The Gulbene Educational and Interactive Center (IIC) “Railway and Steam” (Dzelzceļš un Tvaiks) has won the top prize in the joint awards competition “Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism,” organized by the European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN), Europa Nostra, NECSTouR, and the European Travel Commission, in the category “Railway Heritage in Cultural Tourism.”

The winners across six categories were announced on the evening of October 21 during the 14th European Cultural Tourism Network conference held in Athens, Greece. “Railway and Steam” outperformed the Tatra Museum in Slovakia (Svit railway station). This award serves as a recognition of the dedicated work invested by the Gulbene Municipality Agency “Gulbene Tourism and Cultural Heritage Center” and the team at “Railway and Steam” in preserving and promoting industrial heritage.

“We are truly proud that the international jury has recognized ‘Railway and Steam’ as a competitive tourism destination at the European level. This award will be a great incentive to work even more passionately on preserving railway heritage and expanding the center’s exhibitions and offers,” says Simona Sniķe, Director of the Agency.

“2021 is also the European Year of Rail. The category in which ‘Railway and Steam’ won is specifically dedicated to the European Year of Rail; therefore, the award is certainly a testament to the fact that we must continue our work on developing Gulbene’s historical railway hub. We are delighted that this year we had the opportunity to restore regular weekend services by JSC ‘Pasažieru vilciens’ from Riga to Gulbene! My colleagues and I have many ideas for the development of the Gulbene railway hub, which will allow life to return more and more to this historical city center!”

The “Railway and Steam” center was established in 2018. It is a successful example of cooperation between the Gulbene Municipality, the Latvian State Joint-Stock Company “Latvijas Dzelzceļš” (Latvian Railway), and the participation of local entrepreneurs in attracting funding. As a result of this collaboration, the beautiful and grand Gulbene railway station building (built in 1926, designed by architect Pēteris Feders) was revitalized, offering visitors the chance to rediscover the railway industry in a digital and exciting way. The center is a place to uncover historical railway heritage through guided tours, historical exhibits, and 30 interactive devices that explore industry development and future trends. It is a venue for events, educational programs, and thematic activities for all ages, welcoming families with children, school groups, corporate teams, and any interested visitors.

More information about the European Cultural Tourism Network awards: https://www.culturaltourism-network.eu/

More information about “Railway and Steam”: https://www.facebook.com/dzelzcelsuntvaiks/