Gniezno Narrow-Gauge Railway

The Gniezno Narrow-Gauge Railway is one of the oldest small railways in Greater Poland – its history began in 1884. The former network linked Gniezno with Witkowo, Powidz and Anastazewo; today trains run seasonally only on a short section from Gniezno Wąskotorowe station to Jelonek Forest. It is a gentle outing for families with children and railway fans, and a chance to see rolling stock that has known better days.

History in brief

• 1884 – the Gniezno sugar factory builds a 900 mm line to Odrowąż.
• 1893–1896 – the Witkowo county council buys the line, regauges it to 600 mm and extends it; in 1894 the Witkowo County Railway is founded, and in 1896 trains start running. Further lines are built up to 1911.
• 1927 – after Witkowo County is abolished, Gniezno County takes over the railway and renames it.
• 1928 – the railway is the first in Poland to introduce a motor railcar.
• 1957 – all lines are regauged to 750 mm; in 1986 passenger services are suspended.
• 1 September 2015 – traffic stops because of the poor state of the track.
• 2018–2019 – PLN 278,000 is spent renewing 3.5 km of track in Gniezno and building Las Jelonek station with a 100-metre platform; from 8 September 2019 trains carry passengers again.

The 2026 season

In July and August 2026 the train ran every Saturday and Sunday, departing at 12:00 and 14:00; the round trip took about an hour. A standard one-way ticket cost PLN 5, reduced PLN 2. Rides were organised by the Society of Friends of Gniezno, and the regional government provided PLN 300,000 for the railway's operation. Outside the summer holidays no trains run.

Condition and future

Two diesel locomotives and a few carriages are currently fit to run; one locomotive burned years ago. The track is passable only as far as Jelonek Forest. The county estimates track renewal at about PLN 1 million per kilometre – restoring the line to Witkowo would cost about PLN 20 million, to Powidz PLN 27 million, and to Anastazewo about PLN 37 million. On the old route, Przybrodzin station survives, described as the only railway station in Poland located on a beach.

Tripto tips

In 2026 the summer rides were announced in early July, so before the next season check county announcements and local media. Allow about 1.5 hours for the ride, the walk and a look around the station. You can combine the trip with the historic Gniezno Locomotive Depot and a walk around the old town with the cathedral on Lech Hill.