Bānītis (Gulbene–Alūksne)

SIA Gulbenes-Alūksnes bānītis
Latvia
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The Journey

Navigate from Gulbene Station to Alūksne Station across a span of 33km.

Scenery Highlights
  • Vidzeme Region Forests — dense pine and birch woodland throughout the route
  • Gulbene Depot Turntable — dual-gauge heritage feature unique in the Baltics
  • Traditional Latvian Countryside — farms, churches, and village landscapes
  • Alūksne Lake Views — views of the lake from the eastern approach to Alūksne
  • Historic narrow-gauge bridges — steel and timber bridges along the route
Quick Facts
  • Duration

    1.4 hours

  • Distance

    33 km

  • Est. Price

    Ultra-affordable — €5 standard / €8 steam special

Official Booking Provider
Classes & Accommodations

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Engine / Locomotive

TZ-40 diesel locomotive (regular service); Gr-319 'Ferdinands' steam locomotive (special days)

Locomotive Weight

~20 tonnes (TZ-40 diesel)

Track Gauge

750 mm narrow gauge

Braking Technology

Vacuum brake system

Route Engineering Challenges

  • 33km single-track narrow gauge preservation — limited passing loops require careful scheduling

  • Dual-gauge turntable at Gulbene Depot — allows both narrow and standard gauge locomotives to be turned

  • Heritage wooden bridges — several timber bridges require ongoing maintenance

  • Limited passing loops — only one passing section on the line

Line length

33 km

Opened

1903

Status

Operational heritage railway

Heritage status

National historical monument since 1998

Journey time

~1h 25min

Steam days 2026

Apr 4, 18 | May 2, 16, 30 | Jun 13, 27 | Jul 11, 25 | Aug 8, 22 | Sep 5, 19 | Oct 3, 17, 31 | Dec 19

Quick Facts
  • Duration

    1.4 hours

  • Distance

    33 km

  • Est. Price

    Ultra-affordable — €5 standard / €8 steam special

Official Booking Provider