The Mátra economic narrow-gauge railways, built in the beginning of the 20th century, have also carried passengers between Gyöngyös and Mátrafüred since 1926. Their operation was furthered by the leaders of the city in all social systems. The Mátravasút train reciprocated this concern, as it played a significant role in promoting city and Mátra tourism. Its first flourishing was until 1944, but it was also fast in recovering from the World War II havoc. In 1945, its Gyöngyössolymos line, in 1949 its Mátrafüred line was nationalised. Its second period of prosperity was in the first half of the 1950s, at the time of the forced industrialisation. New lines were built, and goods traffic also became lively besides passenger transport. There were days when there were 120 trains running on the network expanded to 46 km. Between 1960 and 1987 it operated as pioneer railway. From 1960 to 1984 Endre Bajcsy, from 1984 to our days Ms. Ida Tóth-Bajcsy, heads of line, not only saved the Mátrafüred and Gyöngyössolymos lines, but also started the reconstruction of the tracks, buildings, and vehicles. Since 1995, the Narrow-guage Railway Day is organised, also followed by foreign interest. In 1996 this involved the commemoration of the 1100th anniversary of the Magyar Conquest and the 70th anniversary of the fundation of the Mátravasút train.
Come to Gyöngyös, and travel on the narrow-gauge railway to the enchantingly beautiful Mátra mountains!
Mátrai Erdei Vasutak
3200 Gyöngyös, Dobó u. 1.
Tel.: +36 37 312 447; +36 30 279 1615
E-mail: matravasut@egererdo.hu
