Bulgarian railways offers steam train trips to Pernik and Radomir

Bulgarian State Railways BDZ is organising steam train trips on the routes Sofia - Pernik - Sofia and Sofia - Radomir - Sofia in connection with the thematic holidays in Pernik and Radomir. On 19 October, Saturday, Pernik celebrates the town holiday, and on 20 October, Sunday, celebrations will be held in Radomir on the occasion of the Day of the Boza (a malt drink made by fermenting various grains: corn and wheat).

The train consisting of four carriages, will be pulled by a vintage steam locomotive, which was manufactured in 1935 and is a representative of the most massive series of fast locomotives in the history of the Bulgarian railways, BDZ said.

The October 20 train will depart from Sofia Central Station at 9.30am, arrive in Pernik at 11.20am, departing from there at 11.45am to arrive in Radomir at 12.03pm.

The return journey starts at 3.35pm and the train is scheduled to arrive in Sofia at 5.44pm.

The festive programme in Radomir promises to be a festival of tastes and entertainment. A rich folklore programme, a crafts alley and culinary demonstrations have been prepared.

The price of a return ticket from Sofia to Pernik and from Sofia to Radomir is BGN 40 for adults and BGN 20 for children up to 10 years of age with a reserved seat. Tickets are also available for the Sunday steam train from Pernik to Radomir to Pernik, which costs BGN 20 for adults and BGN 10 for children.

Tickets for the steam train trips can be purchased at ticket offices and railway bureaus at all stations in the country, as well as online.

The last steam locomotive in the history of Bulgarian railway transport left from Boychinovtsi station for Sofia on 23 September 2002.