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For the sixth consecutive year, the Festival of Steam Locomotives will take place on 26-28 September 2025 in Benešov u Prahy. This event will feature a captivating array of steam, motor, and electric locomotives, along with motor and passenger cars from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Poland, and Austria. The entire festival will be guided by a knowledgeable moderator and railway expert, Václav Žmolík.

What special features can you expect at this year’s Festival and steam locomotives program?

• • A special train will depart on Friday from Prague (Masaryk Station) to Benešov, and tickets purchased will grant you weekend access to the festival.

• • Special train services will run from Benešov to highlight significant railway anniversaries, stopping at locations like Kutná Hora, Zruč nad Sázavou, Vlašim, and Trhové Štěpánov before returning to Prague.

• • The Benešov depot will showcase an exhibition featuring both steam and diesel locomotives, rides on a turntable, a model railway, a cinema specifically for children, a mini-vintage car display, as well as food and souvenirs.

• • Throughout the weekend, there will be a variety of engaging programs suitable for railway enthusiasts of all ages.

Special trains and night photography of locomotives in Benešov

During the festival, more than 30 special trains will operate, offering rides from morning till night. The festivities will kick off on Friday, 26.09.2025, with a special train departing at 8:35 a.m. from Prague Masaryk Station. Unlike previous years, this year the protocol train will be powered by a German motor locomotive 232.690 from Prague Masarykovo nádraží to Kutná Hora hl.n., and then a steam locomotive 555.0153 (or 464.202) will take over from Kutná Hora město to Ledečko and onto Benešov u Prahy. The protocol train will consist of 5 Ce fisherman and Ce buffet cars. Due to limited seating, tickets for the protocol train—which also serve as a three-day pass—must be bought in advance. Passengers can enjoy refreshments in the buffet car during the journey. Once in Benešov, attendees will be invited to explore the historic vehicles on display at the Benešov depot.

Special trains visiting Kutná Hora město and Zruč nad Sázavou

On Saturday, 27.9.2025, a celebration will occur for the 120th anniversary of the local railway from Zruč nad Sázavou to Kutná Hora town. Trains will also travel to Vlašim and Trhové Štěpánov, where the festivities for the 130th anniversary of the local railway from Benešov u Prahy to Vlašim will be held on both Saturday and Sunday (27-28.9.2025). Additional trains will travel to Prague to commemorate 180 years since the opening of the oldest steam railway station in Prague—the former Northern State Railway station now known as Masaryk Station (1845-2025) and to honor the European celebration of 200 years of steam locomotive operation (Stockton-Darlington railway in England on 27.9.1825).

The predominant activities at the Festival of Steam Locomotives on Saturday, 27 September, and Sunday, 28 September 2025, will include not only the special trains running around Benešov. True to tradition, attendees can also expect night photography sessions. The steam locomotives will be positioned at the turntable, with diesel locomotives placed a little further away, as everyone waits for sunset. This is a chance to take stunning photos and videos in the enchanting atmosphere of the depot at night. The locomotives will be showcased away from crowds for a rare photographic experience!

Exhibition of trains and locomotives in Benešov

Everything typically hidden from view on the railway will be exhibited at the depot in Benešov. Guests will have the opportunity to explore some displays from the inside as well. Steam locomotives, naturally, will draw the most attention. Which one will catch your fancy? There will traditionally be a chance to visit model railroad tracks. On Saturday and Sunday (27-28.9.2025), many will enjoy the popular feature of locomotive turning on the turntable.

For younger visitors, there will be a cinema screening featuring fairy tales and other films suited for kids. Additionally, there will be a mini exhibition of classic cars at the depot, alongside the opportunity to ride on the garden railway. Interested visitors can see the Imperial Lounge located in the station building of the railway station in Benešov u Prahy. Of course, there will be a variety of tasty refreshments, including delicious Pilsner beer, and a chance to purchase various souvenirs, T-shirts, and other festival merchandise.