Discover the 150-Year-Old Cogwheel Railway Depot in Budapest!

This June 29th the Budapest Transport Company (BKV) opens the doors of the Városmajor tram depot, an area usually closed to the public. This special event celebrates the 150th anniversary of Budapest’s iconic cogwheel railway, a world-renowned transportation gem.

The cogwheel railway, affectionately known as the “Fogas” by locals, commenced operations in 1874, connecting the city center to the picturesque Svábhegy (Swabian Hill). The railway’s unique design features a cog rail system, invented by Swiss engineer Niklaus Riggenbach, which allows the tram to navigate the steep inclines of the Buda Hills. With a total length of 3.7 km and an elevation gain of 327 meters, the cogwheel railway offers a charming and nostalgic way to explore the city’s green oasis.

During the guided tours on June 29th, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the historic Városmajor depot, where they can marvel at the tram carriages, electrical equipment, and the maintenance workshop. Participants will also get a chance to peek inside the driver’s cabin of the SGP trams and admire two of BKV’s vintage tram cars alongside the cogwheel railway’s nostalgic carriage.

Tours will run approximately 45 minutes each, with the first tour starting at 9:00 AM and the last one at 4:00 PM. Please note that the venue is not wheelchair accessible, and on-site registration is not available. To participate in the guided tours, visitors must register in advance on the BKV website.

In addition to the depot tours, the BKV is also inaugurating a new exhibition dedicated to the cogwheel railway at the Underground Railway Museum at Deák Square. The exhibition, which opens on June 22nd, showcases the history of the “Fogas” through a rich collection of photographs, models, vintage parts, tickets, timetables, posters, and even driver uniforms.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to delve into the fascinating history of Budapest’s beloved cogwheel railway and experience a piece of the city’s transportation heritage!

Image source: https://www.bkv.hu/