Ĺ argan Eight Railway
Zlatiborski okrug
The Šargan Eight Railway, known locally as Šarganska osmica, is a museum-tourist narrow-gauge railway located in the Zlatibor district of Serbia. Owned by the Serbian Railway Museum, it operates on restored sections of the former Užice–Višegrad–Sarajevo line with gauges of 600mm and 760mm. The railway was revitalized and reopened in 2003, featuring the historic steam locomotive JŽ 83-173, and runs tourist trains called "Nostalgia" during the summer and winter seasons. The line winds through the legally protected Mokra Gora nature park, situated at the tri-border area of Zlatibor, Tara, and Zlatar mountains, offering breathtaking views including the nearby Uvac canyon, famous for the griffon vulture habitat. Along the route, visitors can see the 25-meter high Veliki Skakavac waterfall and visit the ethno-village Drvengrad, created by renowned filmmaker Emir Kusturica. The railway connects Mokra Gora with Višegrad, known for its historic 16th-century stone bridge and Andrićgrad, a cultural complex dedicated to Nobel laureate Ivo Andrić. The Šargan Eight Railway is not only a remarkable technical heritage site but also a cultural and natural attraction, drawing around 70,000 tourists annually during the summer season. Nearby, the town of Užice features the historic Museum Hydro Power Plant, one of the oldest preserved power stations in the world, built in 1900 based on Tesla's alternating current principle. The railway stations along the route provide accommodation and hospitality services, allowing visitors to extend their stay and explore the surrounding region in depth.
Planen Sie Ihre Reise nach Serbien mit KI
Erstellen Sie in wenigen Minuten einen detaillierten Reiseplan. KI schlägt die besten Orte, Restaurants und eine optimierte Route vor.
Tipp: The best time to visit the Ĺ argan Eight Railway is during the summer season from April to October or in the winter from December 25 to January 25, when the nostalgic steam train operates. It is recommended to book tickets in advance during peak tourist periods to ensure availability. Visitors can combine the train ride with visits to nearby attractions such as the ethno-village Drvengrad and the Uvac canyon. Discounts may be available for groups, seniors, and children. Accommodation options near the stations allow for multi-day stays to fully experience the area. Phone reservations can be made through the official contact number.
Interessante Fakten
- •The railway is named 'Šargan Eight' because its track layout forms a figure-eight shape to overcome mountainous terrain.
- •The line passes through 99 tunnels, totaling almost 13 kilometers in length, showcasing impressive engineering feats.
- •The steam locomotive JŽ 83-173 used on the railway dates back to the original Yugoslav Railways era and is preserved as a museum piece.
- •The Mokra Gora park through which the railway passes is a protected nature reserve at the meeting point of three mountain ranges: Zlatibor, Tara, and Zlatar.
- •Nearby Uvac canyon is home to one of the largest sustainable populations of the griffon vulture, a bird featured on Serbia's coat of arms and national airline logo.
- •The ethno-village Drvengrad, near the railway, was built by director Emir Kusturica as a cultural and tourist complex.
- •The Museum Hydro Power Plant in Užice, close to the railway, is one of the oldest working power plants in the world, built in 1900 on Tesla's alternating current principles.
Geschichte
The narrow-gauge railway line that the Šargan Eight Railway now operates on was originally constructed in the early 20th century as part of a strategic Austro-Hungarian military project, with sections built between 1902 and 1912 connecting Sarajevo, Višegrad, Užice, and Mokra Gora.
The railway was notable for its challenging mountainous terrain, requiring 99 tunnels and complex engineering to navigate steep gradients and curves.
After decades of service, the line fell into disuse but was revitalized and restored as a museum railway by 2003, preserving the historic steam locomotives and track.
This restoration transformed it into a major tourist attraction and cultural heritage site, celebrating the region's railway history and natural beauty.
OrtsfĂĽhrer
Ĺ argan Eight Railway Trackearly 20th century
The railway track itself is a marvel of narrow-gauge engineering, designed in a figure-eight shape to navigate steep mountainous terrain with numerous tunnels and bridges.
Steam Locomotive JĹ˝ 83-173circa 1930s
This historic steam locomotive is the centerpiece of the museum railway, restored to operational condition to pull tourist trains along the route.
Drvengrad Ethno Village2003
An authentic-style wooden village built by director Emir Kusturica near the Mokra Gora station, offering cultural exhibitions, traditional architecture, and hospitality services.
Veliki Skakavac Waterfall
A 25-meter high waterfall located on the Kamishna River near the railway, ranking as the eighth highest waterfall in Serbia.
Museum Hydro Power Plant in UĹľice1900
One of the world's oldest preserved hydroelectric power plants, built in 1900 and still operational, showcasing Tesla's alternating current principles.
Kontakt
Telefon: 031 800003