Debrecen4U July 14, 2026

Zsuzsi Forest Railway to Celebrate 144th Anniversary with Star Train Event

The Zsuzsi Forest Railway is celebrating its 144th anniversary this year with a truly special event on 18 July, with a Star Train setting off on an evening journey featuring a guided forest walk, an astronomy presentation, family activities and a unique atmosphere that only the historic narrow-gauge railway can offer.

The first section of the Zsuzsi Railway was inaugurated on 16 July 1882. The original line was 21.5 kilometres long, running between Debrecen Timber Yard and Nyírmártonfalva. Over the years, the railway was gradually extended, with several branch lines added. In its early days, services were operated by two steam locomotives travelling at speeds of up to 20 km/h. Regular passenger services began in 1925, and by the 1970s passenger numbers had grown significantly, with the five-carriage trains often filled to capacity.

Today, the Zsuzsi Train operates between Debrecen and Hármashegyalja. The terminus regularly hosts themed family events, while many passengers also enjoy travelling to Hármashegyalja to experience its fresh countryside air. To celebrate the Zsuzsi Train’s 144th birthday, the Star Train will depart on 18 July, with visitors taking part in a guided forest walk, attending an astronomy talk and enjoying a live owl demonstration. “Instead of lighting candles, we’ll let the stars be our candles, illuminating this wonderful birthday celebration. The Star Train has always been a special event in the life of the company and remains one of our most popular programmes. The train departs at 7:00 pm and returns at 10:30 pm,” said Péter Károlyi, Communications Manager at DKV.

The company will also organise another evening train journey on 15 August, timed to coincide with the annual Perseid meteor shower. The Zsuzsi Forest Railway continues to develop: last year, two passenger carriages were refurbished, and locomotive No. 2006 from the MK48 series returned to service.

Source: dehir.hu | Photo credit: Debrecen városa (Facebook)