The renovation of the forest railways between Čierny Balog and Dobroč in Slovakia and Nagyirtás and Nagybörzsöny in Hungary is helping to promote tourism and culture around the border between the two countries. A total of 6.25 km of track has been renovated and information wagons, and steam and diesel locomotives have been purchased, all of which has enabled the two railways to attract tourists, families with children, school groups and railway enthusiasts.
Forest railway renovation supports tourism in Hungary and Slovakia
- 20 July 2015
Both railways have a long history and were already well known among their target groups. The project aimed to upgrade the services on offer and foster cooperation between partners on both sides of the border so as to create a truly international tourist attraction.
Along with renovation of tracks and purchase of rolling stock, promotional material such as posters, films, postcards and a website were produced in support of the project. As a result, the total number of visitors to the railways reached 85 000; a significant increase.
Health benefits and equal opportunities
The project was cost effective as it entailed reconstructing existing railways rather than building new ones. Transport by rail is more environmentally friendly than by road and the railway offers talks and presentations for students about the benefits of railways for the environment.
The railway can also be beneficial for health as it provides access to the Dobroč forest which is a good place for cycling and winter hiking. The attractions are also accessible for people with reduced mobility, via wagons able to accommodate wheelchairs, while discounted tickets are available for socially disadvantaged groups.
Economic boost
Forest railways are very important to the region, given that in 1983, Čierny Balog had no hostels or hotels, whereas now, largely thanks to development of the railways as an attraction, it has over 150 tourist beds. A forest museum has also been opened at the railway terminus, with a connecting ski lift.
Further development of the railways thus has positive effects on other tourist services, leading to the creation of new facilities, economic development and greater social and cultural cohesion. It is therefore encouraging that a new project covering the next phase of reconstruction is to be launched.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Forest railways” is EUR 1 849 686, of which the EU’s European Regional Development Fund is contributing EUR 1 519 430 from the Operational Programme “Hungary - Slovak Republic” for the 2007 to 2013 programming period.