Arguably the best place in Balkans for narrow gauge enthusiasts to be – Šargan 8. Serbs managed to rebuild a fascinating section on the railway between Višegrad and Užice which climbs the Šargan mountains via several loops, creating number 8, at the end of 90s. Train stations were renovated, tunnels repaired, track laid and rolling stock brought. Since the beginning of 90s, there was an initiative to restore the line, with locals cleaning the tracks and tunnels. Finally, the state railways took upon restoring the railway which was finally opened in 2003. The section between Mokra Gora and Višegrad opened in 2010. There were further plans to restore the line all the way to Užice, but floods covering sections in Serbia prevented that.
Mokra Gora station
Rolling stock at the station
Romanian-made L45H
We came at the end of September during the week (so arguably not the high season), but the train was packed. It was hauled by diesel loco model L45H made in Romania and pulled several wagons, some from 50s and some from 60s or 70s (per the conductor, however, this did not seem right, as they gave the impression of being older). One journey to Šargan Vitasi took approximately 50 minutes and we spent some 15 minutes at the end station. Tracks seemed to continue (which they do almost all the way to Kremna, only to stop some 500 m before) and disappeared in high grass. People were enthusiastically purchasing refreshment from the vendors behind tables at the station and snapping pictures of parked locos and wagons. On the way back the train stopped at every stop so we were able to take pictures and enjoy views of Mokra Gora valley. However, when the train moved only 150 metres and stopped again, parents of Anesa expressed some doubts about the length of the ride. And imagine you went from Sarajevo to Belgrade, sitting on the wooden benches for hours and hours! When we were going through a tunnel, I focused on the sound of the engine, the dimly lit interior of the old wagon and slight movement of the wagon to the sides. This was as close as I can get to the real feeling of the old Bosnian narrow gauge I am so fascinated by. This is how it felt to travel for hours and hours. Enthusiasm and stunning scenery of Bosnian countryside aside, I can imagine how exhausting some of the journeys must have been (24 hours from Sarajevo to Ploče, anyone?). It is also making the sentiment of the 1970s against the obsolete narrow gauge more understandable.
On the way to Šargan Vitasi
Šargan Vitasi in Serbia is the end station
Locomotive JŽ 83 with the serial number 52 is in a stunning condition.
Riding down the mountain.
Station Krst. More views!
View of Mokra Gora. Railway continues through the valley to Višegrad, but this section is sadly yet abandoned again.
Jatare station is somewhat in the middle of the hill without any settlement nearby.
After coming back to Mokra Gora, we grabbed a drink in the restaurant of the train station and went back to Višegrad. I had a lone evening for myself in Višegrad and the family several hours long drive to Zenica. We stopped to see Dobrun and I went to take some pics of the railway right after, only to see one of the problems with the Bosnian section: rotten sleepers, half of them hollow. Neglected maintenance, just as the Serbish conductor said.
Near Dobrun
Dobrun monastery and “Maglić” loco
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