The route of the Rhodope narrow gauge railway: all stations from Septemvri to Dobrinishte

The entire journey takes about 5 hours one way and offers panoramic views of the Rhodope Mountains, Rila and Pirin, which are absolutely unattainable by car or bus. In this detailed guide, we will explore the full route of the Rhodope Narrow Gauge Railway — station by station, from the sunny Thracian Lowlands all the way to the healing thermal springs at the foot of Pirin near Bansko and Dobrinishte.

Septemvri Station: The beginning of the adventure (Km 0)

Septemvri Station (about 240 m above sea level) is the historical and logistical crossroads of the route. Here the picturesque narrow gauge line (with a track gauge of only 760 mm) meets the main railway artery of Bulgaria. The small train, most often pulled by classic Henschel diesel locomotives, patiently waiting on its special platform.

Although the town itself is small, the station is an extremely busy place. For tourists coming from Sofia or Plovdiv, Septemvri is the real gateway to the Rhodope Mountains. The station itself has ticket offices, a waiting room and a small cafe where you can stock up on water and provisions before the long and exciting journey.

The foothill stops: Vetren dol, Lesichovo and Varvara

The first 15-20 kilometers after departing from Septemvri station pass through the fertile Thracian fields. The train quickly picks up speed, and the landscape begins to smoothly transform. The flat vineyards and orchards gradually give way to rounded hills, which soon merge into dense deciduous forests.

The stops in this section serve mostly the local population. For the tourist, they are the prologue to the story — the perfect time to settle in comfortably. retro wagons, prepare your camera and get used to the rhythmic clatter of the wheels before the train enters the breathtaking gorge of the Chepinska River.

Velingrad Station: The SPA Capital of the Balkans (Km 67)

Located at about 797 m above sea level, Velingrad railway station is the most important intermediate stop. The city has the largest mineral water deposit in Bulgaria with over 80 active springs. Arriving here by narrow-gauge railway has a special retro charm that takes the strip back to the last century.

The Heart of the Mountain: The Engineering Miracle and the “Augers”

After Velingrad station, the narrow gauge railway enters the most dramatic and complex section. These engineering wonders include spiral tunnels known as “figures of eight” or “screws.” The train makes a full 360-degree turn inside the rock itself to gain height. The feeling is surreal — you enter straight into the mountain, and when you emerge, the landscape below you has completely changed.

Avramovo Station: The Roof of the Balkans (Km 95)

Avramovo Station is the culmination point of the route. Located at exactly 1267 meters above sea level, this is the highest railway station on the entire Balkan Peninsula. When the little locomotive finally climbs the steep slope, almost all the passengers go out onto the platform for photos. This is where many secret hiking routes to the heart of the Rhodope Mountains.

Yakoruda and Razlog: Where Rila meets Pirin

After Avramovo, the train begins its descent into the Mesta River valley. At Yakoruda (Km 105), the line crosses the invisible border between the Rhodopes and Rila. A little later, the train stops at Razlog station (Km 115) – an administrative center with rich traditions and Kukeri festivals, offering peaceful access to the northern Pirin.

Bansko and Dobrinishte: The Finale of the Rails

We arrive at Bansko train station (Km 119) — the undisputed tourist star. Whether you are here for skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer, arriving by narrow-gauge train adds a huge dose of romance to your vacation.

The final point is Dobrinishte station (Km 124.7). Built with the voluntary labor of local people in 1945, today it is a cozy finale to the journey, famous for its mineral pools and the lift to the Bezbog hut.

When is the best time to travel?

Rhodope narrow gauge railway is magical in all seasons. Winter turns the route into a white fairy tale, autumn offers an explosion of golden colors, and summer is the perfect escape from the heat in the mountain gorges.

Complete table of key stations and distances