Adventure Awaits: Explore Breathtaking Steam Train Journeys, Cog Railways, and Narrow Gauge Lines

Railway museums provide a variety of exciting events and routes for visitors to explore. The biggest one is located in Lužná, close to Rakovník, while others can be discovered in Mladějov in Moravia, Kořenov in the Jizera Mountains, and the National Technical Museum which showcases a lovely collection in its Prague Letná building as well as a depot in Chomutov. Additionally, the Legiovlak, a historical train, travels across different regions of the country.

Regular routes of nostalgic trains

The Prague Little Engine

The so-called Prague Motorcycle operates year-round, running on weekends and public holidays. This train takes you on the scenic Prague Semmering route, traveling back and forth between Prague Main Station and Prague-Zličín station.

Posázava Pacific

One of the classic train journeys enjoyed by many generations is the widely-loved Posázaví line, also affectionately known as the Posázavský Pacifik among local adventurers. This beautiful railway is serviced by the Posázava motor train, which runs every weekend and stops at various stations, including Prague, Prague-Braník, Vrané n. Vltavou, Davle, Luka pod Medníkem, Jílové u Prahy, and Týnec nad Sázavou. Additionally, daily trains operated by ČD run along this line.

Along the route, you can discover numerous cultural landmarks, such as several castles (like Zbořený Kostelec and Český Šternberk) and various tourist spots including the Museum of Gold and Tramping in Jílové u Prahy as well as the Kácov brewery. There are also many trails for hiking and cycling, with the most renowned being The Posázava Trail that stretches from Petrov near Prague to Kamenný Přívoz.

Brdský motoráček

The Brdský motoráček will take you from Prague to Dobříš every Saturday between March 22nd and October 25th. This train features charming Bix passenger cars from the 1960s, being pulled by either the motor car variant Ř. M 262.0 “Kredenc” or M 286.1 “krokodýl”.

Rakovník fast train

Starting March 22nd, the Rakovník fast train will run every Saturday until October 25th. This train travels along the scenic valleys of the Berounka River and Rakovnický Brook, making its way from Prague through Beroun and Křivoklát to Rakovník and back. You’ll be riding on the historic T 478.1 series “cloudy” diesel locomotive along with sophisticated Bmx passenger cars from the 1960s.

Lusatian Mountains Fast Train

This year, the Lusatian Mountains Fast Train also began operations on March 22nd and will continue every Saturday until October 25th. The train is perfect for visitors to the Mácha Region, enticing tourists and cyclists alike. The consist includes the “Zamračená” motor locomotive of the T 478.1 series along with classic coupes preserved in their authentic design.

The Tanvald-Desná-Korenov-Harrachov-Szklarska Poręba rack railway

The only cog railway in the Czech Republic serves as a unique cultural and technical monument. The Jizera Mountains-Krkonoše railway line holds the title of being the steepest and only normal-gauged cog railway in the country. Thanks to backing from the Liberec Region, the frequency of nostalgic trains on Zubačka will significantly increase starting from 2024, with historical motorbikes scheduled to run on Zubačka on a total of 19 selected dates in 2025.

In 2025, the Railway Administration plans a major reconstruction of the Zubačka Tanvald – Kořenov line, which is crucial for the continued operation of this route. Consequently, all trains between Tanvald and Kořenov will not run from April to October 2025.

The Cog Railway Museum located in Kořenov (right at the train station) will still be accessible during the closure. On the days when historical trains are operational, guided tours of the Kořenov Heating Plant will be provided at 11:45 and 14:45.

Glass locale

On March 29, 2025, the glassworks locale will be operational, providing transport between Kamenický Šenov and Český Kamenice. During the 2025 season, local trains will run regularly until November 2nd on weekends. From June 1st to September 30th, trains will also operate on weekdays. Don’t miss visiting the local Glass Museum in Kamenický Šenov, and have a look at Panská skála, which you may recognize from the fairy tale “The Proud Princess”.

Podřipsky motorbike

The T5 tourist line will operate the Podřipsky motorbike starting March 29th, traveling from Roudnice nad Labem through Straškov, Mšené Lázně, Budyně nad Ohří to Libochovice and back. This train will run on weekends and public holidays until November 2nd.

Podkrušnohorský motoráček

In the Ústí nad Labem region, another charming motor train operates from Děčín to Krupka and back. A retro motor car from the M 152.0 series traverses a part of the so-called Goat Track, running on weekends and holidays from March 29th to November 2nd.

Narrow gauge railway Zbýšov u Brna

At Zbýšov railway station, the former site of the Jindřich II mine, you have the opportunity to ride a diesel or steam train. The trains operate specifically on scheduled dates when the museum is open. The first steam train run kicks off on May 10, followed by the first diesel train run on May 8.

Mladějov Industrial Railway or by train to the forest

The eleven-kilometer-long narrow gauge railway with a gauge of 600 mm located in Mladějov na Moravě was established at the end of World War I. Until 1991 it was used for transporting wood, fireclay, and coal, but today it is maintained by the Industrial Museum Mladějov with cruise trains operating on its route.

For a more exciting ride, consider visiting the former fireclay factory, where you can explore several exhibits related to railway, road, agricultural, and construction machinery. Regular excursion trains pulled by a historic steam locomotive are usually held on selected Saturdays in May, June, all festive Saturdays, and some Saturdays in September. The specific timetable for the 2025 season has yet to be released.

Steam trains to Osoblaha

The Narrow Gauge Railway, the only one of its kind in Bohemian Silesia, runs from Třemešné in Silesia through Slezské Rudoltice to Osoblaha. This route operates year-round with several daily train services. From early June to mid-September, you can enjoy a ride on a steam train trip.

Plum track

On line U10 from Most to Litoměřice, passengers experience the country’s most modern regional service, operated with three modernised low-floor RegioSprinter units—Janička, Míša, Terezka—with one in reserve. Regular service was resumed on 15 December 2019, and improved connections with ČD services ensure daily operations. This route also includes the charming Plum Lane, a historic local railway in northern Bohemia that connects Litoměřice upper station, Lovosice, and Most. Named for the once-abundant plum orchards and alleys along its path, Plum Lane began operations in 1898 and now forms an integral part of the U10 line’s daily service.

Zubrnicky little engine

From March 29th to October 31st, each Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday, the historic motor train operates along the route from Ústí n. L. Střekov to Velké Březno and Zubrnice. The primary vehicle along the Zubrnice railway is a motor car from the 801 series (M 131.1) known as Hurvínek.

Kokořínsky fast train

From March 22nd to October 28th, the Kokořínský fast train will run on its route from Prague to Mělník and Mšeno. This train features the classic Czechoslovak T 478.1 series motor locomotive along with original style coupé cars produced in East Germany.

Haná Summer in the Dormitories

Every holiday Saturday and on May 1st and 8th, an excursion train will operate between Kroměříž, Kojetín, Tovačov, and Chropyně. Additionally, the railway museum in Kroměříž will be open from 9 am to 5 pm.

Moldovan roller coaster

The Moldovan roller coaster (also referred to as the Teplice Semmering) is a local railway that links the North Bohemian coal basin to the very summits of the Ore Mountains. The line was gradually constructed between 1887 and 1885. Trains operate here throughout the year on weekends and holidays. In the Osek – town station building, there’s an exhibit showcasing this remarkable line, which will be open in 2025 on the following dates: April 19, May 17, June 21, July 19, and on August 13-24, and October 18.

Táborská Elinka and Bobina

A delightful summer in South Bohemia includes rides on Elinka trains from Tábor to Bechyně. This railway, the very first electrified one in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, was constructed by the inventor František Křižík and has been in continuous operation for nearly as long as Zubačka in the Jizera Mountains. You can take rides here at any time, though the schedule for nostalgic rides led by Elinka and the second locomotive Bobinka has yet to be announced. They are likely to run during the holiday season.

Jindřichův Hradec narrow gauge railway

After two years, the much-loved narrow gauge railway connecting Jindřichův Hradec to Nová Bystřice was restored last year. However, the schedule for the 2025 season is still pending. In the meantime, you can check out the narrow gauge museum located at the station in Nová Bystřice. As a fan of technical monuments, don’t overlook the Museum of American Veterans, which is open daily, except Mondays, during the summer months.

Special events are held throughout the season

March: by historical train to the exhibition of model railways in Nýřany

On March 29, you can hop aboard a special historical train fitted with retro cars from the 1980s. The journey’s destination will be an exhibition dedicated to model railways and tracks at SKC Nýřany.

April: opening of the ČD museum in Lužná, first ride of the “Ušaté”, train to Křivoklát

Don’t miss the season opening of the ČD Museum in Lužná, which will take place on April 5-6. Visitors can look forward to viewing a renovated portion of the exhibitions as well as an extended route on the narrow-gauge railway, in addition to steam train rides. This season, Czech Railways has prepared new experiences featuring a historic motor train that will run from Prague-Smíchov to Lužná specially for the season opener on April 5.

A thrilling ride featuring the National Technical Museum’s steam locomotive 464.102 “Ušatá,” dating back to 1940, is set for April 5. This train will travel from Ústí nad Labem to Žatec and back. In the town known for its hop farming, a new season is commencing.

On the same day, April 5, you can take a special train from Prague to Chýše, or journey along the line to Protivec – Bochov, which does not offer regular passenger services.

In April, be sure to check out the Pilsner Railway, which will open on April 12-13 and April 26. You can also look forward to the traditional witch burning festivities.

Join the historic train adventure from Pardubice to Hrochov Týnec and back on April 18, where the Easter Bunny and Rabbit are expected to join the fun once again this year.

On April 19, the single Mochovsky motorcycle ride for the year will be on the schedule. This line, Čelákovice – Mochov, was opened on February 11, 1883, by the Austrian Local Railway Company to facilitate freight transport to the Mochov sugar factory. Regular transport was stopped on December 9, 2006.

On April 19, you can journey on a historic engine train and a steam train to Křivoklát. Furthermore, on Sunday, April 20, you can enjoy a trip from Prague-Vršovice to Týnec nad Sázavou, or perhaps venture to Kácov for a drink of green beer.

If you’re looking for a unique experience, don’t miss out on April 26, when Výtopna Slaný is organizing a journey to Great America. On the same date, a wine express train will head to Mutěnice, opening its wine cellars. Additionally, the Cologne Beet Groove will kick off the 19th season this exciting weekend, running on April 26-27.

May: National Technical Museum’s Steam Weekend and Train Rides

On May 2 and 9, hop aboard the Kralovice Express train and travel from Prague Central Station to Kralovice.

During the weekend of May 3 and 4, a steam train will operate from the ČD Museum in Lužná to Rakovník, Řevničov, and Krupa, utilizing our oldest functioning steam locomotive, Kafemlejnek (310.072) from 1899.

The Plzenecká železnice is preparing for rides on May 10, and there will be a children’s day celebrated here on May 31.

On Saturday, May 17, the National Technical Museum’s steam train will set off for Brandýs nad Labem for an audience with Emperor Charles I.

The weekend of May 17 and 18 at the ČD Museum in Lužná will be devoted to the Steam Weekend. You can engage with interactive displays, reconstruct a signal, operate a level crossing, or signal for a train to depart. On Sunday, May 18, you can attend the event by riding the steam train from Prague with the National Technical Museum.

From Slany, you can embark on a journey on May 24 to Plasy Monastery. A week later, on May 31, enjoy a special train route from Olomouc to Mladějov in Moravia.

June: motor and steam rides, Rožnov steam, Kralovice fast train

Historical trains will again take you from Prague to the ČD Museum in Lužná on June 7. On this day and the following June 8, you can also experience a steam train ride.

This year, for the first time, you can June 21 ride a steam train from Valašské Meziříčí to Rožnov pod Radhoštěm and back.

On Friday, June 27, you can take the Kralovice Express train for a journey from Prague’s main railway station to Kralovice near Rakovník. The train consists of the legendary T 478.1 class “cloudy” diesel locomotive and stylish Bix passenger cars from the 1960s.

July: Historical motorbike to the museum, steam in Rožnov

You can travel to the ČD Museum in Lužná via historical train on July 5. The train will journey from Prague-Smíchov passing through Kladno and Stochov. This train, made up of cars from the Retro Ostravan series, will be powered by either the Zamračená or Brejlovec diesel locomotive.

The Rožnov steam or steam train from Valašské Meziříčí to Rožnov pod Radhoštěm and back will operate again on July 5 and 12.

On Fridays, you can ride the Kralovice express train on July 25, while the Pilsen railway will be open on July 26.

August: steam summer in Bezdružice

You can reach the ČD Museum in Lužná by historical train on August 2. For the weekend August 2 and 3, the exciting Steam Summer in Bezdružické is planned—let’s hope for pleasant weather so the steam train can run.

The steam train from Valašské Meziříčí to Rožnov pod Radhoštěm will return on August 9. The Pilsen Railway is also ready for August trips on August 16.

September, October: on trains to Stary Plzenec or by motorboat to the ČD Museum for steam rides

ODuring the weekend of September 13 and 14, the Pilsen Railroad will be operational, with plans to run from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on both days. The railway will also reopen on October 4 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

In both September and October, you can enjoy a ride on the historic train (September 6, October 4-5) to the ČD Museum. On the weekend of September 6 and 7, the final steam ride of the year is scheduled.

 

Unique Steam and Historical Train Experiences in the Czech Republic (2025)