The entire journey takes about 5 hours and offers panoramic views of the Rhodopes, Rila and Pirin Mountains, which are absolutely unreachable by car. In this detailed guide, we will look at the full route of the narrow gauge railway — station by station, from the Thracian Plain to the thermal springs of Dobrinishte.
Bulgaria's engineering miracle
The Septemvri – Dobrinishte line has a track gauge of 760 mm. Built in several stages between 1921 and 1945, it includes 35 tunnels and unique climbs that turn the route into a true technical achievement.
Septemvri Station: The beginning of the adventure (Km 0)
Septemvri Station is the logistical center of the route. Here the narrow gauge line meets the main railway Sofia - Plovdiv. For tourists, this is the gateway to the magical world of the mountain. The train, pulled by diesel locomotives Henschel, awaits its passengers on the special narrow-gauge platform.
Through the Gorge: From Varvara to Velingrad
After leaving the fields near Septemvri, the train enters the picturesque gorge of the Chepinska River. The first stops are Barbara and Marko Nikolov. The road here is cut directly into the rocks, and the windows of the carriages literally "kiss" the tunnels.
Velingrad Train Station (Km 67)
Located at about 797 m above sea level, Velingrad railway station is the largest intermediate stop. The city is the SPA capital of the Balkans and is an ideal place for a vacation. Arriving here by train brings a retro romance that has no analogues.
💡 Expert advice for tourists in Bansko
If you are staying in Bansko, you can take a one-day SPA trip. Take the morning train from Bansko, spend the afternoon in the mineral pools of Velingrad and return in the evening - an unforgettable experience!
The climb to Avramovo: The "Eights" and the "Snails"„
After Velingrad Rhodope narrow gauge railway enters its most extreme part. To overcome the huge difference in altitude, the route makes complex spiral climbs. The train passes over bridges and enters tunnels, and you can often see the tracks you passed on 5 minutes ago, right below you.
Avramovo Station: The Roof of the Balkans (Km 95)
With their 1267 meters above sea level, Avramovo is the highest railway station on the Balkan Peninsula. It is the culmination of the journey. The air here is crystal clear, and the views of the Rila peaks and the Rhodope meadows are stunning.
Descent to the valley of Mesta: Yakoruda and Razlog
After Avramovo the train begins a gentle descent. Here you cross the border between the Rhodopes and Rila. Train station Anchor is an important center, followed by picturesque stops Belitsa (known for the Dancing Park) bears) and Razlog.
Razlog Train Station offers an incredible panorama of the mighty Pirin Mountains and is the administrative center of the region, keeping the Kukeri traditions alive.
The final: Bansko and Dobrinishte (Km 119 – 124)
Train station Bansko is the pearl of the route. Whether you come for skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer, arriving by narrow-gauge railway adds a nostalgic charm to your vacation.
The last stop is Dobrinishte. The small town is famous for its 17 mineral springs and is the starting point for the cable car to Bezbog Hut. The descent here marks the end of a 125-kilometer adventure through the heart of Bulgaria.
Full list of key stations and data
| Train station / Stop | Km | N.V. | Why stop? |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 0 km | ~240 m | Starting point and depot. |
| Velingrad | 67 km | ~797 m | SPA and mineral pools. |
| Avramovo | 95 km | 1267 m | The highest station in the Balkans. |
| Anchor | 105 km | ~820 m | Border between Rhodopes and Rila. |
| Bansko | 119 km | ~936 m | Ski resort and historical center. |
| Dobrinishte | 124.7 km | ~1000 m | End point, mineral beaches. |
Practical information for travelers
- Food and drinks: There is no restaurant car on the train. Be sure to buy water and snacks at Septemvri or Velingrad stations.
- Best time: Winter is magical (like the "Polar Express"), and autumn in the Rhodope Mountains is an explosion of colors.
- Places in the right sector: If you are traveling in the direction of Dobrinishte, sit on the right side for the best panoramas of the gorge.
- Tickets: They can be purchased online from the BDZ website or on site at the ticket offices. The price is extremely affordable (under 10 BGN).
Are you ready to go?
The Rhodope Narrow Gauge Railway is not just a train, but an emotion that stays in the heart forever. Plan your trip today!
