The historical Gulbene–Alūksne narrow-gauge (750 mm) railway is a cultural monument where a narrow-gauge train—affectionately known as “Bānītis”—runs on a regular daily schedule. It is the only regularly operating narrow-gauge railway in the Baltic States. While providing local passenger transport between two regional centers, Bānītis is also a beloved tourist attraction and an engaging way to travel through Vidzeme. It serves as a unique venue for various events, the highlight of which is the annual Bānītis Festival. At the home of “Gulbenes-Alūksnes bānītis” Ltd.—the Gulbene Depot—visitors can also find the “Depo” guest house and a publicly accessible sauna.
Bānītis Trips with a Steam Locomotive
In 2026, the train powered by the steam locomotive Gr-319 “Ferdinands” will run on Saturdays on the following dates: April 4 and 18; May 2, 16, and 30; June 13 and 27; July 11 and 25; August 8 and 22; September 5 and 19; October 3, 17, and 31; and December 19.
The train departs from Gulbene station at 1:00 PM and returns from Alūksne at 4:00 PM.
For more details, please see the timetable.
More information to follow!
