The railway layout resembles the number eight when viewed from the air, hence its name.
The track gauge is 760mm, historically known as the 'Bosnian gauge'.
Construction of the original railway line began in 1921 and was completed in 1925.
Emir Kusturica featured the railway in his film 'Life is a Miracle', which contributed to its post-restoration popularity.
The line reaches an altitude difference of approximately 300 meters over a very short horizontal distance.
The railway was closed in 1974 for commercial use and later reconstructed as a tourist attraction starting in the late 1990s.
The Šargan Eight is a narrow-gauge heritage railway in Serbia that follows a unique figure-eight loop through the Mokra Gora mountains to overcome a steep elevation gain. Originally part of the Belgrade-Sarajevo line, this restored section spans approximately 15 kilometers of track, passing through 22 tunnels and over 5 bridges. The route features vintage steam and diesel-powered locomotives pulling restored wooden passenger cars. The line reaches the Šargan Vitasi station, which serves as the journey's turnaround point. The railway is internationally recognized for its engineering design that allows the train to gain height while remaining within manageable gradients. It serves as a historical preservation project showcasing early 20th-century Balkan railway engineering. The track navigates rugged terrain, offering panoramic views of the Tara and Zlatibor mountain regions.
The outdoor observation platform between the train cars provides the best unobstructed views of the tunnels and mountain landscape.
Book your seats weeks in advance during the peak summer season, as tickets sell out rapidly.
Choose a seat near an open window or on the outdoor observation platform for better ventilation and visibility.
Bring a light jacket as temperatures at higher mountain elevations are significantly cooler than in the valley.
Do not attempt to purchase tickets on the day of travel during high season, as walk-in availability is extremely rare.
Operates primarily from spring through late autumn; closed during winter months.
Remain seated while the train is in motion and refrain from leaning out of the windows for photography.
