Čiernohronská železnica

The Čiernohronská Railway is a narrow-gauge forest railway with a 760 mm gauge, running through the Čierny Hron river basin in the Slovak Ore Mountains. It originally served to haul timber, and its tracks led through the picturesque valleys of Čierny Hron and its tributaries. Today it carries visitors along the routes Chvatimech–Hronec–Čierny Balog, Čierny Balog–Vydrovo, and Čierny Balog–Dobroč.

After the Second World War, the network reached its greatest total length, almost 132 kilometres. Regular forest transport ended here in 1982, but that same year the railway was declared a national cultural monument and saved from extinction thanks to enthusiasts. In 2011 it was also recognised as one of the seven wonders of the Banská Bystrica region and carried around 60,000 passengers.

A ride on the historic train pulled by a steam or diesel locomotive is one of the most popular family trips in the region. During the main summer season, from early July to early September, trains run daily; outside the season, according to the timetable and on request. Children will love the romance of the narrow-gauge line, while adults will appreciate the leisurely pace and the scenery of the forest valleys. The terminus station Vydrovo also serves as the entrance to a well-known forestry open-air museum.

The starting point is the village of Čierny Balog in the heart of Horehronie. The surroundings offer plenty of hiking trails, unspoiled nature, and a peaceful village atmosphere free of crowds. If you want to enjoy the train ride at a relaxed pace and combine it with trips through the Low Tatras or the Muráň Plateau, it's worth staying in the area for at least a night — accommodation in Čierny Balog and the surrounding villages is an ideal base for exploring the whole Horehronie region.