Dance Through Polabí and Beyond: Discover the Joy of the Holiday Beet Groove!
Campus Cologne beet grooves has a parking lot, a train station, a heating plant, and a small museum, located at the northern edge of Kolín in Sendražice. While waiting for your train, you can view an exhibition about the history of sugar beet farming, its processing, and transportation in Polabí. There are also activities for kids, who won’t be bored thanks to a small model railway, outdoor playground, play area, trampolines, and other enjoyable features, including refreshments.
When the beetroot was on the train
Narrow gauge railways around Cologne were constructed between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, covering more than 130 km in total. The oldest among these was The Cologne Beet Groove, which was established in 1894. This railway ran from Jestřabí Lhota through Býchory to the sugar factory in Cologne and transported beet for nearly seventy years.
Where the sugar factory once stood, you will now find the Cologne power station. Over time, many of the old railway lines have deteriorated. However, a few years ago, the oldest railway saw a revival thanks to the Beet Groove Restoration Club. In November 2005, the ceremonial relaying of the tracks was celebrated and in the summer of 2007, the first train traveled along a part of the original track. Since that time, the railway has been gradually expanded. In 2019, the new stop Býchory was added, which features a playground and a lovely place to sit.
Holidays on the Beetroot
Trains operate on the revived segment of the historic Beet Groove every weekend from early July until late August. These trains are pulled by steam or diesel locomotives. This year, steam services are scheduled for July 12 and 13, and August 2-3 or 23-24. Train departures from the Kolín – Sendražice station are at 9:45, 11:00, 12:15, 13:30, 14:45, and 16:00. From the Býchory station, trains leave at 10:10, 11:25, 12:40, 13:55, 15:10, and 16:25. Tickets can only be bought at the Kolín-Sendražice station building. Return tickets are available, but one-way tickets can also be obtained. Ticket prices vary based on the service. You can also board from the Býchory station (and return) and buy tickets at Kolín-Sendražice station.
From Cologne to Bihor
Despite its new sections, the beet groove is not very long; it measures about four kilometers, but you will still enjoy the ride. Passengers with a ticket can take a one-hour journey in restored or newly built open and covered passenger cars, pulled by a steam or diesel vintage locomotive. There is also a carriage available for strollers and wheelchairs. At the Výrovna station and Grinder stops, you can conveniently get off, explore the area, and then catch any train back to Sendražice.
Since the track is accompanied by a nature trail about the history of the beet groove and its surroundings, you might also choose to return on foot. Along the way, you will find informational panels and various attractions for children as well as seating areas. It is a short walk from Býchory to the Vigvam leisure area in Němčice, where you can find what is said to be the largest vigvam in the world.
