Narrow Gauge Railway in Dobrinishte
The History of the Narrow-Gauge Railway in Bulgaria
The narrow-gauge railway in Bulgaria is one of the country’s most remarkable engineering achievements of the 20th century. It was created to connect remote regions of the country, overcoming the challenging terrain of the Rhodope Mountains. Today, the railway is not only an important part of Bulgaria’s transport history but also a unique attraction for travellers who want to experience the beauty of the Rhodopes by train.
Plans for the railway began after extensive studies of the region, including the valleys of the Yadenitsa, Eli Dere (now Chepinska) and Vucha rivers. Construction started in 1920, despite the considerable engineering challenges posed by the mountainous terrain. German engineer Stoyan Mitov later took on the difficult task of helping develop the route.
Who Is the Narrow-Gauge Railway Suitable For?
Tourists and adventurers
Families with children
Photography lovers
Narrow-Gauge Railway Timetable and Tickets
Tickets
Septemvri – Dobrinishte
Tickets can be purchased at railway stations or through the official Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) channels.
Planning your journey
Train schedules and ticket prices may change. We recommend checking the current timetable and fares with Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) before travelling.
Sights Along the Narrow-Gauge Railway Route
The Septemvri–Dobrinishte narrow-gauge railway passes through the Rhodope, Rila and Pirin Mountains, revealing beautiful mountain landscapes, historic sites and fascinating stops along the way. Here are some of the highlights worth discovering during your journey.
- Chepino Gorge
Shortly after Septemvri, the narrow-gauge railway enters the Rhodope Mountains through the picturesque Chepino Gorge. Rocky slopes and the valley of the Chepinska River make this one of the most scenic sections of the journey.
- Milevi Skali Peak
From Varvara station and several of the following stops, hiking routes lead towards Milevi Skali Peak. The area offers panoramic views of the Rhodope Mountains, the Chepino Valley and the Pazardzhik Plain.
- Mount Milevi Rocks
Love nature? Then you should visit Mount Milevi Rocks in the Western Rhodopes. Despite the difficult road and the climb, the view from 1593,5 meters high is amazing. From here you can see the Rhodope Mountains, Dorkovo and Tsepina Fortress. The place is also historically significant due to the battle of September 4, 1944.
- Narrow-Gauge Railway Museum and Tsepina Fortress
Tsepina station is one of the most interesting stops along the route. The old station building houses a museum dedicated to the history of the Rhodope narrow-gauge railway, while hiking trails from the area lead towards the medieval Tsepina Fortress.
- Velingrad and Kleptuza Park
The narrow-gauge railway passes through Velingrad, while Velingrad-Yug station is located close to Kleptuza Park, one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks and a pleasant place for a walk.
- Yakoruda
After Avramovo, the railway descends towards the valley of the Mesta River and reaches Yakoruda. Along the way, the train also stops at Yakorudska Mineralna Banya before continuing towards Belitsa and the Razlog Valley.
- Belitsa
Belitsa is one of the main stations in this part of the route and a convenient starting point for exploring the surrounding area. From here, the journey continues towards Razlog, Bansko and Dobrinishte.
- Bansko
Before reaching Dobrinishte, the narrow-gauge railway passes through Bansko. The town is one of the main tourist destinations along the route and offers an excellent opportunity to combine the train journey with a walk through the old town and beautiful views of the Pirin Mountains.
- Dobrinishte – the Final Stop
Dobrinishte is the final stop on the Septemvri–Dobrinishte narrow-gauge railway and a fitting end to this scenic mountain journey. Nestled at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, the town is known for its mineral springs, peaceful atmosphere and easy access to mountain trails and natural attractions. From here, visitors can continue exploring Dobrinishte and the surrounding Pirin region.
Frequently Asked Questions
The full journey from Septemvri to Dobrinishte takes around five hours, depending on the train service and timetable. The route passes through the Rhodope, Rila and Pirin Mountains and is best enjoyed as a scenic experience rather than simply a way to reach your destination.
Tickets can be purchased through the official Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) sales channels or at railway stations. As timetables and fares may change, we recommend checking the latest information with BDZ before travelling.
Highlights along the route include Chepino Gorge, Milevi Skali, the Narrow-Gauge Railway Museum and Tsepina Fortress, Velingrad and Kleptuza Park, Yakoruda, Belitsa and Bansko. The journey ends in Dobrinishte at the foot of the Pirin Mountains.
Yes. The scenic train journey can be an enjoyable experience for families with children, with changing mountain landscapes and interesting stops along the route. For the full Septemvri–Dobrinishte journey, keep in mind that the trip lasts several hours.
