The Zsuzsi Forest Railway opened the 2024 season with the slogan “Healthy body, healthy soul!”, and started its regular services on 1 May. Passengers can enjoy a scenic train ride as well as nature-oriented programs until September.
Hungary’s oldest narrow-gauge railway, still in operation today, has been running for 142 years in the Erdőspuszták (Wooded Plains) region around Debrecen. At the terminus of the train, Hármashegyalja, there are programs for passengers almost every weekend. The love and protection of nature is the central message of Zsuzsi’s programs, continuing the tradition of previous years. The slogan of this year’s event series is ‘a healthy body and a healthy soul’, so almost every weekend from May to the end of September, passengers are welcome to enjoy a variety of nature and health promotion programs, from adventure tours and bird shows to craft activities.
This year, the railway continues to work on saving and creating value. Last year, they celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Zsuzsi steamer, but this year the GEBUS shunting locomotive from the “world of locomotives” will be presented to the travelling public. The locomotive, also known as “Red Riding Hood”, is one of the gems of the fleet, having already passed its 70th birthday. Besides its unique color, the shunting locomotive is also a specialty in terms of its operation, and it is the only one of its kind to be found in Hungary.
“We make many New Year’s resolutions every year, regardless of age or gender, but few of us manage to keep them. In our busy, stressful daily lives, not only is it a challenge to keep our resolutions, but we also take very little time for ourselves. At Zsuzsi, this year we want to raise awareness of healthy living, one important element of which is to spend more time with ourselves, our loved ones and family members, while another element is nature, which is known to have a great impact on our physical, mental and emotional well-being. This is why, taking advantage of the forest, which is just a stone’s throw away, the central message of our programs is physical and mental health, and the related issues of sustainability and environmental protection.” – said Mrs. Hajnalka Makóné Fogarasi, Managing Director of Zsuzsi Forest Railway Nonprofit Ltd.
Each month in Zsuzsi’s program calendar is linked to a theme, for example May is the “Month of Birds and Trees” and June’s slogan is “Out of the classroom! ” – and the events of the month are in line with this. Naturally, all events include nature walks, which experts have found to be an excellent remedy and preventative measure for a wide range of health problems, including strengthening the immune system, improving digestion, preventing and treating heart disease, cancer, depression and anxiety, and, last but not least, providing a source of fun and cheerfulness. And walking in the woods in company not only brings us back to ourselves, but also to each other, so the socializing power of nature walks is significant. In addition to active recreation, Zsuzsi’s programs will also feature literature as a medicine, edible and healthy forest plants, and the fun and funny life of the forest animals.
In addition to the scheduled rides, there are also nature-oriented programs for passengers in Hármashegyalja in May.
May program preview:
Saturday, 11 May 2024: Birds and Trees Day – nest watching tour and bird ringing with environmental educator Edit Varga
Saturday, 18 May 2024: International Day of the Family – guided forest hike and activity
Monday, 20 May 2024: World Bee Day – guided forest hike and activity
Sunday, 26 May 2024: Children’s Hunting Day – family activities
Zsuzsi Forest Railway scheduled services depart from the departure station at 1 Ruyter Street at 8:30 am on Wednesdays between 1 May and 30 September, and at 9:30 am and 2 pm on weekends and public holidays. The full timetable and fares are available on the website.
