Jindřichův Hradec narrow gauge railway
Unique railway and tourist attraction
The narrow gauge railways of Jindřichův Hradec are a unique feature of Czech railway transport. They are a symbol of the South Bohemian and Vysočina borderlands, which is not without reason nicknamed „Czech Canada“. This railway with a gauge of only 760 mm (compared to the usual 1435 mm) has a fascinating but also dramatic story behind it.
History
The history of the narrow gauge railway began at the end of the 19th century, when there was a need to connect remote regions with the main lines. The ceremonial opening of the line from Jindřichův Hradec to Nová Bystřice took place in 1897. The opening of the second branch heading north to Obrataně followed in 1906. Originally, the lines were operated by private companies, but after 1918 they were taken over by the Czechoslovak State Railways (ČSD). In the 1990s, the lines were threatened with cancellation. However, in 1997, they became the first private public railway in the modern history of the Czech Republic, when they were taken over by the Jindřichův Hradec Local Railways (JHMD).
Present
In recent years, the railway has gone through a very difficult period, which was watched by the entire transport public.
Due to financial problems and disputes over subsidies, operations were halted in 2022 and the JHMD company went bankrupt. After long negotiations and a change in the ownership structure, better times are on the horizon. In 2024, historic steam trains began to gradually return to the tracks (for now in a limited mode for tourists), with the goal of fully restoring operations on both branches.
Currently, the railway is perceived primarily as a key tourist attraction for the region, but negotiations are still underway to return regular transport for local residents.
Tracks
Two narrow-gauge lines operate from Jindřichův Hradec, each with a different character.
The route to Nová Bystřice is 33 km long and is a romantic route through the forests of Czech Canada, full of sharp curves and climbs. It is used primarily for hiking.
The line to Obrataně is longer, measuring 46 km. It runs mainly through agricultural landscapes and is used more for the regular transport of people and goods.
Stops
Small stops in remote places have their own romantic charm.
Historic cars
Historic 3rd class carriages with wooden benches stand on the tracks of the Jindřichův Hradec Králové railway station.
Technically unique
To avoid the laborious task of transferring cargo from ordinary wagons, in Jindřichův Hradec, entire large wagons were placed on special low narrow-gauge trucks – low-loaders.
Technical and tourist attraction
Narrow gauge railway is not just a „small train“, it is a technical and cultural phenomenon.
Among railway fans, there are the legendary diesel locomotives of the T 47.0 series (nicknamed „Tůčka“), which form the backbone of the local rolling stock.
