of a former larger system, operating today as the Środa District Railway (Średzka Kolej Powiatowa) and serving as a popular tourist attraction. This 14 km, 750mm gauge line uses historic steam locomotives, like the 1951-built Px48, and offers scenic rides during the summer season for both individuals and organized groups. The line was built in 1902 as part of a larger network but now only the Środa-Zaniemyśl segment remains, and was previously operated by the Polish State Railways (PKP). It is famous for having the last regular steam-hauled services on the Polish narrow gauge, and Romanian railbuses only finally took over on passenger services a year or two before the line closed in August 2001. For a time the local authority seemed uninterested in taking over the line, despite the fact that it runs through a very attractive rural setting. Finally, the local authority agreed to keep the line operational and regular tourist trains started running again in summer 2003.. Trains, often pulled by a historic Px48 steam locomotive, run from late spring to early autumn on weekends and on demand for groups. The route includes request stops and stations, and visitors can combine the train journey with activities in the lake-side town of Zaniemyśl, such as boating or walking. The former station in Zaniemyśl houses a "Hall of Memory," and the Środa Wielkopolska Miasto station is home to the Museum of the Środa District Railway. Visiting the Railway. For organized groups, pre-booked trips are available and can include extra amenities like picnics or bonfires. .