Pošumavská jižní dráha, Heritage railway in Stožec, Czech Republic
Pošumavská jižní dráha is a heritage railway that runs a short route through the dense forests of the Šumava region, crossing the border between Czech Republic and Germany. The line connects the villages of Nové Údolí and Stožec and offers rides aboard replica steam locomotives or pedal draisines.
The line originally opened in the late 1800s to transport timber through the Šumava forests, serving as a working route for local industry. Decades later, it was reimagined as a tourist railway, transforming its role from industrial necessity to recreational experience.
The railway preserves memories of how trains once served the local community through timber trade and regional transport. Walking along the tracks, visitors can see how this line shaped life in the Šumava villages.
Summer months offer the best conditions for visiting, when trains run most frequently and weather is typically stable. Wear sturdy shoes, as the forest path can become slippery after rain, and plan for a slow, leisurely pace along the route.
This railway holds the distinction of being the world's shortest international route, running directly along the state border between Czech Republic and Germany. Despite its brief length, it offers riders a remarkable experience of crossing two countries in just minutes.
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