Gulbene - Alūksne narrow gauge railway (Bānītis)

Gulbene - Alūksne narrow gauge railway (also called Bānītis, the Little railway) is a 750 mm gauge railway. Just 33 km remain today from the former narrow gauge line Stukmaņi (Pļaviņas) - Valka, which was built in 1903. Gulbene - Alūksne narrow gauge railway is the only railway declared as state protected cultural heritage monument.

Gulbene - Alūksne railway is also the last regular passenger traffic train in whole Baltic states, available to public use, serving passengers between two centres of regions - Gulbene and Alūksne every day according to the schedule. Trains are hauled by diesel locomotives and carriages built in 1960-ties and 1980-ties.

Bānītis also restores historical rolling stock, helps to spread the history of railways and organizes several tourism and cultural events, like Easter, Bānītis celebration, Christmas train, etc).

Gulbene - Alūksne narrow gauge train is beloved by tourists as it rides along scenic scenery of fields and forests, and interesting natural and historical objects can be found near the railway, by means of foot walk or by cycle (bicycles can be transported on the train). Bānītis also offers guided tours around the Gulbene shed, trips with trolleys, soviet time atmosphere in saloon carriage from Estonian Communist Party. Special shows with gypsies, robbers and soviet era buffet ladies are offered, along with a shelter for the night in the shed or in the saloon car, or places for tents at the shed area. The train can be used for celebrating special events or even special train can be ordered.

"Gulbenes - Alūksnes bānītis" Ltd. is a private operating company serving the passenger operations and has been founded in 2002 in order to preserve the industrial heritage and operate the passenger trains according to governmental order.

Tickets can be purchased at the train conductor. Guided tours, passenger groups, shows and events should be ordered in advance. Trips and events can be organised at any time.

Gulbene shed office working hours:

Mo - Th: 8:00 - 17:00

Fri: 8:00 - 15:45

Sa - Su: closed

Gulbene – Aluksne railway is one of the destinations for "The Great Baltic Tour 2011", what will take place between 5 May to 15 September.
("The Great Baltic Tour 2011" is an adventure campaign that takes place in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. It is an exciting way to spend free time and is full of new impressions and adventures that can be experienced across thirty different tourist attractions.)

Information published in collaboration with "Gulbenes - Alūksnes bānītis" Ltd.