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The journey begins in Dobrinishte. I walked past almost 20 centimeters of snow to the town's beautiful little station. Walking from the town center, you can see the white station building from a distance. The vertical planks on the facade, combined with the orange roof tiles, give the building a beautiful appearance, contrasting with the snow-covered pine trees in the background.

The red Henschel diesel locomotive and the green carriages immediately catch my eye. Plumes of smoke from the heater curl up from the train.
I sit down in the middle carriage, where I'm the only one at the time. The heater is on, making the train a pleasant temperature.
From the train window, I see inches of snow and a beautiful winter wonderland. The conductor comes by to check my ticket as the white trees rush by.

I take a video from the window of the white Pirin Mountains and the magnificent landscape.

The clicking of the wheels on the rails in the white landscape is truly magical and an unforgettable experience.

After a brief stop of a few seconds at the intermediate stop, we arrive in Bansko. Several passengers board and the carriage fills, but it's not full.

The train continues, and after a few stops where several passengers get on and off, we turn north. Here, the train travels for a considerable distance along the road, passing chaotic, poorly maintained stations and villages.
After a while, we arrive in Yakoruda, known for its large, lively Saturday market.
After Yakoruda, we arrive at the village of Cherna Mesta, where the beautiful blue mosque immediately catches our eye. Here begins one of the most beautiful and enjoyable parts of this train journey: the pass. Here, tunnel after tunnel, curve after curve, and the train literally spirals into a spiral.

Here, you briefly forget you're on the road; it feels as if the train itself becomes part of the landscape.

Finally, after enjoying the beautiful scenery shrouded in a thick blanket of snow on the pass, I arrive at Avramovo station. This is the highest train station in the Balkans, at over 1,200 meters. The thick blanket of snow falls immediately.

After Avramovo, the train immediately enters another tunnel. Here begins the rollercoaster-like route, with so many curves and tunnels you pass.
The nature here is truly unbelievably beautiful.

From here, the line slowly turns south, towards the last villages before Velingrad.
You see the houses of the village of Ablanitsa nestled among the mountains. Here I take some more photos and videos of the stunning surroundings.

Then you arrive at Tsvetino station: a small, charming station. Then comes Ostrets: here, apart from a collapsed building that was probably once the station, you see little resembling civilization. However, the nature here (especially in winter) is perfect for the most beautiful videos.

A little later, the train enters Velingrad. You immediately see a large distribution center for the Velingrad bottled water brand.

Now you arrive at Velingrad South station: a beautiful station with a different style than the other stations on this line. From the train, you can see Kleptuza Park, where Velingrad water is bottled.
After Velingrad South station comes Velingrad station. Here I get off to go to my accommodation at the beautiful Shoshovi guesthouse. I'll be staying there for two nights.

The next morning, the train departs at 10:22 am for the final stop, Septemvri. After a delicious breakfast, it's time to continue my journey.
On the stretch from Velingrad to the next stop, Kostandovo, I'm treated to beautiful views of the entire Velingrad Valley. This is one of the most beautiful parts of the journey.

After Kostandovo, we start climbing again. We follow the mountain slopes through the forests, but there are vistas to be seen, which make for some beautiful pictures. Even the sun peeked through here, which, combined with the clouds and some wisps of fog, created a beautiful view.
A few more tunnels follow, and you finally arrive at the Dolene station. This station is literally in the middle of nowhere, but that's precisely what makes it so unique.

Here you cross the Chepinska River, after which the train returns to the road. A few minutes later, you see a long line of traffic at the railway crossing, and we cross the road.
After a beautiful stretch with tunnels and rock formations, we arrive at the small Tsepina station. The train then continues its route with many bends, tunnels, and through beautiful nature.
The train then stops at a small stop near the Varvara thermal baths, the Varvarski Bani. Here you can enjoy the magnificent rock formations from the train.

If you cross the road over a viaduct, you arrive in Varvara. Here, the train always stops for a while before heading towards its final station. Here, the land flattens for the first time during the journey, and because of the clouds and fog, you can't see the mountains. It feels just like the Netherlands!
We drive past meadows and fields that are still white, but there isn't as much snow here as in the mountains.

After another wonderful journey, the train pulls into Septemvri. This is a large station where trains to Sofia, Plovdiv, and Burgas also stop.
I quickly take a picture of the train and get a cup of coffee from the vending machine on the platform, before walking to the city center.
A little later, it was time for the return trip to Velingrad, where I stayed again in Shoshovi.

The next morning, some of the snow had melted by the time I boarded the train to Dobrinishte. Especially in Yakoruda and Belitsa, everything was green again.

The Rhodope narrow-gauge railway is known as one of the most beautiful train journeys in Europe, in all seasons.
In winter, you travel through a winter wonderland; in spring and summer, you see nature blossoming; and in autumn, you see the beautiful yellow and brown colors of nature as it hibernates. Whatever season you go, it's an experience you won't want to miss!

If you'd like to learn more about this unique railway, you can find practical information about tickets, stops, and attractions on our Rhodope Narrow-Gauge Railway page.

Staying in Velingrad

If, like me, you'd like to stay near the station, you can check Shoshovi's availability here.