Uncover Europe’s Oldest Railway in Czechia
On Saturday July 26, 2025, we will celebrate the equal 200 years since the beginning of the construction of horse-drawn railways that linked České Budějovice and Linz. This railway not only reduced the distance between these two cities but also connected their residents more closely. The exciting celebrations will take place at various locations within the South Bohemian Region, particularly at the railway stations in České Budějovice, Chapel, and Bujan. Enthusiasts of railway history and technology can look forward to special themed performances or even the traditional Cake Festival.
The journey along the route from Prague – Tábor – České Budějovice – Kaplice – Bujanov and back will be on the protocol train František Antonín Gerstner. You’ll get to enjoy the comfort of a modern Pendolino train set while traveling back in time to the railway’s origins. However, if you prefer a ride on a steam locomotive, you can get off at the České Budějovice station. Once there, you will be greeted by František Antonín Gerstner himself and his student Matthias Schönerer before embarking on your journey to Kaplice station on the special train Sp 28481 Josef Gerstner, pulled by the antique steam locomotive 354.195, affectionately called Všudybylka.
The main attraction of the celebrations in Kaplice and Hannibal in Bujanov
At the Kaplice station, the two trains will meet. Besides enjoying the musical entertainment and food options, you can also look forward to an authentic historical scene showcasing the initial challenges in creating the horse-drawn railway. Mr. Jiří Kafka from JIKORD s.r.o. suggests using a shuttle bus service to travel between Kaplice and the railway station due to limited parking spaces. These buses will run according to the train schedules.
The highlight of the festivities will be the Pie Festival in Bujanov. The brain behind this grand celebration of 200 years of the horse-drawn carriage, as well as the mayor of Bujanov, Mr. Luděk Detour, extends an invitation to visitors for a diverse musical program that will include a historical ceremony, demonstrations of traditional crafts, and the unveiling of a statue honoring František Antonín Gerstner. The cherry on top of the festivities will be the exhibit of a replica of the Hannibal car, graciously lent for this special event by the National Technical Museum.
The oldest railways in continental Europe
The České Budějovice – Linz Horse Rail Railway, constructed between 1825 and 1832, was the oldest railway in Europe. The idea and execution of the railway were spearheaded by father and son, the Gerstners. František Antonín Gerstner was the designer of the line and oversaw the construction of its initial section. The construction kicked off on July 28, 1825, close to Netřebice, situated about 20 kilometers south of the center of České Budějovice. The railway’s main purpose was to connect the Solnohrad region in Upper Austria with the navigable Vltava River in České Budějovice. Regular services to Linz started in 1832, and four years later, the line extended to Gmunden. This railway operated without major changes until it transitioned to a steam engine system in 1873.
The entire railway stretched approximately 129 kilometers, establishing a connection between the Czech lands and Upper Austria. Regular services on this line continued for a full forty years. Passenger trains would depart from both end stations once a day at 5 a.m. and meet at noon in Kerschbaum, Austria. The entire journey took around 14 hours. The company managed hundreds of trucks and numerous cars, but only one has survived: a car known as the Hannibal class II carriage, built in 1841 at the company’s workshops in Urfahr. It is now housed in the Vienna Technical Museum. The National Technical Museum keeps a replica of this car, which underwent restoration in 2024.
Guard House No. 1 located in Mánesova Street in České Budějovice is the sole remaining authentic building linked to the horse-drawn railway, despite some modifications. This building once provided housing for railway guards, employees of the railway company. Each guard was responsible for monitoring a segment of roughly 3 kilometers, where they ensured security and conducted essential track maintenance. Today, you can visit a unique Museum of the Horse Railway that delves into the detailed history of this remarkable railway. Following the closure of the railroad, the buildings and land were sold. Most of these buildings gradually fell into disrepair. Some of the most prominent monuments to the horse-drawn railway can be found in the Český Krumlov area, where you can explore other historic railway stations, as well as in Bujan. Just across the border in Kerschbaum, Austria, you can take a leisurely ride along the bridleway in a replica of the luxurious Hannibal car or a Franz Josef party car. You can also embark on a fascinating train and walking tour to discover the history of the horse-drawn railway – the route will lead you from České Budějovice to Dolní and Horní Dvořiště.
