History
The Bieszczady Forest Railway was built in 1898 on the initiative of the Austro-Hungarian authorities in Galicia — the original line from Nowy Łupków to Cisna was to carry timber from the Bieszczady forests to Przemyśl. In the decades that followed the network grew — at its peak it had more than 100 km of track, linking dozens of villages and forest clearings.
After the war, despite the resettlement of the population, the railway kept working until 1994 carrying timber. It was due to be scrapped that same year, but a group of enthusiasts saved part of it and turned it into a visitor attraction. Today the railway is in private hands, run by a foundation, with about 25 km of track used purely for tourism.
The routes
- Majdan → Przysłup (about 9 km, about 1 hour) — the most popular, from the station at Majdan (on the DK897), ending at Przysłup
- Majdan → Balnica (about 12 km, about 1.5 hours) — the alternative, towards the Slovak border
- The full route Cisna ↔ Przysłup ↔ Balnica — on selected days, for enthusiasts
- Special steam-hauled services — on selected weekends (steam locomotives, at a higher fare)
The rolling stock — a technical monument
What runs on the line?
- Steam locomotives — several from the 1920s to the 1950s, regularly maintained
- Diesel locomotives — used more often (cheaper and cleaner)
- Wooden passenger carriages — open-topped (seasonally) or with closed compartments
- The old station at Majdan — with a railway museum
Who it suits
The railway is ideal for families with children — the ride is gentle, the views spectacular and children love it (the steam engine above all). It is also an attraction for people who do not want to walk in the mountains but do want to see the Bieszczady. From the windows you look out on virgin beech and fir forest, stream valleys and the remains of old villages.
Tickets: adults about 40 zł (diesel) or about 60 zł (steam), less for children. Booking online is advisable in season. There are 2–3 services a day in season (June to September), and more at weekends.
How to get there and practical info
- Main station
- Majdan near Cisna (on the DK897)
- From Cisna
- About 3 km to the station at Majdan
- Ticket
- About 40 zł diesel, about 60 zł steam
- Season
- May to September (sometimes longer at weekends)
- Journey time
- 1–1.5 hours one way
- Parking
- Free at the station
- Booking
- Advisable online (in season)
Gallery
Photos taken on site. Photo: Marek Marcola.
When to go
The season starts in May. Few people and freshly green woods.
The height of the season; book ahead for July and August. Steam at weekends.
September and October, with the finest colours. An ideal time for photographers.
The railway is closed. Some Christmas services run — check the calendar.
Other sights in Bieszczady
Straight-line distances from „The Bieszczady Forest Railway" — calculated from real coordinates. By road it is often further.
Where to stay nearby
Places from our list that have The Bieszczady Forest Railway within walking distance or a short drive.
