Steam train crossing a stone viaduct on the historic Oraviţa-Anina railway, Romania

The Oraviţa-Anina 34-km route is the oldest mountain railway in Southeast Europe, in use since 1869.

It is also known as the "Semmeringul Bănăţean" (Banat Semmering) due to its challenging terrain and engineering. The line is a popular tourist attraction, offering scenic journeys through the Banat mountains in Romania.

Route Details
The railway, built during the Austrian Empire and inaugurated in 1863, was originally used to transport coal from Anina to Baziaş. The journey takes approximately two hours one way, with the train passing through the scenic Anina Mountains.
Key features of the route include: 14 tunnels, with the longest one, Gârliște, measuring 660 meters;10 viaducts, including the imposing Jitin viaduct, which reaches a height of 37 meters.
There is a change in altitude of approximately 337.7 meters, climbing from Oraviţa (218.7 m) to Anina (556.4 m).

Original carriages with wooden benches, adding to the nostalgic charm of the journey.

Another promo pic with a diesel-