There are several narrow-gauge railways in Denmark. The country had plenty of narrow-gauge railways used for various purposes – industrial, brick, peat, field and passenger railways. Most of them have been closed and dismantled many years ago. There is a list of active narrow gauge railways in Denmark.
Frilandsmuseet Hjerl Hede – the open-air museum in Vinderup is famous for its interesting buildings presenting life in the Danish rural area in the old days. It is one of the oldest and largest open-air museums in the world. In the summer season, a narrow-gauge railway runs through the open-air museum on a short route of 1 km. The railway line is a preserved stretch of a former peat railway.
Open-air museum in Vinderup – official website
Mosebrugsbanen – a train running around the museum on the site of a former peat mine in Stenvad. The train called “Tørvegrisen” runs in season, on holidays and on
request. The route is 2.5 kilometers long. Rail gauge 600 mm.
Mosebrugsbanen – official website
Hedelands Veteranjernbane – the longest active narrow-gauge railway in Denmark. Passengers are carried by vintage train on a 5.3 km long route. The narrow gauge railway is located in a former gravel pit, transformed into a recreational area. The first 100-meter-long section was opened in 1977. The narrow gauge railway station is located right next to Hedehusene station, where suburban trains from Copenhagen stop (travel time approx. 20 minutes). There are plans to extend the route to 7 km.
Hedelands Veteranjernbane – official website
Blovstrød Banen – a train running on the tracks to the old brickyard or cement factory in Blovstrød in the summer season every second Sunday and on selected days. The narrow gauge railway station is located approximately two kilometers from Allerød station, which is served by S-Tog trains. The 700 mm line is 1,200 meters long. It was built from used rails from dismantled various narrow-gauge railways in Denmark. Former brick railway, closed in 1966. The railway was rebuilt by enthusiasts.
Blovstrød Banen – official website
MuseumsCenter Hanstholm – a narrow gauge railway running around the museum, which provides visitors access to the largest fortifications from World War II in northern Europe. Military railway built by the Germans during World War II. Original locomotives from this period can be seen in the museum. The narrow gauge railway runs all year round except on selected days. The route is approximately 1,200 meters long, 600 mm gauge. There is no train to Hanstholm, the nearest DSB station is in Thisted, from where you can reach it by bus.
MuseumsCenter Hanstholm – official website
Trains in Legoland – Legoland is located in Billund and is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Denmark. There are two narrow-gauge trains running around Legoland – one is a Lego train – a typical park railway, and the other is a Lego mine train. Both trains are very popular among visitors. However, visiting Legoland is not cheap.
Legoland – official website
Mønsted Kalkgruber – a 550 mm narrow-gauge railway. Train drives through caves where visitors can admire bats. It is located in Stoholm, 40 kilometers from Viborg.
Mønsted Kalkgruber – official website
Lille Viildmose – a short stretch of preserved peat railway in a nature reserve. The remaining part of the narrow gauge line, in old times approximately 8 kilometers long. The railway was closed and dismantled, the length of preserved railway line is 400 meters only.
Related articles:
Train travel in Denmark
Heritage railways in Denmark
