Steam in Poland

Enjoy a full-throttle journey through Poland’s remarkable main line and narrow gauge steam railways, with the spectacular Wolsztyn Steam Gala and a selection of fascinating “off the beaten path” heritage lines as the highlight.

• Based in historic Poznań, enjoy main line steam journeys and exclusive charters on four narrow-gauge railways, travelling through some of Poland’s most scenic countryside in heritage coaches.
• Experience the world-famous Wolsztyn Steam Gala, with international locomotives, main line excursions, parallel running and spectacular yard races.
• Enjoy the return of steam on Poznań’s Maltanka Park Railway and the Sochaczew Narrow Gauge Railway, experiencing Poland’s charming 600 mm and 750 mm “Little Trains”.
• Travel behind renowned Px29, Px48, Las and Pt47 locomotives at Środa Wielkopolska, Sochaczew, Zbiersk and Wolsztyn.
• Ride your own private charter train through the spectacular mountain railways of Lower Silesia, including some recently reopened routes.
• Discover Poznań’s rich history, culture and extensive tram network from a centrally located hotel, with a complimentary public transport rover ticket included.

Friday 30 April

Arrive to Poznań

Fly non-stop from London to Poznań in Western Poland. On Arrival transfer to your centrally located hotel,where you’ll stay for the duration of the tour. You’ll receive a complimentary public transport ticket for full use on the tram network. The remainder of the day is free to explore the city and become familiar with the tram system. In the evening meet with fellow travellers for dinner together at a traditional brew house in the Old Town on the main market square. (D) 

Saturday 1 May

Grand steam locomotive parade and steam festival in Wolsztyn 

Today is dedicated entirely to the famous Wolsztyn steam locomotive parade, one of the premier steam galas in Continental Europe. This years event features an expanded programme with both the home fleet and numerous international guest locomotives from around Europe. You will have the opportunity to travel steam-hauled on the special festival excursion trains and enjoy some excellent photographic opportunities throughout the day. The festival is a vibrant hive of activity, offering an atmosphere unlike any other in Europe. Highlights include the spectacular grand steam parade, individual locomotive presentations, and impressive demonstrations of showmanship by the engine crews. Following the parade, the steam-hauled excursion trains typically operate over one or two of the picturesque branch lines around Wolsztyn, providing further opportunities to experience these magnificent locomotives in action. (B)

Sunday 2 May

Steam at the Maltanka Park railway and heritage tramway in Poznań

Today you will stay in Poznań and visit the Maltanka Park Railway, a charming 3.8 km (2.4-mile) narrow-gauge line located in the eastern part of the city beside the picturesque Lake Malta. Following the completed overhaul of its 1925 Borsig steam tender locomotive, you will enjoy a memorable steam-hauled journey through the park and along the lakeshore, with splendid views of Poznań’s iconic twin-spired cathedral. Later, you will discover more of this historic city on a delightful sightseeing tour aboard one of Poznań’s beautifully preserved historic trams, offering a unique perspective on its impressive architecture and vibrant atmosphere. (B)

Monday 3 May

Steam at the Sroda narrow gauge railway

Today you get to experience quintessential Polish 750 mm narrow gauge steam at the Sroda Wielkopolska railway, which is located just southeast of Poznan. The originally metre gauge ‘Schrodaer Kreisbahn’ had a total length of almost 100 km, but today your heritage steam train will travel the length of the remaining 14 km long line from Środa Wielkopolska to Zaniemyśl, hauled by one of the impressive post-war 0-8-0 tender locomotives of the Px48 Class. On route, there will be stops for photo and film opportunities, as you travel across tranquil plains filled with chequered fields and meadows, small rivers, streams, and wooded hills. Lunch will be taken at Zaniemysl, before the steam-hauled return trip to Sroda and then the ride back to Poznan on a PKP service train. (B L)

Tuesday 4 May

Main line ‘Plandampf’ at Wolsztyn

Today you return to Poland’s most famous steam town. Established in 1886, the Wolsztyn roundhouse is located at the junction of two lines and renown as the last standard gauge ‘Plandampf’ depot in Europe. After a scheduled Kolehe Wielkopolski (KW)service train from Poznan to Wolsztyn, you’ll enjoy a hearty Polish lunch in a stylish restaurant.

Afterwards, you are hauled by the home fleet’s stalwart Pt47 tender locomotive either from Wolsztyn to Zbąszynek or to Leszno. The olive-green compartment coaches, complete with opening drop-down windows, recreate the atmosphere of railway travel in the 1970s. Following this nostalgic journey through Poland’s steam railway heritage, there will be ample opportunities for photography before you return to Poznań aboard a PKP Intercity train. (B L)

Wednesday 5 May

Narrow gauge steam at Sochaczew

Travel east by loco-hauled PKP Intercity train to Sochaczew, birthplace of famed composer Fryderyk Chopin. Here you visit the railway museum, home to Poland’s largest collection of preserved narrow-gauge steam locomotives, before boarding your private charter over the full length of the 750 mm-gauge line to Wilcze Tułowskie. The star of the day is Px29-1704, the distinctive 0-8-0 tender locomotive built in 1929. Behind this historic machine, travel through peaceful rural countryside to the forested terminus, where an al-fresco lunch awaits.

There will be plenty of opportunities for photography, run-pasts and scenic stops before the steam train returns to Sochaczew in the late afternoon. Finally, board your PKP Intercity train for the journey back to Poznań. (B L)

Thursday 6 May

Main line tour on re-opened mountainous lines in Lower Silesia

Today’s highlight is a scenic main-line charter through the hills of Lower Silesia, hauled by a vintage diesel locomotive. A short PKP Intercity journey takes you from Poznań to Wrocław, where you board your private charter behind a large, distinctive green retro diesel, restored to immaculate condition. Heading south towards the Czech border, the train follows the recently reopened main-line routes via Świdnica and Jedlina-Zdrój, making a spectacular circular journey through the rolling landscapes of Lower Silesia. Returning to Wrocław Główny in the afternoon, you have time to appreciate one of Poland’s finest grand railway stations before boarding your PKP Intercity train back to Poznań. (B L)

Friday 7 May

Narrow gauge steam at the Zbiersk narrow gauge railway and dual gauge railway at Pleszew

This noteworthy industrial steam railway near Lodz is the latest narrow gauge railway in Poland to introduce steam traction, thanks to the acquisition of an 0-6-0 ‘Las’ type tank engine. Aboard a private charter train, you travel the full length of the line, offering superb opportunities to photograph this distinctive industrial engine in its natural rural setting north of Kalisz. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant after the round-trip at Zbiersk, Afterwards, continue towards Poznań via Pleszew, where you experience Poland’s unique dual-gauge railway – the country’s only surviving facility of its kind. (B L)

Saturday 8 May

Return to London

The time has come to say ‘Do widzenia’ to Poland as your railway adventure draws to a close. Transfer to Poznań Airport for your direct flight back to London. (B)