septemvri - dobrinishte narrow gauge railway

Basing myself in Sofia for a few days and also as an ex BR employee the Septemvri - Dobrinishte narrow gauge railway is a great experience for the non enthusiasts and general tourist as well as railfans. With only 3 trains a day completing the 125km route, the best is the 0945 departure from Septemvri (won't see much on 0230 departure and 1344 gets there a bit late!To get to Septemvri in good time take the 0630 Burgas express Sofia - Septemvri (Sofia-Dobrinishte through ticket only about £7 - not bad for 228km or almost distance Doncaster - London wirh no advance booking!!). Arrive Septemvri 0803, outside station to right, nice little cafe selling warm bread and coffee - also take advantage of the "pick&mix of assorted nuts for the trip!!.Wander back to the station in good time to follow directions (in English) to the narrow gauge island platform via the underpass.The 4 coach diesel hauled train with what seemed ex 1st class renovated coaches was extremely comfortable (2x2 or 1x1 seating) with an interior that seemed like Dr Who's Tardis it was so large and certainly put the Standard gauge partners of Bulgarian railways to 2nd place in comfort!!The 5 hour trip is an experience passing through great scenery and switchback tunnels. In September very few tourists but what makes this narrow gauge railway different is that its not only a tourist attraction but a lifeline for the local villagers going one or two stops for shopping or work - careful planning with only 3 trains a day!!At such a slow speed its easy to take in the scenery on both sides of the train and even swap seats for periods to get the best views!The main destination near the end of the line is Bansko (Bulgarias main ski resort and walking centre). I continued on the 0945 train to the 'end of the line' just'for the hell of it' and to complete the trip!!It is possible to return, after the loco has run round at Dobrinishte after 30mins, for the 5 hour trip back to Septemvri, with a 15 min connection for the last train to Sofia (arr 2207) - not recommended as i'm sure the Burgas - Sofia express will be held for late running Dobrinishte train!I've found an alternative way back to Sofia!Go to the emd of the line and 'complete' the experience and return on the 1520 ex Dobrinishte for the 13 min journey to Bansko (1 lev or 40p!).At Bansko, from the front of the station turn right, past the old bus station, continue past Grand Hotel, about 200 metres find 2 petrol stations. At left of petrol station on the left is a bus stop with a wooden bench - from here there is a coach service direct to Sofia at 1625 (also at 1700 and 1750 I understand).The 3 hr trip (16 lev or £6.40) is in itself a scenic trip in comfortable air conditioned coach. With only 2 stops (the 2nd for an 8 min toilet break) it was 'fast' and arrived back at the Central Bus Station (next to Railway Station) at 1930. With only a 5 min walk to the Ramada Sofia (see my seperate review) this concluded a great 'day out' with still time to 'wind down'!!By the way - it's my first trip to Bulgaria - can't speak a word of the language - can't understand Cyrillic -JUST KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN, USE COMMONSENSE - IT'S A GREAT ADVENTURE - HAVE A GREAT EXPERIENCE!!

Despite being told by a friend that the Pirin mountains enjoyed 'constant sunshine', even the torrential rain did not take away from the charm of a ride on this line. It's a rather long trip, and the best of the scenery is on the section north of Velingrad, but even then the journey is a real treat. The passengers are mixture of locals, the odd tourist, and a good crowd of Roma. The coaches, while not the last word in luxury, are snuggly heated with steam from the (diesel) engine, and feature wobbly little gangways between them. It's worth being careful when going to the loo, as the exterior doors are often left unlocked and one false move in the vestibule could lead to a closer view of the scenic river gorge than you expected. Unfortunately there are no catering facilities, so you'd want to stock up beforehand on essentials like bread, biscuits, and beer.

As a child I often used this tiny train from Septemvri to Velingrad. It is surprisingly huge inside! You are astonished and doubt if you are really in that small thing as it seems at first glance. The narrow rails help the illusion of a funny kid`s train.The way it goes from Septemvri (through a field) and then suddenly in the shades of the rocky mountain, beneath threes, over one and the same river a dozen of times... It can be compared with a magical journey to an unknown world...Spartan interior, simple people with calm faces, smiles, politeness - that`s what you can meet inside the toy-train.P.S. I returned to it when I was a teen - with a company of friends, a guitar and beer. Do I have to describe the feeling? ;)

This train is hauled by a red diesel locomotive with four steam well heated green carriages.It travels sedately at about 30 kilometres an hour (hard to know exactly) along a beautioful railway where in winter the scenery is magnificent.Patronage was very good with local residents using it for shopping and other reasons. In each direction I think 150 passengers would have used the train: the conductor was busy selling trickets all the time.This trip is highly recommended. Main line trains connect to and from Sofia.