photo: Miroslav Fikar / Flickr/Kometa historic train, High Tatras, Slovakia
More than a century after their construction, some of Slovakia’s most important railway lines are still in daily use, and in 2026, many of them will celebrate major milestones. Their anniversaries offer a chance to look back at how rail helped shape entire regions.
Many of the lines reaching milestone anniversaries in 2026 were originally built during the era of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Their primary purpose was to connect industrial centres with agricultural regions, facilitate freight transport and open remote areas to economic development. For cities such as Košice, Žilina, Zvolen and Prešov, the arrival of railways was a decisive turning point in economic expansion and urban growth.
Read more
The death of a 36-year-old Deutsche Bahn conductor has sent shockwaves across Germany and reignited a fierce debate over rail safety. Trade unions…
At the time of their construction, these routes represented bold engineering achievements. Mountain tunnels, river viaducts and precisely aligned corridors through demanding terrain showcased advanced 19th-century infrastructure planning. Today, these lines form an integral part of Slovakia’s transport backbone.
Among the most significant anniversaries is the Košice–Bohumín Railway, opened between 1869 and 1872, which will mark 155 years since the completion of the Žilina–Poprad section. The main Bratislava–Žilina corridor (Line 120), completed in 1871, will also celebrate 155 years, remaining one of the country’s key north-western arteries.
Mountain Railways and National Identity
Several iconic mountain and regional lines will also commemorate important milestones. The Tatra Electric Railway, built between 1911 and 1912, will celebrate its 115th anniversary and continues to serve as a vital high-mountain network linking the High Tatras’ tourist centres. The rack railway between Štrbské Pleso and Štrba, inaugurated in 1896, will mark 130 years of operation and remains one of Slovakia’s most distinctive alpine rail attractions.
The Košice Children’s Railway, opened in 1955, will celebrate 71 years of service and is regarded as one of the country’s most atmospheric narrow-gauge heritage lines. In southern Slovakia, the Štúrovo–Čata–Levice line will mark 140 years since its opening in the 1880s, while the Trenčianska Teplá–Trenčianske Teplice electric railway, one of the oldest electric passenger railways in the region, will celebrate 117 years of operation.
Technology, Modernisation and the Future of Rail
The anniversaries also offer an opportunity to reflect on technological transformation. Steam locomotives have gradually given way to electrified corridors and modern rolling stock. Extensive reconstructions on key routes have increased line speeds, improved safety standards and enhanced passenger comfort.
For politicians and railway companies, 2026 is all about what comes next. There are ongoing talks about electrifying more lines, introducing digital systems and making transport more climate-friendly. Rail plays an important role in meeting environmental goals, and that’s part of the conversation too.
Read more
A split second was all it took for Monday morning to turn into a catastrophe in Switzerland’s Valais canton. A passenger train carrying 30 people…
Nationwide Celebrations Planned
Railway enthusiasts, local authorities and operators are already preparing events to celebrate the anniversaries. Throughout the year, people can expect special rides with historic trains, exhibitions, open days at depots and stations, and a few themed publications. For many, it will be a rare chance to see how the railway works behind the scenes and to experience a piece of living history.
At the same time, these celebrations are a reminder that the railway is still an essential part of Slovakia. It connects cities and regions, supports everyday commuting and business, and continues to shape the country just as it did decades ago.