If the gods of steam are kind to us, we will still be able to see steam locomotives in operation in autumn 2026. The virtually indestructible German class 52 war locomoives (‘Kriegsloks’), known as Class 33 in the former Yugoslavia, were still in service in two coal mines in January 2026. However, their existence is hanging on by a thread – see the 2025 trip report for more on this. So we cannot say with certainty, but only with a certain degree of probability, that in autumn 2026 we will still enjoy the last representatives of steam traction on the European continent that are not used on tourist services.
The economic situation of the coal mines in
So we visit the last steam locomotives outside the tourist industry, the last genuine scheduled steam service in
The tour begins and ends at
We will visit the following places with scheduled services:
As far as the special services are concerned, we expect everything to go as planned, as it almost always has done, but we will probably not receive final confirmation until a few weeks before the trip. We have planned some slightly different services compared to previous tours, but it is not certain whether these can be implemented. However, it seems certain that, provided steam traction is still in operation, we will be able to send a locomotive with several special trains onto the line. The turning points of the special trains are planned to be Dobošnica, Šikulje, Banovići, and Kreka mine station, connected via Bosanska Poljana station. None of this is guaranteed, because it can no longer be guaranteed.
Our charter trains are freight trains. For travelling in these freight trains it is planned to add two Gbs class (four-wheeled, covered freight wagon) to our consist of 4 wheel open wagons. We have a small ladder with us to help with boarding. There should be a few benches in the wagon.
We will also visit the main workshop in Bukinje, if it still exists. Here, inspections and heavy overhauls of steam locomotives are carried out in-house. It is difficult to estimate the extent to which a loco is undergoing such an overhaul at the workshop the time we’re visiting. However, the chances are not bad, as a heavy overhaul always takes many months or even years due to the low staffing level of only four fitters.
Shunting continues to take place in the narrow-gauge area in Banovići. Experience tells us that some shunting movements will be organised for us. The use of a 0-8-2 tender locomotive of the class 83 is very likely. If we are lucky, we will also see 25-30, the last active representative of its kind, in steam. It’s an 0-6-0 tank locomotive.
Bosnia-Herzegovina is a civilised country with a hospitable population and a difficult history. Of course, the mentality of the inhabitants is different from central
Photographing railway facilities and vehicles is still viewed with scepticism in many places. We therefore have to apply for a permit for each location. As soon as you show up with an official permit, all gates and doors usually open and you are made to feel very welcome, allowed to take photographs everywhere and even treated to a special shunting trip.
Bosnia-Herzegovina is ethnically divided after the civil war. Despite political tensions, we hardly notice the border with the Republika Srpska; there are no checks or restraints. We will stay in a single hotel for the entire trip, so there will be no hotel changes during the journey. Our hotel is of reasonable quality and has very good cuisine. Meat is the staple ingredient of almost every meal; however, excellent vegetarian dishes are also available on request.
Citizens of Schengen countries and
Due to the time of year, we should expect rainy days as well as sunny ones. Please pack clothing suitable for a range of conditions, from bright blue skies to rain and temperatures ranging from zero to 25 degrees Celsius. We will need tripods and remote shutter releases at several locations to capture atmospheric night shots.
The tour is specially designed for photographers and videographers who value a good picture more than an opulent meal in a top restaurant many kilometres away from the location. We have planned half board as we will hardly have time for lunch.
When we visit scheduled operations, there are sometimes long waiting times until a shunting movement takes place. The locomotives stand still much more than they move. However, we can always help things along a little. We will probably be provided with a locomotive for the special trains, which won’t be changed during the tour. The technical condition of the locomotives varies, and there is a tendency to give us the best horse in the stable. There can be no financial compensation for steam locomotives that are not running. We are in the age of dying steam traction, the risk of a total failure of steam services cannot be factored into the tour price and, in the worst-case scenario, no steam locomotives will run. If we receive information prior to departure that indicates a breach of contract, we reserve the right to cancel the trip at short notice. The Balkan is a political powder keg. It is impossible to predict when this will be ignited again. In such a case, only the tour price can be refunded. No further compensation is possible. Anyone who has reservations about transferring the tour price in advance may also pay in cash on site. But of course, this is not our first trip to the Balkans, and so far it has always been very worthwhile. The only risk-free place to be is at home in front of the cooker! But that's not half as exciting!
We expressly draw your attention to the dangers that can arise from using and staying in the vicinity of railways and other means of transport. We recommend that you take out accident insurance for travel abroad and, of course, the essential international health insurance. Neither the Kreka Mining Company, the Banovići Mine Administration, the local organiser nor FarRail Tours are liable for accidents, damage or problems due to delays, etc.
| Bosnia-Herzegovina | ||
| If not extinct: Kriegsloks in Mine & Line Service | 22 to 45 participants | £2,840 |
| 25.10.2026 – 30.10.2026 | Single room surcharge | £195 |
| Registration Deadline: 01.08.2026 | ||
The price includes:
Not included:
