Alūksnes Bānīša stacija
Multimedia exhibition in the historic baggage shed of the Alūksne station about the Gulbene–Alūksne narrow-gauge railway, the only narrow-gauge line in the Baltics with regular services.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The exhibition is set up in the historic baggage shed of the Alūksne railway station and opened in 2018. Its author is the design studio H2E, and the work has received several national and international awards in design, architecture and the museum sector. In 2022 the Alūksnes Bānīša stacija (Alūksne Bānītis Station) was included on the shortlist for the European Museum of the Year Award.
The exhibition’s visual code is baggage boxes that serve as information stores: inside them, visitors find facts about railway history, photographs, video reports and the stories of ten stations. The story speaks about the people for whom the Bānītis (the nickname of the narrow-gauge railway) was a friend, helper, workplace and source of inspiration.
Highlights
- Stories of ten stations in audio and video
- Baggage boxes with facts about railway history and photographs
- An outdoor rail maze and augmented reality
- Exhibition materials in English and Estonian
Permanent exhibition
- Alūksnes Bānīša stacija – A multimedia exhibition on the Gulbene–Alūksne narrow-gauge railway and the people who used it.
- Founded
- 2018
- Operated by
- Alūksnes novada pašvaldība
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4pupils, students, seniors |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 6 · Free admission for children up to 6 years of age. |
| Families | €12 |
Entry can be paid in cash or by payment card. A detailed price list is available on the Alūksne tourism portal.
Accessibility
- 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
There is a ramp at the entrance door and there are no thresholds inside the rooms; the exhibition is also accessible to visitors with pushchairs.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €12 |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
Children can use 3D glasses, look into the baggage boxes, and explore the outdoor rail maze and augmented reality. For families (up to 5 people) there is the game “Dzelzceļa detektīvs” (Railway Detective), which must be booked in advance.
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking
There is a free car park by the station for cars and tourist buses.
Amenities & 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
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The visit lasts from 40 minutes to one hour. The exhibition content and materials are also available in English and Estonian. The museum offers an interactive tour, educational sessions and the game “Dzelzceļa detektīvs” (Railway Detective). |