The Zsuzsi Forest Railway will open the 2024 season with the slogan “Healthy body, healthy soul!”, starting its scheduled services on 1 May. Passengers will be able to enjoy nature-oriented programs alongside the train rides 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. This year’s first run will start on 1 May, to the delight of all small train enthusiasts. At the terminus of the train, Hármashegyalja, there will be family activities for passengers, including an interactive exhibition, a guided forest tour and a dog show.
As in previous years, the love and protection of nature is the central message of Zsuzsi’s programs this year. 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 nature walks and bird shows to craft activities.
This year, the railway will continue to focus on saving and creating value. Last year, they celebrated the 100th anniversary of the steamer Zsuzsi, but this year the GEBUS shunting locomotive 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. That is why – taking advantage of the nearby forest – the central message of our programs is physical and mental health, and related 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 events will also feature literature as a medicine, edible and healthy forest plants, and the fun and funny life of the forest animals.
The scheduled services of the Zsuzsi Forest Railway depart from the starting station at 1 Ruyter Street at 8:30 am on Wednesdays between 1 May and 30 September, and at 9:30 am and 14:00 pm on weekends and public holidays. The full timetable and fares are available on the website.
Detailed information about the current program will be available on the website of the Zsuzsi Forest Railway.
