Park Railway Maltanka

The Maltanka Park Railway, operated by the Municipal Transport Company in Poznań, is a narrow-gauge railway line spanning 3850 meters, running between the Śródka roundabout and the New Zoo, carrying 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 attraction, the Scouts' Children's Railway, opened on July 22, 1956, offering a route between the Jordan Garden and the Dębina Meadows. In the 1970s, the railway was relocated to the Malta area to accommodate new land development plans, after which it acquired its current name "Maltanka" and came under the management of the Municipal Transport Company. Throughout its existence, the railway has been the site of numerous events, such as its 30th anniversary in 2002, when it was renamed the Maltanka Park Railway. Unfortunately, Maltanka's history has also been marred by acts of vandalism, including the arson of the Zwierzyniec station in 2000 and a carriage in 2002. Architecturally, the Maltanka station is particularly noteworthy. Since 1998, it has been housed in a stylish half-timbered building, reflecting the traditional architectural style of the Greater Poland region. The railway is also known for its modern infrastructure, including light signals and automatic switches, making it unique on a national scale. Train operations are based on a semi-automatic block system, and the stations feature diverse architectural solutions, such as glass pavilions and container-based ticket offices. The rolling stock includes both historic steam and diesel locomotives, as well as various passenger carriages, including inactive vehicles from past eras. Maltanka is not only a tourist attraction but also an important cultural element of Poznań, supported by the SPM Maltanka Club, which engages in its promotion and maintenance. The railway's infrastructure and history reflect the significance of transport for the local community and the development of tourism in the region. From 2013 to 2021, the railway carried between 120,000 and 140,000 passengers annually, though this number has slightly decreased in recent years. Maltanka is a unique place, blending tradition with modern solutions, and remains an important highlight on Poznań's map of attractions.