Rhodope Narrow Gauge Railway: Why did The Guardian put it in the Top 10 in Europe?

When the prestigious British publication The Guardian placed it in its exclusive Top 10 of the most scenic train journeys in Europe, for the locals it was not a surprise, but rather a long-awaited and well-deserved global recognition. If you have chosen Bansko or Dobrinishte for your vacation, a trip on this little train is an experience that you must definitely include in your program.

Global recognition: Why did The Guardian choose our narrow gauge railway?

There are hundreds of train routes in Europe, many of which pass through breathtaking Alpine landscapes and offer unparalleled luxury. However, British journalists have turned the spotlight on the Balkans. They singled out the line for its slow, romantic pace and the fact that it connects people to some of the country's most inaccessible, unspoiled and beautiful corners.

The route: 125 kilometers of pure magic through three mountains

The journey from the starting station Septemvri to the final stop Dobrinishte is a true visual spectacle, lasting about 5 hours. This is not a train for people in a hurry. This is a train for travelers who want to contemplate.

The route, with a track gauge of just 760 mm, crosses three of Bulgaria’s most majestic mountains – the Rhodopes, Rila and Pirin. During this epic journey, the train:

• It passes through picturesque gorges (such as the famous Chepinska River gorge).
• It passes through dense, centuries-old coniferous forests and passes by deep rocky ravines.
• It passes through a total of 35 tunnels, the result of incredible engineering wonders.
• It climbs to Avramovo station – the highest railway station in the Balkans (1267 m above sea level).

To overcome the elevation gain, the line winds through unique features – spiral tunnels and open loops known as “figures of eight” and “figures of six.” The landscape changes 360 degrees in just minutes.

Authenticity vs. commercial luxury

Retro feel and romance

The carriages offer an authentic experience. The wheels creaking on the curves, the rhythmic rattling on the rails and most of all – the opening windows. Unlike modern express trains, here in the narrow gauge railway cars you can roll down the window and smell the scent of a pine forest. The classic Henschel diesel locomotives create an atmosphere that takes you directly back to the mid-twentieth century.

Comparison with European giants

• Against the Swiss Glacier Express: While Swiss trains are a symbol of expensive luxury and sterility, the Bulgarian narrow-gauge railway is raw, accessible, and real. It is not designed just for tourists – it is a living organism.
• Against the Norwegian railway “Flom”: While the trip to Flåm is short and filled entirely with tourists, the trip to Dobrinishte is a half-day adventure in which you share the compartment with local grandmothers going to the market and mountaineers with heavy backpacks.

Useful information for tourists and guests of Bansko

How to make a “short tour” from Bansko?

1. You leave Bansko in the morning on the current timetable.
2. You enjoy the climb to the highest point in the Balkans – Avramovo station.
3. You go down, have a picnic or look for secret hiking routes around.
4. You wait for the return train and return to your hotel in the afternoon.

The Seasons and the Narrow Gauge

When is the best time to travel? The answer is: in every season! Winter offers a magical snowy fairy tale, autumn is an explosion of colors, and summer brings the coolness of the mountains.

The Rhodope Narrow Gauge Railway is living proof that the most valuable experiences don't always require five-star luxury. Sometimes the soul, history, and shared human destinies in a narrow compartment are much more impressive.