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Route
This particular railway line has been called the most beautiful in Poland, and it's hard to argue with that, given the scenery. Known as 'Line 108' it was built in 1872 and connects Zagórze to Krościenko along 47km. Closed only recently, today bike trolleys depart from the station in Uherce Mineralne, and riders can choose the direction they want to go based on the day's fixed schedule. Along the way you'll pass through tunnels, over and under bridges and take in the gorgeous mountain scenery. When it's time to turn back, the accompanying guides physically lift the heavy trolleys off the track and turn them around - quite a sight!Sites
While the pedal trip itself doesn't exactly afford opportunities to turn off for railside attractions, there are a couple of places in Uherce Mineralne that are worth checking out before or after a ride on the rails. The first is the Bieszczady School of Crafts (Uherce Mineralne 137, www.ginacezawody.pl) - an interactive, hands-on museum and cultural centre where you can learn about the old trades of the region, and then try your own skills at some of these disappearing crafts, including calligraphy, pottery and baking sodabread - a regional speciality - from scratch. Even if you aren’t up for a workshop, it’s worth checking out their gift shop selling handmade ceramics and souvenirs made on-site.The second place that demands your attention is the Ursa Maior Brewery (Uherce Mineralne 122A, www.ursa maior.pl) - surely one of the coolest spots in the region and worth dropping in for both their bar and shop. Priding themselves on their commitment to the environment and local community, this microbrewery not only offers dozens of delicious beers, but also tasty regional snacks and a range of local products and art. Contact them in advance for a tour of their brewing process, and be sure to fill your trunk with 6-pack samplers of their finest brews.
Practical Information
Start/finish: Uherce Mineralne train station (Uherce Mineralne 62A)
Distance: 5.5-12km
Duration: 50-90mins
Recommended for: Young and old, particularly families and large groups, history and railway buffs, even kids and adults who cant ride a bike. Stable and sturdy, there's simply no way of tipping the trolleys over. Each trolley has two front seats with pedals (and footbrakes) and a bench in the back (without pedals) which can seat two adults, two adults and one child, or three children.
Equipment Rental: Organised by Bieszczadzkie Drezyny Rowerowe (www.drezynyrowerowe.pl ), see their website for the weekly schedule of routes and times. Prices range from 110-140zł per trolley depending on the chosen route.
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