Park Railway Maltanka

The Park Railway Maltanka, commonly known as Maltanka, is a historic railway line in Poznań, with a track length of 3,850 meters, transporting approximately 120,000 passengers annually. Its history dates back to the 1950s, when the Committee for the Construction of the Culture and Recreation Park was established. The first train, featuring ZISPO-manufactured carriages and a WLs40 locomotive, was officially opened on July 22, 1956. After the line was relocated to Malta in 1972, Maltanka has continued to operate under the management of the Municipal Transport Company. In the 1970s and 1980s, the railway carried up to 200,000 passengers per year. In 1998, it was renamed the Malta Children's Railway, and in 2002, on the occasion of its 30th anniversary, it adopted its current name. The Maltanka station, located on the shore of Lake Malta, is a stylish half-timbered building, and the station grounds feature a historic steam locomotive. The railway boasts a unique light signaling system, making it the only one of its kind in Poland. Interestingly, Maltanka fell victim to arson twice, and approximately one-third of its revenue comes from fees for using private land. It is also associated with fairy tale characters, which adds to its charm and attracts children. Following track renovations between 2017 and 2018 and the addition of a new stop near the Malta Thermal Baths, the railway remains popular and continues to be an integral part of Poznań's cultural landscape.