Kupała: By steam train at the foot of Śłęża
Feel the magic of retro travel! Enjoy a scenic steam train ride at the foot of Mount Ślęża. Pick your seat on the interactive wagon map and book online!
About this trip
In October, we invite you aboard the unique "Niedźwiadek" special train, which will take passengers on a classic scenic journey along the picturesque railway routes of Lower Silesia. The event combines the atmosphere of old long-distance travel with authentic technical heritage, offering a multi-hour expedition in a historic trainset hauled by a steam locomotive. The route traverses the scenic Sudeten Foothills, including Poland’s oldest railway junction at Jaworzyna Śląska. On the return leg, the train will travel along a route not normally accessible to passengers: from Wrocław Zachodni via the Gądów freight station.
The train is hauled by the vintage express steam locomotive BR 35 1097-1, a unique example of European engineering heritage. The consist comprises classic passenger carriages from the 1960s through the 1980s, equipped with steam heating. The train also includes original "Mitropa" dining cars, serving hot meals, beverages, and traditional snacks throughout the journey.
Route
- Wrocław16:20
- Jaworzyna Śląska18:21
The journey begins at Wrocław Główny railway station, from where the historic train heads south towards the Sudeten Foreland along the recently refurbished railway line no. 285. The train traverses the Silesian Lowlands with panoramic views of the Mount Ślęża massif and passes through Świdnica Miasto station, heading straight to the only scheduled stop on the route—Jaworzyna Śląska. In Jaworzyna Śląska, the historic heart of the Lower Silesian railway junction, time is set aside for photography and observing the lubrication of the steam locomotive. Here, passengers can experience the atmosphere of classic rail travel up close and witness the engine being prepared for the return run. The return leg from Jaworzyna Śląska to Wrocław is operated tender-first at a speed of 50 km/h. The leisurely pace allows passengers to admire the sunset. The return route runs without additional stops directly through the expansive Wrocław Gądów freight station—bypassing scheduled passenger traffic—up to the ceremonial arrival under the platform hall of Wrocław Główny, where the train completes its full Lower Silesian loop.
Timetable and prices by station
| Station | Arrival | Departure | Platform | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrocław Główny | — | 16:20 | ||
| Jaworzyna Śląska | 18:21 | — |
Where you can board
The journey may only begin and end at Wrocław Główny station. We recommend arriving at the platform at least 15 minutes before departure. If in doubt, please check the railops.org website and station information. Please do not open the doors or disembark during brief technical stops.
- Wrocław Głównydeparture 16:20, back at 20:20PLN 139 – PLN 209
The prices shown are for a standard return ticket, from second to first class. Reduced, senior and family tickets are scaled in the same proportion.
The train and its coaches
Julchen
The last series-built class of passenger steam locomotives in East Germany, delivered by the Lokomotivbau Karl Marx Babelsberg works in 1959. Locomotive 35 1097-1 belongs to the IG Traditionslok Glauchau association and is currently the only operational engine of this class in Germany. Structurally designed to haul passenger and express trains on lowland and foothill lines, it is equipped with a steam heating system for passenger coaching stock. Each year, it operates dozens of special trains across Germany, the Czech Republic, and Poland.
- Maximum speed:
- 110 km/h
- Rated power:
- 1300 kW
- Driving wheel diameter:
- 1750 mm
- Boiler pressure:
- 16 atm
- Service weight (with tender):
- 150 t
- Tender capacity:
- 28 m³ water / 10 t coal
- Coach 164 seats
- Coach 264 seats
- Coach 364 seats
- Coach 100Wagon służbowy Lausitzer Dampflok Club. Przeznaczony wyłącznie dla wyznaczonej obsługi pociągu.no seating
- Coach 5First-class compartment carriage. Individual upholstered seats. Windows open halfway. Individual compartment lighting. Digital public address system. Open-discharge toilet. RIV certified. Max. speed 140 km/h. High-pressure steam and 1000V electric heating. Built-in tail signals.no seating
Organizer and information
Trip organizer