Sochaczew Narrow-Gauge Railway Museum

The Sochaczew Narrow-Gauge Railway Museum, a branch of the Railway Museum, is a unique institution that boasts the largest collection of narrow-gauge rolling stock in Europe. The museum was granted its status in 1984 and officially opened its exhibition on September 6, 1986. It is located on the site of the former Sochaczew County Railway, which began operations in 1922. The collection process started ten years before the museum was officially established, and today the collection includes over 200 items, 163 of which are accessible to visitors. In addition to the exhibition, the museum offers rides on historic trains through the picturesque landscapes on the edge of the Kampinos Forest, which is one of its main attractions. The museum’s exhibition features a variety of rail vehicles, including steam locomotives, electric locomotives, and diesel locomotives, with notable gems such as the Px29-1708 “Wilno,” CK-1, and the electric EL 05. The collection also includes a horse-drawn railway carriage and a motorized draisine, DKp101. The museum also serves as a filming location for movies and music videos, showcasing its versatility and appeal to various creative groups. An interesting fact is that all the clocks in the museum are set to 3:35 PM, symbolizing the moment when the last passenger train departed from Sochaczew on November 30, 1984. Additionally, the museum features a salon car associated with Wojciech Jaruzelski, adding a historical dimension and connection to important figures in Polish history. The Sochaczew Narrow-Gauge Railway Museum is an incredibly valuable part of the national cultural and technical heritage, combining a passion for railway history with unique tourist attractions.