Good Practices - Slovenia
Slovenian railways heritage train



Slovenian Railways Heritage Train made its inaugural journey in 1986 when the tourist agency Slovenijaturist organized the first sightseeing journey down the beautiful Bohinj railway line. Ever since, the result has been a sharp increase in the number of journeys and interest therein. It is to be expected since the atmosphere inside the train can only be described as excellent. The train's staff, from the train driver to the service personnel, ensure that passengers are well taken care of and never go hungry or thirsty, particularly during the hot summer days. It is also possible to send postcards to loved ones from the post office on the train.

Offer is divided to regular journeys (departures from May until beginning of November), private excursions and hires (for weddings, business meetings, presentations, concerts etc.)

Jump back in time when taking a scenic ride on the steam train on the picturesque Bohinj railway, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2006, and discovering the fragments of past, is unforgettable and memorable experience for tourists and domestic residents, especially for families with small children.

Trip begins at Jesenice through Bled to Kanal. Anyone who likes travelling by train is sure to savour every moment of the two hours needed to complete the journey on the Bohinj rail line, as they are enjoying the view of Lake Bled and numerous gorges and plains, as well as the ride through tunnels. Distinctive features of the railway are the 6,339 metres (20,797 ft)-long Bohinj Tunnel under 1,498 metres (4,915 ft) high Mount Kobla and the Solkan Bridge with its 85 metres (279 ft) wide arch over the Soča River.

Solkan Bridge, the second-longest stone bridge in the world with lake Bled

Journey is a fun experience, providing passengers with a great many tips and interesting info on both the train and Bohinj railway. On board light meals, snacks, and drinks at the buffet car are available. The train arrives to Kanal at 11:18am, where the enchanting journey continues by bus along the Soča River, past Anhovo and Plave, to the westernmost part of Gorica hills, to picturesque hamlets, vineyards and fruit orchards. On the way to Dobrovo, a quick stop is provided at the town of Gonjače to catch a magnificent view of the Gorica Hills in all their glory from a 23-metre high viewing tower. If the weather is good, it is possible to see as far as the Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Julian Alps, and even Karst. Train passes by the medieval hamlet of Šmartno, a tiny village located in the heart of the Gorica Hills, where excellent wines from the region of Goriška Brda could be tasted. Late afternoon the steam train slowly makes the way back towards Upper Carniola (Slovenian: Gorenjska).

Bohinj railway line connecting coastal area with central Europe and steam historical train that operates the heritage train ride.
3. Challenges and barriers in implementing /introducing selected good practice and respective ways used in order to overcome or limit risks

Preparation and construction works of Bohinj railway line began in 1900. The construction was finished in 1906. During the First and especially during the Second World war the line was ruined and damaged. The line was modernized after 1960, the upper structure of the railways was replaced, numerous bridges and tunnels was tempered and renovated, telecommunications and signalling devices was modernized. Nowadays regular maintenance works are performed.

4. Funding mechanism, cooperation schemes developed and institutional reforms made

Due to the need of regular maintenance works on the railway line, sufficient amount of funds is needed as well as funds for the promotions and organisation of the historical journeys with steam train.

5. Factors of success

Very good promotion and great organisation of historical journeys along with regular maintenance of railway line and keeping steam train in great condition are major factors of success.

6. Recommendations, transferability

It is recommended to all Partners to include historical trains in their railway system to stir up interest among residents, particularly children and younger generation, and tourists for using trains, as part of their modes of transport through great and funny experience on their historical journey with steam train.



Intermodality Promotion and Rail Renaissance in Adriatic - Ionian Region

This project is supported by the Interreg ADRION Programme funded under the European Regional Development Fund and IPA II fund.

Inter-Connect aims at promoting intermodal passengers transportation and revitalising rail …

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Contact

Technical Coordinator - Toolkit

Hellenic Institute of Transport
Dr. Maria Morfoulaki
marmor@certh.gr
Glykeria Myrovali
myrovali@certh.gr