Rodopi Narrow-Gauge Railway Celebrates 80 Years with Festivities Along the Line (PHOTOS and VIDEO)

December 9 marks the 80th anniversary of the first train arriving in Dobrinishte. The landmark anniversary of the only operating narrow gauge railway in Bulgaria was celebrated at all stations along the route of the tourist attraction. Fourteen trains run daily along this scenic route.

This morning, the train Rodopi departed from the small station in Septemvri to traverse its enchanting 125-kilometre route, greeted by hundreds of excited passengers along the way. A leading figure in preserving the Rodopi narrow-gauge railway is Kristian Vaklinov.

Kristian Vaklinov, organiser of the celebrations, said:
“This day is extremely important to me personally and has become part of my own story. Exciting, festive – something I have not missed over the years. Colleagues gathered at stations in Yug, Velingrad, Yakoruda, Belitsa, Razlog, and Bansko. Students from local schools welcomed the train. Platforms were full, people waved flags, cheered ‘hurrah’, and sang ‘Happy…’. It was so heartwarming and moving.”

At Dobrinishte station, a traditional blessing for the health of all railway staff and passengers was held, alongside official greetings.

Vaklinov added:
“Above all, we are celebrating the opening of the final stretch connecting Bansko and Dobrinishte. Among the guests were representatives of the National Railway Infrastructure Company.”

The Rodopi narrow-gauge line, running Septemvri – Velingrad – Yakoruda – Razlog – Bansko – Dobrinishte, offers a thrilling tourist journey along the highest railway line in the Balkans throughout the year. Vaklinov has published an encyclopaedic book titled Rodopi Narrow-Gauge Railway, compiling facts, human stories, documents, and information about the sites along the route.

“The book includes the history, technical details of stations, stops, carriages, locomotives, and personal stories of people I have met over the years, recounting life along the line in the 1940s and 1950s,” Vaklinov said. “Everyone can find something of interest – technical, historical, or personal. Some have called it an almanac, a collection, even a textbook. I am happy that after so many years, it is now a reality.”

For the seventh consecutive year, Father Christmas and Snow White will also travel along the narrow-gauge railway. On 21 December, they will depart with the morning Rodopi train from Septemvri station at 8:55 a.m., delighting passengers of all ages.