{"id":44797,"date":"2026-03-18T09:34:04","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T07:34:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vbansko.com\/?p=44797"},"modified":"2026-05-13T19:07:46","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T16:07:46","slug":"rhodope-narrow-line-please-the-guardian","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vbansko.com\/en\/rhodope-narrow-line-please-the-guardian\/","title":{"rendered":"Rhodope Narrow Gauge Railway: Why did The Guardian put it in the Top 10 in Europe?"},"content":{"rendered":"
The little one Rhodope narrow gauge railway<\/strong> (serving the Septemvri \u2013 Dobrinishte route) is not just another means of transport on the BDZ timetable. It is a true machine of the weather<\/a>, a national treasure and one of the greatest tourist prides of Bulgaria, especially for the region of Bansko and the Razlog Valley. When the prestigious British publication The Guardian<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n

Global recognition: Why did The Guardian choose our narrow gauge railway?<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\ud83d\udca1 Did you know?<\/h4>\n

The journalists were impressed not only by the nature, but also by the social role of the train. Unlike purely tourist attractions around the world, Rhodope narrow gauge railway<\/strong> is a vital connection for local people. It is their \u201clife on rails\u201d<\/a> \u2013 the way to school, work or the market in the city.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The route: 125 kilometers of pure magic through three mountains<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The route, with a track gauge of just 760 mm, crosses three of Bulgaria\u2019s most majestic mountains \u2013 the Rhodopes, Rila and Pirin. During this epic journey, the train:<\/p>\n