Ride Poland’s oldest working steam locomotive, vintage trams and classic buses as Poznań’s Maltanka Railway and tourist transport lines return on the 4th and 5th of July.
Few cities blend history and public transport quite like Poznań. This weekend, the 4th and 5th of July, residents and visitors have the chance to experience two of the city’s most popular heritage attractions as Steam Days return to the Maltanka Park Railway, while historic trams and buses once again take to the streets.
From riding behind Poland’s oldest operational steam locomotive to travelling aboard classic trams that once formed the backbone of the city’s transport network, it promises to be a memorable weekend for families, railway enthusiasts and anyone looking for a nostalgic way to explore Poznań.
1. Ride behind Poland’s oldest working steam locomotive
The undisputed star of the weekend is Borsig Bn2t, the oldest locomotive in the Maltanka collection and the oldest operational steam locomotive in Poland.
Built in 1925 by August Borsig’s locomotive works in Berlin, the locomotive has enjoyed an extraordinary journey. It began service in Obrzycko before moving after the Second World War to the Azoty Nitrogen Works in Chorzów. Retired in 1977 and displayed as a monument, it was rescued in 1990 by the Poznań Railway Modellers’ Club before undergoing a painstaking restoration at H. Cegielski Poznań. After several years of work, it returned to active service in 1999, where it continues to delight passengers more than a century after it was built.
Today, the beautifully restored locomotive is one of the jewels of Poznań’s transport heritage and remains a favourite attraction during the city’s regular Steam Days.
2. Steam Days only happen every few weeks
Steam Days are among the most anticipated weekends of the Maltanka season.
Throughout the summer, the narrow-gauge railway is normally operated by diesel locomotives, but approximately every two weeks the historic Borsig steam locomotive returns to the tracks, filling the air with steam whistles, coal smoke and plenty of nostalgia.
On the 4th and 5th of July, departures behind the steam locomotive are scheduled:
- From Maltanka Station on the hour
- From Zwierzyniec Station 30 minutes later
3. Discover one of Europe’s last park railways
The Maltanka Park Railway is one of Poznań’s best-loved family attractions and one of the few remaining narrow-gauge park railways in Europe still operating as part of a city’s public leisure infrastructure.
The railway first opened in 1956, making 2026 its 70th anniversary season. Originally built by volunteers and railway enthusiasts, it has become an enduring symbol of summer in Poznań.
Today, the line stretches for almost 4 kilometres, connecting the area near Rondo Śródka with Poznań New Zoo, passing through some of the city’s most scenic green spaces.
4. Enjoy one of Poznań’s most scenic journeys
The route isn’t just about the train itself.
Passengers travel alongside Lake Malta, stopping at:
- Maltanka (near Rondo Śródka)
- Ptyś (for the Malta Thermal Baths)
- Balbinka (where trains pass each other at weekends)
- Zwierzyniec (next to Poznań New Zoo)
Whether you’re heading to the zoo, spending the day at Termy Maltańskie or simply enjoying the lakeside scenery, the railway is one of the most enjoyable ways to travel across the Malta recreation area.
5. The railway runs every day throughout the summer
During the 2026 season, Maltanka operates daily.
Timetable:
- Weekdays: every 60 minutes
- Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: every 30 minutes
- Operating hours: approximately 10:00–18:00
Steam Days operate alongside the normal timetable.
6. Ride a three-car 105Na tram
Transport enthusiasts have even more to enjoy this weekend thanks to Poznań’s popular Tourist Lines.
On Saturday, the 4th of July, Line 20 will be operated by a rare three-car set of Konstal 105Na trams, a configuration that was once a familiar sight on the city’s busiest routes.
For many residents, these trams evoke memories of everyday journeys during the 1980s and 1990s.
7. Historic trams return on Sunday
Sunday’s programme includes several other heritage vehicles.
Passengers can travel on:
- A classic N+ND tram set on Line 0
- The beautifully restored Bergische Stahlindustrie Type I tram with its historic trailer on Line H
The Type I tram dates back to the early twentieth century and offers one of the oldest public transport experiences available anywhere in Poland.
8. Vintage buses complete the experience
Historic buses will also be operating across the weekend.
Scheduled vehicles include:
- Ikarus 280 articulated bus
- Solaris Urbino 12 (1999), the first production model from the now world-famous Poznań manufacturer
- Jelcz 272MEX
- Jelcz PR110
- DAF MB200
These buses operate on the city’s tourist routes, offering passengers the chance to experience several decades of public transport history in a single day.
Please note that operational requirements may require vehicle substitutions.
Why Maltanka remains one of Poznań’s most beloved attractions
Few attractions capture the spirit of a Poznań summer quite like the Maltanka Railway.
For generations of residents, a ride on the little train has been a childhood tradition, carrying families from Śródka through the lakeside park to the New Zoo. Today, it continues to attract thousands of passengers every season, combining nostalgia with practical transport and offering visitors a unique way to experience one of the city’s most beautiful recreational areas.
The addition of Steam Days makes the experience even more special, providing a rare opportunity to travel behind a locomotive that has been in service, in one form or another, for more than 100 years.
Whether you’re a railway enthusiast, a photographer, a family looking for a day out or simply someone who enjoys discovering Poznań’s heritage, this weekend is an excellent opportunity to step aboard.
Visitor Information
Steam Days
- Dates: Saturday, 4th of July and Sunday, 5th of July 2026
- Location: Maltanka Park Railway
- Steam departures: Hourly from Maltanka Station, returning from Zwierzyniec 30 minutes later
Tourist Transport Highlights
- Saturday: Three-car Konstal 105Na tram on Line 20
- Sunday: N+ND tram on Line 0
- Sunday: Historic Bergische Stahlindustrie Type I tram on Line H
- Weekend: Historic buses on tourist routes 100 and 102
For the latest timetables, ticket prices and route information, visit MPK Poznań’s Tourist Lines and Maltanka page.
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