The railway track was originally part of a larger network built in 1916 by the German army to facilitate the massive transport of timber from the Augustów Primeval Forest.
The entire route is situated within the boundaries of the Wigry National Park, a protected biosphere reserve.
The line follows a 'Puszczacka' route, which was designed to navigate difficult, boggy forest terrain unsuitable for road construction.
The railway station in Płociczno-Tartak is considered the oldest narrow-gauge railway station in Poland still used for active tourism.
The carriages are open-sided, intentionally designed to allow passengers unobstructed views of the surrounding woodland and lake scenery.
Wigierska Kolej Wąskotorowa is a historic narrow-gauge railway operating on a 10-kilometer route through the Wigry National Park in northeastern Poland. The train traverses protected forest areas and skirts the shores of Lake Wigry, providing access to terrain largely inaccessible by standard vehicles. The line utilizes a historical forest railway track originally constructed by German forces during World War I for timber extraction. Today, the railway operates exclusively as a tourist attraction, featuring open-air carriages pulled by diesel locomotives. The route includes several scheduled stops that allow passengers to explore local nature trails and viewpoints. It is one of the few remaining examples of industrial heritage repurposed specifically for environmental tourism in the Podlaskie Voivodeship.
The station at Krusznik, where the train stops directly alongside the scenic shoreline of Lake Wigry.
Bring insect repellent, as the train passes through dense wetlands and forest areas where mosquitoes are common.
Dress in layers, as the open-air carriages can become significantly cooler when the train is in motion compared to the standing temperature.
Book tickets online well in advance, especially during July and August, as weekend trips often reach full capacity.
Do not attempt to walk along the tracks outside of designated stops, as the terrain is protected and potentially hazardous.
Operates seasonally from late spring through early autumn; usually closed during the winter months due to snow and low tourist traffic.
Stay seated while the train is in motion; do not lean out of the open-air carriages or discard litter into the national park.
