The Bieszczadzka Forest Railway, nestled in Poland’s remote Bieszczady Mountains, began construction in 1890 under Austro-Hungarian rule to support timber transport. Officially opened in 1898, the narrow-gauge line initially connected Nowy Łupków to Cisna and was later extended to Kalnica and Roztoki Górne. Operated by the Imperial-Royal Austrian State Railways, it featured elegant stone bridges and oak sleepers, and quickly became vital for both freight and passenger services.

During World War I, the railway suffered damage but was rebuilt and nationalized by Polish State Railways after Poland regained independence. In World War II, it was modernized under German control, with its gauge changed to 750 mm. However, fighting on the Eastern Front and clashes with partisan groups led to further destruction. Post-war, the line was handed to the State Forests in 1953 and rebuilt for logging, eventually stretching over 70 km and becoming Poland’s highest narrow-gauge railway.

Passenger services resumed in 1963, attracting tourists to the scenic Bieszczady region. Steam locomotives were gradually replaced by diesel engines, and by the 1980s, economic challenges and competition from road transport led to declining use. The railway ceased operations in December 1994, though its infrastructure was preserved thanks to its listing as a national monument in 1992.

Revival efforts began in 1996 with the creation of the Bieszczady Forest Railway Foundation. By July 1997, trains resumed on a shortened route from Majdan to Przysłup, later expanding westward to Balnica. The railway quickly became a major tourist attraction, with annual ridership surpassing 150,000 by 2018. Today, it operates seasonally with restored diesel and steam locomotives, offering immersive journeys through forested valleys and mountain vistas.

This history was generated using AI and draws on publicly available sources, including Wikipedia and the official Bieszczady Forest Railway website.