Mariager-Handest Veteranjernbane
Denmark's longest heritage railway: historic railcars and carriages from 1900–1950 over 17 km between Mariager and the listed Handest station.
About the museum
The railway line between Mariager and Viborg was opened in 1927 as a private railway and operated until 1966. After a few years without traffic, the veteran railway began operating on the Mariager–Handest section on May 2, 1970.
The line is 17 kilometers long and takes about 45 minutes in each direction through fjord landscape, forest, hills, and river valleys; along the way the trains stop at True and, on request, at several small halts. The terminus is Handest station, which is a listed building and has changed little since it opened.
The trains run with locomotives, railcars, and passenger carriages from the period between 1900 and 1950 that once ran on Danish private railways – including carriages with open platforms and teak interiors as well as a red railbus. The railway is operated by volunteers in historic uniforms, who also issue tickets in the old style. In addition to the regular summer timetable, there are themed trips such as chestnut and Halloween trains as well as combined tours with bus and excursion ship.
Highlights
- 17 km ride from Mariager through fjord and forest landscape to Handest
- Listed Handest station with waiting room and station office
- Historic vehicles of Danish private railways from 1900–1950
- Themed trips such as the chestnut train and Halloween train during the autumn school holidays
- Combined tour "TrekantRuten" with heritage railway, bus, and the excursion ship Svanen
- Founded
- 1970
Admission & discounts
| Adults | DKK 140 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | DKK 70Children 4–11 years DKK 70 (Mariager–Handest round trip). |
| Mariager–True round trip | DKK 90Children 4–11 years DKK 45. |
| TrekantRuten (heritage railway, bus, and ship Svanen) | DKK 275Children 4–11 years DKK 125; advance registration via Fjordtours required, only on designated summer days. |
Fare Mariager–Handest round trip. Dogs, bicycles, and strollers ride free. On the Halloween train (October 15, 2026), children under 12 with a pumpkin lantern accompanied by an adult ride free. Advance online booking recommended.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
The autumn-holiday trips are meant as a family outing (chestnut gathering, Halloween train). Strollers are carried free of charge; in Handest there is a small model railway that children can ride.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Parking near Mariager station.
Departure from Mariager station (Ny Havnevej 3) at the harbor.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café: not available
Kiosk and restrooms at Handest station; picnic area and a small model railway for children are also there.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
Entire trains can be chartered for private occasions ("Lej dit eget tog"); details on request.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | no |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Travel time about 45 minutes in each direction; stopover in Handest between the outbound and return trips. The trains stop at the small halts (Lunddalen, Fjelsted, Brødløs, Vester Tørslev, Glenstrup) on request only. |
