{"id":44790,"date":"2026-03-18T00:32:17","date_gmt":"2026-03-17T22:32:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vbansko.com\/?p=44790"},"modified":"2026-05-13T19:04:40","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T16:04:40","slug":"rhodope-narrow-gauge-railway-route","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vbansko.com\/en\/rhodope-narrow-gauge-railway-route\/","title":{"rendered":"Rhodope Narrow Gauge Railway 2026: Complete Guide to the Septemvri \u2013 Dobrinishte Route"},"content":{"rendered":"
Imagine 124.7 kilometers of rails, driven with inhuman effort through three majestic mountains, crossing raging rivers and connecting dozens of picturesque villages. The iconic Rhodope narrow gauge railway<\/strong> It's not just a railway \u2014 it's the "Alpine Railway of the Balkans" and one of the most beautiful train journeys in the entire world.<\/p>\n

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 \u2014 station by station, from the Thracian Plain to the thermal springs of Dobrinishte.<\/p>\n

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Bulgaria's engineering miracle<\/h3>\n

The Septemvri \u2013 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Septemvri Station: The beginning of the adventure (Km 0)<\/h2>\n

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<\/em>, awaits its passengers on the special narrow-gauge platform.<\/p>\n

Through the Gorge: From Varvara to Velingrad<\/h2>\n

After leaving the fields near Septemvri, the train enters the picturesque gorge of the Chepinska River. The first stops are Barbara<\/strong> and Marko Nikolov<\/strong>. The road here is cut directly into the rocks, and the windows of the carriages literally "kiss" the tunnels.<\/p>\n

Velingrad Train Station (Km 67)<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\ud83d\udca1 Expert advice for tourists in Bansko<\/h4>\n

If you are staying in Bansko<\/a>, 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!<\/p>\n

See the current schedule here<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The climb to Avramovo: The "Eights" and the "Snails"\u201e<\/h2>\n

After Velingrad Rhodope narrow gauge railway<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

Avramovo Station: The Roof of the Balkans (Km 95)<\/h3>\n

With their 1267 meters above sea level<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

Descent to the valley of Mesta: Yakoruda and Razlog<\/h2>\n

After Avramovo the train begins a gentle descent. Here you cross the border between the Rhodopes and Rila. Train station Anchor<\/strong> is an important center, followed by picturesque stops Belitsa<\/strong> (known for the Dancing Park) bears<\/a>) and Razlog<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The final: Bansko and Dobrinishte (Km 119 \u2013 124)<\/h2>\n

Train station Bansko<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

The last stop is Dobrinishte<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n

Full list of key stations and data<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Train station \/ Stop<\/th>\nKm<\/th>\nN.V.<\/th>\nWhy stop?<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
September<\/td>\n0 km<\/td>\n~240 m<\/td>\nStarting point and depot.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Velingrad<\/td>\n67 km<\/td>\n~797 m<\/td>\nSPA and mineral pools.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Avramovo<\/td>\n95 km<\/td>\n1267 m<\/td>\nThe highest station in the Balkans.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Anchor<\/td>\n105 km<\/td>\n~820 m<\/td>\nBorder between Rhodopes and Rila.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bansko<\/td>\n119 km<\/td>\n~936 m<\/td>\nSki resort and historical center.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dobrinishte<\/td>\n124.7 km<\/td>\n~1000 m<\/td>\nEnd point, mineral beaches.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Practical information for travelers<\/h2>\n