5 unmissable train rides to take this autumn in Hungary

Riding tiny trains is always a brilliant way to lighten up a gloomy autumn day. These small trains differ from their regular-sized counterparts in that they run on a narrower gauge. There are currently more than 20 small trains operating in Hungary.

Kultúra garnered the 5 most beautiful ones that are worth visiting this autumn in Hungary.

Széchenyi Museum Railway, Nagycenk

The Széchenyi Museum Railway in Nagycenk, Győr-Moson-Sopron County, awaits visitors from spring to autumn. The special attraction of this railway is that you can admire the unparalleled scenery from the picturesque Széchényi Castle in Nagycenk all the way to the Fertődoboz Railway Station. Although small trains originally served an economic purpose, this railway was built for touristic reasons. The nearby Gloriett Lookout Tower is also worth a visit. It offers breathtakingly scenic vistas of Lake Fertő. One of the best train rides for leaf peeping in autumn in Hungary.

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Photo: GYSEV Ltd.

Csömödér State Forest Railway

Zala County is home to the country’s longest 110-kilometre railway line. Having said that, visitors can only enjoy a short fraction of the trail line, roughly 33 kilometres of it. The remaining part is still used for logging. For those who would like to learn more about the century-long railway’s history as well as about hunting and forestry traditions, there is a permanent exhibition available. The small train passes through pine and beech forests on its way, allowing passengers to sit back and relax while wistfully admiring the autumn foliage.

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Photo: Zoltán Máthé / MTI

Királyrét Forest Railway

One of the oldest railway lines in the country turn 130 years old this year. The Királyrét Forest Railway offers passengers a 10-kilometre-long exciting landscape from Kismaros to Királyrét. The Danube Bend, rich in fishing lakes, springs and hiking trails, has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in recent years. The railway’s unique small train is called Vili, which uses rechargeable batteries and solar panels in order not to overburden the environment.

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Photo: Balázs Mohai / MTI

Gemenc State Forest Railway

The Gemenc railway is located in Tolna County. It departs from Pörböly and crosses through the Gemenc floodplain forest. During the adventurous journey, tourists can visit various exciting sites: an apiculture exhibition, a Black Stork Study trail and a fantastic playground. The station building is also home to the Pörböly Ecotourism Centre, where visitors can see the exhibition “Treasures of Gemenc: life in the floodplain forest” as well as an interesting pavilion made of larch. It is also a fascinating place for those who wish to discover not only the panorama but also the region’s wildlife. Deer and wild boars can be frequently spotted in the nearby three-hectare wildlife garden.

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Photo: FB Ökoturisztikai Központ Gemenc

Lillafüred Forest Train

The Lillafüred railway runs through the Bükk Mountains. It is one of the most popular railways in the country thanks to the surrounding pristine landscape. Its 14-kilometre picturesque journey is accentuated by the Castle of Diósgyőr, hidden caves, stunning waterfalls, spooky tunnels and impressive valley bridges. This trail makes a spectacular weekend trip even in winter time.