Kemencei Erdei Múzeumvasút
A 600 mm forest light railway in the Börzsöny, run by volunteers, with a collection of rolling stock; trains run between Kemence and Feketevölgy.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The history of the light railways built in the northern part of the Börzsöny was for a long time tied to timber extraction. The centuries-old route of the Csarnavölgyi erdei vasút (Csarnavölgy forest railway) almost completely lost its role after the change of regime, and floods seriously damaged it. In 2000, members of the Kisvasutak Baráti Köre Egyesület (Light Railway Friends’ Association) restored the track and restarted operations.
At the beginning, two MD-40 class locomotives and four open passenger carriages were available. Since then the rolling stock has been expanded with vehicles rescued from the country’s closed light railways: diesel locomotives, battery-electric locomotives, passenger and freight wagons, mine railway wagons and track maintenance vehicles are all part of the collection.
The railway’s technical speciality, among passenger light railways, is its rare 600 mm gauge and its winding alignment. It is the only light railway in Hungary operated exclusively by voluntary work. In cooperation with Ipoly Erdő Zrt. (Ipoly Forest Company) and the association, trains run to a timetable over the roughly four-kilometre Kemence–Feketevölgy section, at weekends and on public holidays.
Highlights
- 600 mm gauge forest light railway in the Börzsöny
- Railway operated exclusively by voluntary work
- Rolling stock: diesel and battery locomotives, mine railway wagons
- Timetabled services between Kemence and Feketevölgy
- Steam-hauled trains on special occasions
Permanent exhibition
- Járműgyűjtemény – A collection of diesel and battery locomotives, passenger and freight wagons, mine railway wagons and track maintenance vehicles rescued from closed Hungarian light railways.
- Founded
- 2000
- Operated by
- Kisvasutak Baráti Köre Egyesület (Ipoly Erdő Zrt.-vel együttműködésben)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | HUF 2,200 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | HUF 1,500children aged 6–14, students in full-time education up to age 18, and two parents or grandparents travelling with at least three children under 18 |
| Children & teens | HUF 1,500Reduced single ticket for ages 6–14. |
| Students & apprentices | HUF 1,500For full-time students up to age 18. |
| Families | HUF 1,500The reduced ticket also applies to two adults travelling with at least three of their children or grandchildren under 18. |
| Return ticket, 5 km (full price, over 14) | HUF 2,700 |
| Return ticket, 5 km (reduced) | HUF 1,900 |
| Single journey, 2 km (full price) | HUF 1,400 |
| Single journey, 2 km (reduced) | HUF 1,000 |
| Supplement for a steam-hauled train | HUF 2,500 |
| Bicycle transport | HUF 1,500 |
| Basic charge for a special train | HUF 40,000 |
| Basic charge for a steam-hauled special train | HUF 270,000 |
The prices apply to a single journey over the entire route of about 5 km and remain valid until revoked. Transport of live animals (for example dogs) is free of charge.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Kemence, Jókai Mór utca (kisvasút bejárati út)
From Budapest by train to Szob (Z70), then by bus 355 to the Kemence, Jókai Mór utca stop (the entrance road to the light railway), on average about 2 hours. From Vác, bus 332 via Drégelypalánk to the same stop.
By car
Parking available
The grassy area opposite the gate can be used for parking.
By car from Budapest via Vác–Szob–Kemence, about 100 km. The terminus of the Kemence light railway is by the former county hall, turning off onto the forest road (marked by tourist direction signs). Bicycles can be left under supervision during the railway’s operating hours.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | A single journey between Kemence and Feketevölgy takes about 23 minutes. Trains stop at the intermediate halts only when passengers wish to get on or off, so passengers who want to alight must signal this to the ticket inspector. Information and special train orders: +36 20 586 5242. |
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