Museum of railways in Zbysov

It’s the only chance in summer months to visit the railway museum in Zbysov and take a ride in steam locomotive. Go back in time, enjoy the ride on a narrow-gauge track inside a wagon pulled by a steam locomotive. Play around with different types of old locomotives and learn a bit of history in the museum of railways in Zbysov.  

THE BEGINNING 

It was XVIII century when the black coal mines were first discovered in Moravia region. Between Oslavany and Zastavka few mines were opened. In terms of quality, this coal was one of the best in Europe. Original works railway was built in 1862 for coal transport between station Zastávka u Brna and mines in Zbýšov. At the beginning of the 1920s, the Oslavanská power plant started operating, which supplied energy to Brno and the southern part of Moravia.  The mine supplied coal by cable car to the power plant; other production went on sale by rail. The power plant officially stopped working in 1993. The railways for public were opened in 1991. The Museum and railways are what’s symbolically left to remind us about the coal extraction. 

BASICS

We started and finished our little trip in Zastavka u Brna, where we came by car. We found a parking place at the main train station. A connection between Brno main train station and zastavka u Brna also offers a 40-minute ride for 34 kc. The narrow-gauge track is located behind the railway station Zastavka u Brna, a bit hidden in the forest. You need to cross the iron bridge and follow the marks. If you see people gathering around, you may get sure you are in a right place. Of course ou can start your trip the other way round, in Zbysov, straight in the museum.

THE TRIP

It’s a bit expensive, because the 20-minute ride cost 160 kc, but the price includes visiting the museum as well. You may spend as much time in the museum as you want, of course taking into consideration timetable. You don’t want to get back on foot. The price also includes a return ticket.  Which after all, doesn’t seem that much at all. Before planning a visit, definitely check out the schedule.  The narrow-track locomotive doesn’t go every weekend. This year the timeline for a steam locomotive is as follow: 18.7, 1.8, 15.8, 29.8, 19.9 2020 You may also take a ride is a diesel train, which goes: 25.7, 8.8, 22.8.2020. Be sure to check out the museum website for any updates.

EXPERIENCE 

Even though the ride may not be a complete dream come true for an adult, it will definitely more than satisfy kids. Every little person just loves trains and with this trip he/she will see plenty of them, can touch them and try them. Back in the museum, there’s a fast-food booth, which serves Czech standards like kofola, parek v rohliku and bear. You may also buy some souvenirs for the kids.  I hope you’ll enjoy the trip.