Gulbenes–Alūksnes bānītis

About the museum

Construction of the Gulbene–Alūksne narrow-gauge railway was started in 1898 by the Zemes pievedceļu sabiedrība (Land Access Roads Company). In 1902 a temporary train service was opened from Pļaviņas to Alūksne, and on 15 August 1903 the entire railway was put into operation. Over time the line was shortened: in 1916 the section Pļaviņas–Gulbene was rebuilt as a broad-gauge railway, and from the end of the 1960s train services on the Valka–Alūksne section were gradually closed. Since 1973 trains have run only on the Gulbene–Alūksne section.

Today the line has one station – Gulbene – and nine stops. The most important of them – Kalniena, Stāmeriena, Paparde, Umerniki and Alūksne – still have their historic station buildings. The railway's rolling stock includes five diesel locomotives and one steam locomotive, a snowplough, passenger and freight wagons, as well as a hand-operated rail trolley (drezīna) and a rail bicycle. The line is a state-protected industrial monument.

The company SIA Gulbenes–Alūksnes bānītis was founded in 2001, and since 3 January 2002 it has operated regular passenger services on behalf of the state. It also restores historic rolling stock and buildings, promotes the history of the railway and organises tourism events. In summer, on certain Saturdays, a train with the steam locomotive Gr-319 “Ferdinands” makes its run.

The Gulbene depot is typical of the early 20th century: a fan-shaped locomotive depot with a turntable, and the only one in Latvia with tracks of two gauges. An exhibition on the Gulbene–Alūksne narrow-gauge railway can be seen in the ground-floor corridor of the administration building.

Highlights

• The only regularly operating narrow-gauge train in the Baltics
• Trips with the steam locomotive Gr-319 “Ferdinands” on Saturdays
• Fan-shaped depot with a two-gauge turntable in Gulbene
• Free exhibition on the narrow-gauge railway
• Historic station buildings in Alūksne, Stāmeriena and Kalniena

Permanent exhibition

• Gulbenes–Alūksnes šaursliežu dzelzceļa ekspozīcija – Free exhibition in the ground-floor corridor of the administration building of the Gulbene depot on the history of the narrow-gauge railway.

Founded

1903

Operated by

SIA „Gulbenes–Alūksnes bānītis”

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• 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

For technical reasons the historic narrow-gauge passenger carriages are not equipped with assistive devices, but a ride on the train is also possible for people with special needs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

In summer there are themed trips with tastings of local produce; in autumn there are school excursions. Festive trips at Easter and Christmas are possible.

Getting there & parking

By car from Riga along the A2 motorway to the Smiltene turn-off, then along the P27 to Gulbene. There is a publicly accessible 22 kW electric vehicle charging point at the Gulbene depot.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Souvenirs are available. Next to the Gulbene depot are the guesthouse “Depo” and a traditional Latvian sauna (pirts).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

It is possible to order a special train trip, an excursion, a corporate event, a family celebration or a wedding trip in a decorated train.

Plan your visit