Polish State Railways (PKP) still operate a number of steam branches. One of these is from Chabowka to Nowy Sacz but the normal service only operates from Chabowka to Dobra.

They must have fifty steam locos at Chabowka. If you want the timetable e-mail me at busmuseum@hotmail.com. It is a total relic from the past, but nevertheless, a wonderful one with big heavy engines working hard on a heavily graded line.

Chabowka is halfway between Krakow and Zakopane (about 67 km from Krakow), and there is frequent service from Krakow. Krakow is on the southern line from Wroclaw to Katowice to Krakow and also on the high speed line from Warsaw (about 2hrs. 45 min.).

Krakow has direct low fare airline service from both Dublin and Cork, and it is roughly 120 euro return.

How long the service will last is anyones guess, as it is very lightly patronised, so go while the going is good.

Michael Grimes