Narrow Gauge in Bohemia & Lower Austria

Day 1 – London to Cologne

Depart on a mid-morning Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Brussels, then onward to Cologne for an overnight stay.

Day 2 – Rhine Valley & Dresden

We take the scenic route along the River Rhine that delivers wonderful views of the river traffic, castles and the famous Lorely Rock. From Frankfurt we continue to Dresden, where we find our hotel for the next 3 nights conveniently situated opposite the station.

Day 3 – Dresden Area Narrow Gauge

The Lössnitzgrund and Weisseritztal narrow gauge lines to Radeburg and Freital Hainsberg respectively still operate steam services, and we ride both today. If you have ridden these lines previously, it is possible to opt out – there is plenty to see and do in Dresden itself.

Day 4 – Paddle Steamer on the Elbe

The traditional Elbe paddle steamers are an attraction in their own right and the scenery is a bonus as we make the journey through Saxon Switzerland to Bad Schandau. Here, we have time to take the historic Kirnitzschtal interurban tramway which runs through the valley to the Lictenhein waterfall, before crossing the Elbe by ferry and returning to Dresden by train.

Day 5 – Bohemia Beckons

There is a regular service of direct trains between Dresden and Prague and, from here, we head to Jindrichuv Hradec, a pleasant, small medieval town close to the Austrian border. The castle was converted into a Renaissance chateau and now dominates the town – we stay here for 4 nights in a charming family-run establishment.

Days 6 & 7 – Bohemian Narrow Gauge

The two lines which go in opposite directions from Jindrichuv Hradec are not well known internationally, but are very pleasant bye-ways, nonetheless. Both lines were closed in 2022, but it should be fully operational again in time for our visit. A workshop tour behind the scenes will also be possible.

Day 8 – Cesky Krumlov

Enjoy a day trip to Cesky Krumlov today, this is the main town of the region, and a popular tourist destination. Boasting a fine medieval castle, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town is around two hours from Jindrichuv Hradec by mainline train.

Day 9 – Into Austria

By mainline train across the border into Austria to Gmünd, where we arrive early afternoon. Our hotel for the next 3 nights is in the main square at the heart of the historic town.

Day 10 – Narrow Gauge to Groß Gerungs

The two Waldviertelbahn lines from Gmünd operate steam trains on just two weekends per month, but we have done our best to schedule our visit around this constraint (on other days diesel trains operate). We begin by journeying on the southern branch of this nostalgic line which locomotives have been travelling along for more than 100 years. The steam service departs early afternoon, arriving back at 18.25.

Day 11 – Steam to Litschau

The steam loco switches to the northern branch on a Sunday, running both morning and afternoon services up to Litschau.

Day 12 – Return to Germany

We travel cross-country via Tulln to St. Pölten which is on the mainline between Vienna and Salzburg. Here we connect to an ICE train and continue along the Danube Valley, crossing the border into Germany at Passau and arriving in Nuremberg late afternoon for a 2-night stay.

Day 13 – Nuremberg

Enjoy a free day in this charming, walkable city. Visit the Imperial Castle, or one of the many museums. Alternatively, you could travel on the three underground lines, three tramways and four S-bahn lines, or even explore further afield with your InterRail Pass.

Day 14 – Return to Cologne

A regular service of fast trains links the two cities, and we should arrive back in Cologne with ample time to see some of the main sights. Once again, we overnight close to the railway station.

Day 15 – Homeward Bound

Morning ICE to Brussels where we connect with the Eurostar service to London, arriving mid-afternoon.