All aboard for 1918: Czech steam train celebrates the republic’s birth

A steam train carrying actors dressed as soldiers returning from World War I will travel through South Bohemia on Oct. 28, recreating the atmosphere surrounding the birth of Czechoslovakia.

The event, Republika přijíždí Úzkokolejkou (“The Republic Arrives by Narrow-Gauge Railway”) will connect Jindřichův Hradec with Nová Bystřice, where a look-alike of the country’s first president, Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, will join the celebrations.

More than 100 actors and performers will take part, combining a journey through the Česká Kanada countryside with a historical program marking the national holiday.

The program will portray the transition from the Habsburg monarchy to independent Czechoslovakia, with scenes involving soldiers, civilians and prisoners of war.

Visitors can see historic equipment, sample “republic goulash” from a field kitchen and watch a period fashion show. There will also be an opportunity to meet the performer portraying Masaryk.

The steam train leaves Jindřichův Hradec at 9:50 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, arriving in Nová Bystřice at 12:58 p.m., where the celebrations culminate.

The return service departs at 3:35 p.m.

Passengers can reserve seats online, but travel tickets are purchased separately aboard the train.

Albert Fikáček, owner of railway operator Gepard Express, said the historic carriages were already filling up. The company is prepared to add capacity if demand warrants it.

The event falls on Independent Czechoslovak State Day, commemorating the establishment of Czechoslovakia on Oct. 28, 1918. This year marks its 108th anniversary.

The railway’s next planned steam event is Dec. 5, when St. Nicholas, a devil and an angel will accompany passengers for the traditional Czech seasonal celebration.

A New Year’s Eve journey will mark the 120th anniversary of the Jindřichův Hradec–Obrataň line, with an onboard toast and limited-edition anniversary souvenirs.

Winter will also bring maintenance work on both the railway and its locomotives.

Steam operations manager Artur Fučík said both engines would undergo post-season servicing, including major bearing repairs requiring substantial dismantling of their running gear.

The locomotive known as Krausska is also due for its six-year boiler inspection and test in February.

Track repairs between Jindřiš and Jindřiš-zastávka are scheduled to begin Nov. 18, supported by the State Fund for Transport Infrastructure.

For the Oct. 28 excursion, travelers should distinguish between the advance seat reservation and the onboard ticket purchase, and allow for the full day when planning connections to and from Jindřichův Hradec.