Wigry Narrow-Gauge Railway

The Wigry Narrow-Gauge Railway is a historic tourist railway that stretches for 10 km along the southern shore of Lake Wigry in the Suwałki region, connecting Płociczno and Krusznik. It is a unique tourist attraction in the area and a valuable technical monument. The history of the railway dates back to World War I, when German troops built a forest narrow-gauge railway to transport timber. After the war, the railway was taken over by Poland and used for forest transport. In the 1920s and 1930s, it expanded significantly, reaching a length of 37 km with dozens of wagons and steam locomotives. After World War II, the railway underwent several modernizations, but in the 1990s, it ceased operations due to reduced demand for timber transport. In 1991, it was listed in the register of historical monuments, and in 2001, after extensive restoration work, it resumed operations as a tourist attraction. Today, it offers rides during the summer season and for organized groups through the picturesque landscapes of Wigry National Park, with stops at scenic locations such as Binduga and Bartny Dół. The railway's rolling stock consists of several diesel locomotives and wagons, some of which date back to its forestry days. Interestingly, the railway was featured in a documentary reportage depicting the lives of local workers and the nature of the Augustów Primeval Forest.