Veteranbanen Bryrup-Vrads
Volunteer-run heritage railway on 5 km of the former Horsens–Bryrup–Silkeborg line with steam and railcar trains through forest and lake country.
About the museum
The line goes back to the Horsens–Bryrup railway, which opened in 1899 as a narrow-gauge line. After World War I it was converted to standard gauge and extended through the hilly terrain to Silkeborg; in 1929 the 60.9 km Horsens–Bryrup–Silkeborg line began full operation. It was the last private railway opened in Denmark and was soon regarded as the most beautiful railway in the country. Vrads station was built in 1928 as part of the extension.
Growing car traffic made the deficits grow; excursion trains, Christmas tree trains and a restaurant train at Vrads station could not save the line. On March 30, 1968, the last regular railbus ran. Even before that day, citizens of Bryrup around the watchmaker Noes Tholstrup had begun to secure the Bryrup–Vrads section as a tourist railway: on November 4, 1968, the association Veteranbanen Bryrup-Vrads was founded, and on April 26, 1969, the first heritage train ran.
Today volunteer members maintain vehicles, track and buildings in their own engine shed with workshops. The rolling stock consists mainly of steam and motor locomotives, railcars and carriages from Danish private railways, supplemented by DSB material. Vrads station with an almost original waiting room belongs to the association and is leased out as a restaurant; the tradition of Christmas tree trains lives on on the weekends of Advent.
Highlights
- Ride on about 5 km of the "most beautiful railway in Denmark" past Kvindsø, Kulsø and Snabe Igelsø
- Steam locomotive trains and historic railcars of Danish private railways
- Vrads station from 1928 with restaurant
- Christmas tree trains on the weekends of Advent
- Veterandag (veteran day) with vintage vehicle meeting at Vrads station
- Founded
- 1968
- Operated by
- Veteranbanen Bryrup-Vrads (Verein)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | DKK 100 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | DKK 50free up to age 2 · Children 0–2 years free, 3–11 years DKK 30 one way or DKK 50 round trip. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –Companions also need a ticket. |
| Groups (30+ people) | –On regular trains 10% discount from 30 adults (group ticket); groups of 12 or more people please register in advance. |
| One-way ticket adult | DKK 60Children 3–11 years DKK 30. |
| Day ticket Veterandag | DKK 150Children 3–11 years DKK 75. |
| Person with bicycle | DKK 100Price of the round-trip ticket, valid for one direction only. |
| Special train with motor train (base price) | DKK 3,500From the 26th adult, regular fare; waiting time over 2 hours DKK 500 per hour started. |
| Special train with steam locomotive (base price) | DKK 11,000From the 41st adult, regular fare; waiting time over 2 hours DKK 750 per hour started. |
Price = round-trip ticket Bryrup–Vrads; tickets are valid for all departures. No reservation needed for regular trains. Payment by cash or card at both stations, MobilePay only in Bryrup (no mobile reception in Vrads); no tickets are sold on the train. Strollers ride free.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
People with disabilities are welcome, but must be able to board and alight the train themselves or with their own companion and load and unload mobility aids.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 2 |
|---|
- Stroller-friendly
Children up to 2 years ride free, 3–11 years at half price. Strollers are taken along free of charge if there is space; on the Christmas tree train they go in the freight car and must be loaded by yourself.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
In Bryrup parking at the bus station (Rutebilstationen), at the church and in the side streets; in Vrads on the area in front of the station building or along the road.
Departure at Bryrup station (Hovedgaden), terminus Vrads station. At large events such as Veterandag, it is recommended to park in Bryrup and take the train to Vrads.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Restaurant
Restaurant Vrads Station in Vrads station, open on all regular operating days; table reservations directly with the restaurant.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
- Weddings / ceremonies
Up to 230 guests.
Special trains (railbus up to 100, Triangel up to 130, locomotive or steam train up to 230 people) for birthdays, confirmations, weddings, company outings and photo rides; stops on request also at the Skaaningbro and Snabe Igelsø halts. Inquiry by email at least 15 days in advance.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Good to know | The ride between Bryrup and Vrads takes about 15 minutes in each direction. Bicycles can be taken along if there is space, as can dogs on a leash (not on the Christmas tree train). Groups of 12 or more people please register by email. Phone staffed by volunteers only 14:00–19:00. |
|---|
