bratislava city tour train

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Bratislava Tourist Train

• 8.50 / 10 117 reviews | 1,738 travellers I loved the tour. The guide Lucia was charming and made the tour very interesting, we learned a lot about the history of Bratislava. I highly recommend the tour! 10 Simona
• Free cancellation up to 12 hours before the service starts
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Explore the unmissable sights of the Slovak capital in a new way: aboard a historic vehicle . You'll get to enjoy tradition and history in comfort on this tour of Bratislava by tourist train .

Description

When making your reservation, you'll have a choice between two options. Whichever tour you choose to book, the two routes both start and finish at the same place: Hviezdoslavovo Námestie , in front of the historic Slovak National Theatre building (Slovenské národné divadlo) . The options are as follows:

Castle route (60 minutes)

Departing from Bratislava city center, you'll explore the main tourist sights of the Slovak capital on board the Presporacik tourist train.

You'll pass by St. Martin's Cathedral , the largest and one of the oldest churches in the city, and Kammene nameste , or 'Stone Square', as you drive through the heart of the historic center .

The historic vehicle will take you up to one of the city's most symbolic buildings: the Bratislava Castle . At the castle, the tourist train will make a 20-minute stop, during which you can explore the ancient fortress and enjoy the panoramic views over the city. Thanks to your audioguide, you'll learn numerous fascinating details about the medieval fortress constructed on the banks of the Danube River .

Heading back to the city, you'll pass SNP Most: the Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising, and you'll drive alongside Europe's second-longest river, the Danube .

This option has the following operating hours: 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm.

Panoramic route (95 minutes)

After meeting in the heart of the Slovak capital, you'll head first to Slavin: a monument dedicated to the victims of World War II . After a 15-minute stop here, you'll continue towards Bratislava's impressive castle , where you'll make a 20-minute stop to admire its imposing stone walls and the panoramic views over the city.

Making your way back to the original meeting point, you'll pass more of Bratislava's iconic landmarks such as the  Slovak National Theatre , the stunning Church of St. Elizabeth, better known as the Blue Church , and the Grassalkovich Presidential Palace .

This option has the following operating hours: 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm.

More Information

1 hour - 1 hour 30 minutes.

The activity takes place with an audioguide in English.

Tourist train tour of Bratislava

Audio guide in English

When to book?

You can book up until 2 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible. An accompanying person is required. This must be indicated in the reservation.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.

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Corporate name: TOUR4U s.r.o.

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - How do I know if the attractions included are open?

A - We recommend that you visit the attraction's web site to confirm availability beforehand. Some attractions may be closed or have limited opening due to Covid-19.

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities .

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point.

Hviezdoslavovo Námestie (in front of the historic Slovak National Theatre building).

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Company Events

• Weddings, schools, transfers
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ALL INCLUSIVE TOUR

UFO & BLUE CHURCH TOUR

BIG CASTLE TOUR

PANORAMIC TOUR

MUST SEE TOUR

Custom Made Tours

Company events.

For company visits and partners

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Teambuilding

Weddings, schools, transfers.

Castle Tour for Schools

Wedding transfer with Prešporáčik® Oldtimer

GROUP RESERVATION (from 10 people)

City tours map - castle tour.

CITY TOURS MAP - OLD TOWN TOUR

CITY TOURS MAP - PANORAMIC TOUR

CASTLE + PANORAMIC TOUR 6 vehicles: capacity 144 places (26,26,27,27,27,11) OLD TOWN TOUR 3 buses: capacity 30 seats (12,12,6 seats)

Bratislava Train

Sightseeing Tours by City Trains of Bratislava

Train Routes

TIPS for the nearest parking spaces for cars: – city parking zones – Passenger port parking (100 meters from Bratislava City Trains) – Garage Opera (250 m from Bratislava City Trains) – Garage Carlton (300 m from Bratislava City Trains) – EUROVEA Shopping Center Garage (500 m from Bratislava City Trains)

Line 2 : City Tour to Bratislava Forest Park Zelezna studnicka , including aircable ride to and back Koliba Duration: drive from downtown to Zelezna studnicka takes about 45 minutes + break 120 minutes included also 20 minutes ride with aircable + 45 minutes ride back by City Train to downtown Tickets for the city train are valid also for the aircable.

Line 3 : City Tour by City Train through Bratislava and its surroundings then 2-hour stop below the Devin Castle and boat trip back to Bratislava Duration: drive to Devin Castle 45 minutes + 2 hours break for visiting the castle ruins and its surroundings + 30 minutes boat trip back to downtown

Line 4 : Boat trip to Devin Castle with a 2-hour stop below the Devin Castle Duration: 90 minutes boat trip to Devin Castle + 2 hours break for visiting the castle ruins and its surroundings + drive back to downtown with City Train

Get in touch with us

We will be happy to answer your telephone inquiries from 9:00 to 16:00 on weekdays.

You can also contact us by email at [email protected] .

Private Tours

Regular tour, sightseeing tours.

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Bratislava City Tour

Discover the rich history and iconic sights of Bratislava with our comprehensive private tour. Our knowledgeable English-speaking guide will lead you through the Old Town, allowing you to immerse yourself in the fascinating stories and architectural wonders that make this city so unique.

We will start our exploration in the Old Town area, where you will be captivated by the impressive Opera House and the picturesque Main Square, adorned with the city’s oldest fountain and the medieval Town Hall. Continuing our walk, we will arrive at another charming square, home to the renowned Primate’s Palace, considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Bratislava. As we navigate the narrow alleys, you will be enchanted by Michalska Street, which leads us to the well-preserved Michalska Gate, the only surviving city gate in Bratislava.

Our journey will also take us to St. Martin’s Cathedral, the largest and one of the oldest churches in Bratislava. Inside its hallowed walls, you will discover the history and artistry that have shaped this magnificent structure. Once we have fully explored the old part of the city, we will embark on a panoramic ride along the Old Town walls and the elegant Presidential Palace, ultimately reaching the city’s iconic landmark: Bratislava Castle. Situated on a hill overlooking the Danube River, the castle offers breathtaking panoramic views of the river and the entire city, providing a perfect backdrop for memorable photos.

Tour lasts 3 hours.

Private tours in: Spanish, German, French, Italian available on request

• 150 EUR total (1-3 persons) 
• 45 EUR per person (4-6 persons) 
• (7 – more persons) – contact us

In addition to our standard 3-hour tour, we also offer a longer version upon special request. This extended tour includes a visit to Devin Castle, located just 10km from the city center at the confluence of the Morava and Danube rivers, forming a natural border with Austria. This addition to the tour adds approximately 2 hours to the itinerary and includes entrance tickets and guided exploration of the castle ruins.

Such longer version of the city tour will  last up to 5 hours  and include everything that 3 hours version includes plus entrance tickets and guiding around ruins of Devin Castle.

• 190 EUR total (1-3 persons)
• 60 EUR per person (4-6 persons)
• (7 – more persons) – contact us

Choose number of participants

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Rick Steves' Most And Least Favorite Places In Europe

W hen it comes to travel destinations in Europe, Rick Steves is just about the undisputed master. He can tell you where you go, what to see, and when to make those flight reservations to experience each city at its peak. It stands to reason that, after spending so much of his life traveling the continent, he would have accumulated some favorite and not-so-favorite destinations. And since he's been gallivanting abroad since the 1960s, we're sure he's got quite a laundry list of disappointments -- if only we could have a beer with him and get his real, unvarnished opinions.

Steves eagerly talks about the cities and sites he loves most, but it's a little harder to identify the places he's less fond of. After all, he's trying to sell Americans on the idea of traveling through Europe, and it doesn't necessarily help to be negative. Still, over the years, Steves has made more than a few comments that clue us in on what places he would recommend wholeheartedly and what cities he might suggest fledgling travelers skip — especially if they're on their first trip to Europe and want to focus on the greatest hits. Here we have both sides of the coin: Rick Steves' best and worst picks across Europe.

Read more: 25 Gorgeous Islands For Vacationing That Won't Break The Bank

Worst: Bratislava, Slovakia

Decades ago, Bratislava would have been firmly on Rick Steves' "'don't even bother' list," a former Eastern Bloc relic with little pull for casual travelers. It certainly doesn't have the iconic sites that lure hundreds of thousands of tourists, as many of its Western counterparts boast. When Steves rattled off his lineup of best central European cities , he specifically called out Bratislava for being the opposite of that. However, this came with a caveat. He mentioned that, over the past few years, the city has undergone a significant revitalization, to the point that it's not a complete waste of time.

"I admit that Bratislava used to leave me cold," Steves wrote on his website, Rick Steves Europe . "Life has returned with a vengeance and Bratislava's old-town charm is on full display." He also referred to it as "inspiring" and "arguably the fastest-changing city in Europe." So, if you're looking for an unlikely tourist destination off the beaten path yet conveniently located just a short train ride away from Vienna, Bratislava might just be the one. Still, the Slovak capital hasn't always been a treasure for Rick Steves.

Best: Bruges, Belgium

Belgium might be a tiny little country in Western Europe, but it has a champion in Rick Steves, who considers it one of the most underrated vacation destinations on the continent. Steves wrote on his website , "To me, Belgium remains one of Europe's best kept secrets." He's especially fond of Bruges, a  European town with picturesque canals  often referred to as the "Venice of the North." Beyond earning that nickname, Bruges holds a magic that makes it stand out.

With untold numbers of meandering side streets and hidden nooks, it may still be possible to find moments of peace and quiet in Bruges that have been lost to Europe's more congested travel destinations. Steves considers it "one of Europe's medieval gems, a wonderfully preserved town which expertly nurtures its tourist industry." And what makes it an especially great choice for an international tour is its convenience: Well connected by train and within easy distance of several other popular cities, Bruges is the perfect option for a one or two-day pit stop along the way.

Worst: Blarney Stone, Ireland

Ireland is full of natural charms, but it also has more than its fair share of tourist traps looking to capitalize on the country's folksy reputation. Chief among them is Blarney Castle, a location in Cork mobbed with visitors intent on one extremely unsanitary task: kissing the famed Blarney Stone. Legend has it that those who kiss the stone — placed on the outside of the castle wall, requiring tourists to lean awkwardly upside down to lock lips with the rock — acquire what Rick Steves called the "gift of gab," a stereotypical hallmark of the Irish people. Those who flock to the castle might find themselves with an infectious disease rather than a sudden burst of charisma, but who are we to ruin the dream?

Well, bursting that particular bubble is not something Steves is afraid to do. He included the Blarney Stone in his list of the  Top 10 European Tourist Traps  and was not particularly inclined to hide his contempt for it. "The best thing about this lame sight is watching a cranky man lower lemming-like tourists over the edge, belly up and head back, to kiss the stone while an automated camera snaps a photo," Steves said. At the end of the day, he wrote poetically, "the stone is slathered with spit and lipstick." Not exactly the most appetizing prospect -- even before COVID-19 made its mark on international travel, we can't imagine lining up to swap saliva with thousands of other tourists.

Best: Istanbul, Turkey

Most of Rick Steves' brand is dedicated to Western and Central Europe -- he has dozens of tours that go through Italy, Germany, and France alone, and the bulk of his TV episodes detail sites to visit on that part of the continent. For that reason, it's something of a surprise that Istanbul, a city in Turkey on the eastern edge of Europe, would be one of his most cherished destinations. However, in a Facebook post, Steves listed Istanbul as one of Europe's four greatest cities to visit.

According to an article Steves wrote about Istanbul for his website , he fell in love with the city for its chaotic atmosphere and rough-around-the-edges charm during his first visit back in the 1970s. And although Istanbul has undeniably changed in the decades since then, he still considers it a must-visit. Steves is particularly drawn to its "Old World magic," calling it a "rich and rewarding" experience, especially for those who have already done the whole Western Europe circuit. It also happens to have a top-notch airport that offers tours specifically catering to travelers with long layovers , making it a perfect stopover on the way to elsewhere.

Worst: Black Forest, Germany

Rick Steves clearly loves many locations in Germany -- the Black Forest just doesn't happen to be one of them. Despite its atmospheric name, it's not a particularly exciting region, and visitors may arrive expecting gothic eeriness and instead find, well, just a forest. Rick Steves included the Black Forest on his list of best and worst locations in Europe, claiming that "the average American visitor who's seen more than three trees in one place would prefer mountainous southern Bavaria, or the countryside around the Rhine and Mosel rivers."

In another article , Steves complimented the Black Forest on its mastery of the art of relaxation. It certainly has more than its fair share of spa towns and local hikes, primed and ready to help you disconnect. But it's clear from this faint praise that he believes many visitors, particularly those who have come from far afield, may consider it a bit of a let down. Rick Steves might not want you to skip it entirely -- it does have all those famous cuckoo clocks that you can bring home with you as a perfect souvenir, after all -- but he would probably recommend devoting the bulk of your time in Germany to other regions.

Best: Rome, Italy

Who doesn't love Rome? It's often regarded as the perfect place to kick off an Italian vacation , after all. And Rick Steves is hardly alone in his admiration for the capital city of Italy, which is made clear by the massive footprint it has on his business -- he has over a dozen tours that journey through Italy, many of which stop in Rome, and several episodes of his show extoll its virtues. In multiple posts on Facebook, he has praised Italy in general and claimed Rome in particular as one of his top four favorite cities in Europe, with seemingly endless positive things to say about it. Even the hordes of tourists -- usually something Steves will try to avoid -- haven't put him off of Rome.

Multiple time periods seem to exist within Rome all at once; however, its ancient history holds a particular fascination for Steves. He wrote in a travel article for his site , "For most of us, Rome is Caesar, gladiators, chariots, and thumbs-up or thumbs-down. Ancient Rome is the one we come to see." He recommended that first-timers make sure to visit its most famous historical landmarks, including the Colosseum and the Pantheon, as well as sampling all of the mouth-watering cuisine Rome has to offer.

Worst: United Kingdom

Hold on to your bowler hats, everyone: This one's a little controversial. No, Rick Steves doesn't hate the United Kingdom, but it's clear that he regards it as a slightly boring entrypoint into international travel that quickly pales in comparison once a tourist has seen a little bit more of the world. "England, compared to anywhere else in Europe, is pretty dull," he argued in an interview with KCTS 9 .

Although he claims London as one of his favorite cities and has lots of fond memories of certain areas in Northern England and Wales especially, he has a bone to pick with plenty of other parts of the U.K. From the southernmost portion of Scotland ("so boring that the Romans decided to block it off with Hadrian's Wall," according to Steves) to Southwestern England ("a minefield of tourist traps. The British are masters at milking every conceivable tourist attraction for all it's worth"), very few spots are safe from his critiques. Among the sites he regards with most derision in his anti-tourist trap article is Land's End in the otherwise gorgeous Cornwall, where he says "greedy businesses have chewed up whatever small bit of charm or authenticity this place might once have had."

Best: Prague, Czechia

Prague is without a doubt one of the most romantic cities in central Europe, and its charms don't seem to have been lost on Rick Steves. From its atmospheric Charles Bridge to the winding streets of Prague's Old Town, the entire city is a feast for the eyes. It's worth exploring first thing in the morning, when it's significantly less crowded than later in the day. (Especially in the summer -- Prague isn't exactly central Europe's best-kept secret, and it can get plenty crowded around its most popular sites in the afternoons.)

Steves especially recommends Prague for those looking to dip a toe into the part of Europe formerly controlled by the Soviet Union, which limited its appeal as a tourist destination for many Americans until the collapse of the U.S.S.R. (Although Prague, with its immaculate medieval center, didn't seem to need the rebuilding era required of many other former Soviet bloc cities.) There's no end to the praise Steves has for the delightful Czech city, writing , "Its seamless marriage of evocative Old World charm and modern urban bustle makes Prague ideal for experiences beyond the typical sightseeing routine."

Worst: Geneva, Switzerland

Switzerland is a beautiful country, there's no denying that. But it also has a few major cities that are much less charming than their small-town alpine counterparts, and Geneva features on Rick Steves' list of overrated destinations . He gave it his "'nice place to live but I wouldn't want to visit' award" on his website, largely because it just doesn't seem to have that much personality. And when you have strikingly picturesque alternatives like Bern and Luzern, it's hard to make the argument that you should give Geneva the time of day.

It's perhaps telling that in an article entirely devoted to Lake Geneva , he didn't dedicate a single word to the city it shares a name with. Steves sang the praises of Lausanne, Gruyeres, and Montreux, but nothing for poor old Geneva. There's nothing really wrong with Geneva; some travelers just see it as a slightly dull city without a strong identity, especially in comparison to the beauties of Switzerland that surround it. Sorry, Geneva -- you seem like a nice enough place.

Best: Mosel River Valley, Germany

The Mosel may not have much name recognition -- at least in comparison with Paris, London, and Rome -- but Rick Steves recommends it because of its relaxing vibes. He has concluded that travelers often venture to Germany to see castles, historical towns, and impressive river landscapes. And while people tend to head to the Rhine for all of those things, they'll also find plenty of crowds there, along with a slightly less authentic atmosphere as a result.

But if you travel to the southwestern corner of Germany, you'll find the Mosel River Valley, an area much less populated and bespoiled by tourists. Without all the hustle and bustle, it gives visitors the experience they thought they would get from other, more famous parts of the country. Filled with vineyards producing world class wines and idyllic villages, this is the place to go for a little peace and quiet. It also extends into both France and Luxembourg, so it creates a perfect opportunity to check off a few more countries on your European list.

Worst: Costa Del Sol, Spain

Rick Steves doesn't always wear his negative feelings on his sleeve, but when he does, chances are they're for Costa del Sol. This southern Spanish region is (as you may have guessed from the name) blessed with plenty of sunshine, and its position on the Mediterranean coast as a would-be beach destination makes it similar in many respects to the French Riviera. Steves, however, is less than impressed, calling it out for being one of "Europe's most overrated spots."

Both the crowds and the rampant commercialism they inspire make this far from a relaxing spot on the sand. In a piece about Europe's biggest tourist traps, Steves painted a picture of Costa del Sol during the summer that will be difficult to get out of your mind. With gleeful antagonism, he wrote, "Oblivious to the concrete, pollution, ridiculous prices, and traffic jams, tourists — looking for a change in weather but not a change in culture — lie on the beach like game hens on skewers — cooking, rolling, and sweating under the sun." This might be one destination to skip when booking your European beach vacation .

Best: Norway

Rick Steves has long been on the record about how much he adores Norway, even suggesting that if he had to pick a European country to move to, he would go with the frosty Nordic land . This is partially due to a personal connection to the country -- he has extended family in Norway, and it was actually the first country he ever visited in Europe back when he was a teenager in the 1960s. "I was a gangly 14–year–old, dragged to the old country by a conspiracy of grandparents and parents solely to visit strangers who happened to be Norwegian relatives," he reminisced in a piece he penned for the Chicago Tribune . "These days, I don't visit Norway just to read my family name on tombstones. The roots I seek are also cultural. It's stimulating to learn about different social systems (many of which confound Americans)."

But his Scandinavian ancestors aren't the only reason Steves has a fondness for the country. He's continually impressed by its landscapes, calling it "a land of intense beauty ... the most mountainous, most scenic, and most prosperous of all the Scandinavian countries" on his website . And considering how well Rick Steves has explored nearly every inch of the continent, he would know.

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Come and take a city train

Around bratislava or to the devín castle, discover and experience, bratislava and its surroundings, bratislava from the deck, of a sightseeing ship, about blue danube tours.

Walk around the Old Town

Walk the streets of Bratislava's Old Town, soak up the atmosphere of interesting places and listen to the history of palaces, churches and entrance gates - we can prepare all this instantly!

City train around Bratislava

Get on our red city train Blaváčik and join us to discover the beauties of Bratislava and its unique scenes. We can conform the starting point, ending point and duration of the tour to your requirements and interests.

Traveling around our capital is always an adventure. In a modern bus we will show you not only the historical, but also the modern face of Bratislava.

Devín Castle and currant wine

Discover with us the beauty of the ancient castle Devín, which is indelibly written in Slovak history.

Wine and beer tasting

These special tours are intended for lovers of quality alcohol in the form of wine or beer, for lovers of the sweet we can offer a visit to a chocolate factory.

Trip to the Little Carpathians

With us, you will go to the Little Carpathians region, which offers, in addition to unexpected natural scenery, endless vineyards and cozy historical towns.

Special tours

If you feel that you have already seen everything or you want a change from a traditional tour by means of vehicle or on foot, then you are at the right address with us!

Bratislava from above

This tour is intended for lovers of heights, high-speed elevators and excellent views. In 45 seconds, the elevator will take you from zero to almost below the clouds. At a height 95 meters located on two pylons is one of the most beautiful Bratislava observation towers, known as UFO.

Trips just outside of Bratislava

If you have more time, we will be happy to offer you excursion destinations near the capital.

Walking Tour With Slovak Cooking Course

Cities and people can be presented also through typical regional dishes. You will see, that Bratislava's gastronomy is not only potato, sheep cheese and cabbage, but also influence from Austrian and Hungarian cuisine. During this visit you will not only eat but also cook by yourself!

Postcommunist tour in old Škoda car

One of our most popular tours not only for foreign guests. A stylish ride around Bratislava in a retro car together with our guide and a picnic on Slavín.

Regular cruises on the Danube

Sightseeing cruise Bratislava – Devín and back

Cruise by a sightseeing ship to the ruins of the Devín Castle with a break.

Panoramic cruise under the Bratislava bridges

Panoramic cruise under the Bratislava bridges with unusual views of the city from the deck of a ship.

Sightseeing cruise Bratislava – Čunovo and back

Pleasant drive to Cunovo, where not only art lovers but also water sports fans will get their money's worth.

Sightseeing cruise Bratislava – Čilistov and back

Possibility to spend a day on a beach or in Aqua Sphere X-bionic.

Sightseeing cruise Bratislava – Gabčíkovo and back

A boat trip to the Gabčíkovo Waterworks with a passage through the locks.

Party Boat cruise

Cruises on request for smaller groups, subject to boat availability.

Themed cruises with dinner or brunch

An unconventional experience created by combining food, sailing and live music.

Sightseeing cruise Bratislava – Hainburg

Cruise by a sightseeing ship to the Austrian town of Hainburg with a 5-hour break.

Bratislava city train

6-day Cycling Cruise Baroque Hungary: Vienna – Wachau – Passau (2025)

The tip for all those who already know the Danube or want to get to know the diverse landscape. This 6-day cycle cruise with 5x full board takes you to the most beautiful places on the Danube.

Only the best for our guests

Reputation and quality of service at Blue Danube Tours is also formed by our guides. Only they will change your trip around Bratislava to an experience. We work with professional and experienced guides certified by BKIS or SSSCR, who speak almost all world languages. Do not hesitate to contact us if you are looking for a program for your relatives, business partners or foreign delegations!

Congratulations to the whole Blue Danube Tours team. Amazingly managed program in Bratislava and a visit to a Slovak family. We took a city train to the Castle, walked around the city with a fantastic guide and we ended the perfect day in a garden in Šenkvice with a homemade cake and great wine.

Sally and Peter, Melbourne, Australia

Our guide was adorable. The tour of Bratislava, even with a visit to the UFO, was the golden nail of our cruise. We highly recommend this trip!

Michelle a Claire, Cheshire, England

Perfectly organized conference of our company thanks to BDT. Guests enjoyed the city, a breathtaking organ concert and a tasting of the best Slovak wines. The evening cruise to the Devín was an excellent team building.

Rainer Engel, Dortmund, Germany

I have been on countless holidays in my life, but this one on the Primadonna will definitely be in the top three of the best holidays. It was definitely not my last river cruise, I am already waiting for the cruise to the mouth of the Black Sea.

Ing. Ilja Tokoš

This amazing cruise on the Danube was a beautiful experience, especially for my aunt, to whom we gifted it for her 80th birthday. The staff was great, accommodation nice and clean, food excellent. We had a lot of nice and unforgettable experiences and we met a lot of great people. Once again, thank you.

Jana Šúňová

World's largest steam engine 'Big Boy' to visit Oklahoma on US tour: See the schedule

This fall one of the largest and most historic steam engines in the world will speed through the Sooner State as part of a tour across America.

Union Pacific No. 4014, better known as "Big Boy," will start its 2024 tour on Aug. 28 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and will work its way across nine states, including Oklahoma in October.

According to a press release, 25 Big Boys were built during World War II, but only 8 survived. No. 4014 is the only one still in operation and remains the world’s largest operating steam locomotive. It was retired in 1961, having traveled more than 1 million miles.

Big Boy was put in a museum after retirement and, in 2013, the railroad bought back the unit to restore it. It toured the country for months starting in May 2019 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad’s completion. Though first derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Big Boy took a second tour in 2021.

Big Boy train schedule: Whislestops in Oklahoma

According to Union Pacific's train schedule, Big Boy will reach Oklahoma in October. It will leave Fort Worth, Texas, and arrive in Oklahoma on Oct. 13 for a stop in Durant, then the train will stop in Muskogee and Claremore on Oct. 14 before departing for Kansas.

Sunday, Oct. 13

• 8 a.m.: Depart Fort Worth, Texas
• 1:15 p.m.: Arrive Durant, Oklahoma
• 1:45 p.m.: Depart from Durant at Louisiana St. Crossing

Monday, Oct. 14

• 11 a.m.: Arrive at Muskogee, Oklahoma
• 11:30 a.m.: Depart from Okmulgee St. Crossing
• 1:15 p.m.: Arrive at Claremore, Oklahoma
• 1:45 p.m.: Depart from Florence Ave. Crossing

Union Pacific officials remind spectators to stand at least 25 feet back from the tracks at all times, and they urge viewers never to trespass on railroad property, including tracks and train yards.

For more information about Big Boy and the steam tour, visit www.up.com.

The 12 best places to visit in Tyumen (the oldest siberian city)

It is the oldest city in siberia and has many points of interest. find out about the best places to visit in tyumen, russia..

The first Siberian city was founded in 1586. Tyumen has been unofficially titled the oil and gas capital of Russia. The city’s population is 707 000 people, which continues to increase. According to RBC Holding, Tyumen is one of ten the most quick-growing towns in Russia. Don’t let the mention of oil-hungry businesspeople leave you thinking this is a dull, money-focused city, though. The city has a buzzing street life in summer and a couple of worthwhile sights that, taken together, will keep you entertained for a day or so.

Tyumen is also the stepping stone to the gorgeous old town of Tobolsk, a few hours’ bus or train ride away. Tyumen is a cultural, business, educational and administrative center of the Tyumen region. Most of the city’s population comprises young people under 35.

Here are always places to go in the evening and to see during weekends. Cozy cafes, luxurious restaurants, the best theatres and philharmonic concert hall, and museums reminding about the rich history of the city — all that is Tyumen. These are the best places to see in Tyumen, Russia.

1. Tyumen’s Holy Trinity Monastery

Tyumen’s Holy Trinity Monastery is located in the historical center of Tyumen. It is just a few minutes walk from the Tura Embankment. The monastery was founded on the picturesque bank of the Tura River in 1616. Almost a century later, in 1708, the old wooden monastery was rebuilt with stone. Shortly after, the monastery was named Holy Trinity. The building process was conducted under the leadership of metropolitan Philophey Leschinsky. Later, he took monastic vows and lived in seclusion for the rest of his life. After he died in 1727, he was buried at the monastery’s entrance.

During the Soviet period, the monastery was used as a dormitory for a military platoon and the headquarters of the city’s water control system. The monastery was returned to the Tyumen diocese in 1995, but the first service was not held there until 2003. In 2005 the relic of prelate Philophey was uncovered and is now kept in the Peter and Paul Cathedral monastery. In 2007 a square was dedicated to Philophey near the monastery. Today Holy Trinity Monastery is open for everyone to see and tour while it continues to hold regular liturgical services.

2. Znamensky Cathedral

The history of Znamensky Cathedral found its roots in the first half of the 17th century, when a small wooden chapel was first erected at the site of the current Cathedral. The old wooden chapel was replaced with the construction of a stone church which began on September 1st, 1768. The church’s previous name was given in honor of Mary, the Mother of God, and her icon within the church. The building was dedicated only 33 years later, in 1801. The church’s first stone building was painted white and consisted of the main chapel, a bell tower, a refectory, and a porch.

After the Revolution of 1917, the Cathedral was used as a transit prison. Still, between 1933 and 1941, the church was returned to the diocese. With the beginning of World War II, however, it was again taken over and used to house dislocated army forces. Finally, the Cathedral was returned to the eparchy. On June 19th, 1994, the clergy held a liturgical service for the first time. Today Znamensky Cathedral is a functioning church and one of the most beautiful symbols of Tyumen.

3. Tyumen Bolshoi Drama Theater

In 2008, The Tyumen Bolshoi Drama Theater got a new building built in record time for one year and eight months. With a 158-year history, the theater is the most prominent Drama Theater in Russia. The history of the Tyumen theater began even before the first building. It is known that in 1858 the St. Petersburg guest expressed his admiration for Amateur performances.

This fact was recorded, and the city’s theatrical history was reckoned from it. History tells us that in 1890, the first Guild merchant, an honorary citizen of the municipality Tekut’ev Andrei Ivanovich, founded a permanent theatre, which entered the town history called Tekut’evsky. Andrei Ivanovich, in love with the spectacle of dramatic scenes, supported theatre for 26 years.

In 1916, before his death, he bequeathed the theatre to the city. The City Council accepted the gift, and newspaper announcements began to inform about the performances not in the Tekut’ev’s theater but in the city theatre named Tekut’ev. After the October revolution, the theatre received the name of V. I. Lenin.

Under the leadership of the Petrograd director Valmar, it was staged such performances as “Idiot”, “the Power of Darkness”, “the Living corpse”, and “the Day”. In subsequent years the core of the repertoire included Russian and foreign classics, the best works of modern drama.

4. Saint George Ascension church

Through the parishioners’ efforts, this church was erected on the Tura River’s left bank. The church began as a stone two-storied building with a bell tower and two thrones: one is on the first floor in honor of Saint George and the other in honor of the Ascension of God is on the second.

After the October Revolution in 1929, the church was closed, and a workshop of tanners and chemists used its building. In 1934-35 the church became a dormitory for driving school students and combined operators. Later the building was under the governance of Tuymen’s fur coat fabric company.

Only in 1996 was the building returned to the diocese of Tobolsk and Tyumen. Two years later, services were resumed there. Step by step, in 2005, the bell tower was restored. In 2006, the church participated in the government program entitled “Cultural memorials restoration.” Now it is a functioning church that adorns the historical center of Tyumen.

5. Church of the Saviour

The Church of the Saviour, also known as the Church of the Image of “The Saviour Not Made by Hands” or shorter Spasskaya Church, is a church in Tyumen, Tyumen Oblast, Russia, located at Lenin Street, 43, at a crossroad between the Chelyuskintsev Street. Built-in a late 18th-century Siberian Baroque and early 20th-century neorussian style, the building is one of Siberia’s oldest and most expressive churches, under monument protection.

It is believed that the early wooden church was raised in 1586 and reconstructed after several fires into a stable stone building in the late 17th century. The Church of the Saviour saw another two rebuildings in the late 19th century. However, after the 1917 October Revolution, the church was subject to confiscations of its property in 1922, and in 1930 was closed and became a momentary prison.

After the failed attempt to destroy the church two years later, it has been used as an archive and a library. The building storage material for the Tyumen Local Historical Museum is expected to be returned to the local eparchy in 2019.

6. Tura Embankment

The only thing in the Russian four-level structure of this kind and one of the favorite holiday destinations among residents and visitors alike. Here, close to each other is full of the city’s attractions: Lover’s Bridge, historical area, the museum “City Council” Architecture and Construction University, and Holy Trinity Monastery. Embankment and bridge of lovers – the city card is depicted on the magnets, postcards, and other souvenirs tourists bring from Tyumen.

Construction of the promenade continues today, and it planned its expansion on both sides of the river Tura. Throughout the embankment, scattered monuments of famous people, life, and activity were somehow linked to Tyumen. Summer, early Fall, and spring – are the best time for walking and spending time on the waterfront.

It is always noisy: many people are playing songs with a guitar, working fountains, flash mobs, and holding various events, to the bridge of lovers traditionally come to the newlyweds. In the summer promenade Tours – the most popular holiday destination for residents.

7. The Lovers’ Bridge

The Lovers’ Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge over the Tura River in the Central District of Tyumen. The bridge was built in 1987 – five years after the collapse of an old wooden bridge in the exact location. The last name of the bridge was Peshehodniy (Pedestrian). Still, in 2003 local DJs Maria Kondratovich and Timur Shkval arranged an unusual contest called “The most unusual kiss”.

After this event, the city mayor Stepan Kirichuk offered to rename the bridge the Lovers’ Bridge. Then, on July 26th, newly married couples, the director of the Red Army Radio Station V. Bogodelov, and the city’s mayor performed an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the bridge.

8. Kolokolnikovs Estate Museum

The Kolokolnikovs Estate Museum is the only remaining classical merchant’s estate in Tyumen. The building’s facade combines classical and baroque architecture elements and traditional Siberian carving. The doors open to a luxurious, brightly lit hall with lofted ceilings and walls decorated with vivid paintings of the Kolokolnikovs family.

One painting depicts an old trade shop, representing the collective image of the city’s shops. Stepping through the doors of the Kolokolnikovs Estate transports one back to the unique atmosphere of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The permanent exhibit of the Kolokolnikovs Estate Museum is called “The History of the House”. It is dedicated to the history of the merchant families, such as the Ikonnikovs and the Kolokolnikovs. The exhibit will also explain the historical events in this house, one of which was the monumental meeting between the future Emperor Alexander II and the great Russian poet V. Zhukovsky in 1837. In 1919 the estate was used as the headquarters of Marshal V. Blyukher.

9. Gorodskaya Duma Museum

The building of the Tyumen regional Museum of Local Lore Gorodskaya Duma was built in the second half of the XIX century. It is a magnificent example of Russian provincial architecture. The high ladder and a stepped attic give the museum its slenderness, combined with a Corinthian portico and massive columns — the traditional buildings of public institutions and architectural elements.

The Window into the nature constant exhibition introduces the variety of Flora and Fauna of the Tyumen region and its ancient inhabitants. An integral part of the museum is a small paleontological Museum. The skeleton’s collection of mammoth, fossil bison, woolly rhinoceros, and cave bears is presented at the museum. In addition, visitors can get acquainted with the Botanical, Zoological, and entomological collections.

10. House Masharova Museum

The House Masharova Museum is an old house built in the neoclassical style and previously belonged to N. Masharov, a famous manufacturer and one of the founders of the iron industry in Tyumen. The museum is a monument to late 19th and early 20th-century Siberian architecture and is renowned for its luxurious décor.

Traditional musical events and temporary exhibitions are regularly organized in the House Masharova Museum. They take place in the chamber-like atmosphere of the welcoming hall of the merchant’s house.

The permanent exhibition called the Family Book tells the tale of the family’s life at the end of the 19th century. During a tour of the house built, you will see many authentic items of a past era and discover the etiquette of a traditional family from Tyumen.

11. Alexandrovsky Garden

The original name of the Alexandrovsky Garden is the Country Garden. The garden appeared on a vacant plot of land in 1851 when thousands of linden, birch, spruce, and pine trees were planted in the area of about 100 acres (40 000 m²) with the money of the merchant Ivan Ikonnikov.

The garden was named after the crown prince Alexander, the future Tsar Alexander II, who visited Tyumen on May 31st, 1837, during his journey through Siberia. After the October Revolution of 1917, the garden was abandoned until 1948, when a small portion of it was restored through the employees’ efforts of a ship-building plant.

The landscape of the garden was adorned with a pond, a small bridge built traversing the ravine, a shooting range, and a restaurant with a terrace. In the 1960s, it was abandoned again, and by the 1970s, it fell into disrepair. Later a development effort began on the garden’s premises with the construction of houses, a kindergarten, and garages. A road to the Profsoyuzny Bridge was also built through the park.

However, the renewal of the garden did not begin until 2007. Although ten times smaller than the original garden, the grounds were restored, and the Alexandrovsky Garden became its official name. The fountain was rebuilt as well as sculptures of citizens styled after the 19th century. Some statues include the Hussar, Ladies on a Walk, A Girl at Rest, and the Boy.

12. Rasputin Museum

Grigory Rasputin was a friend of the last Russian emperor Nikolay II and his family. Rasputin is one of the most mysterious and exciting personalities of the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries. In the 1900s, among Saint Petersburg’s high society, he had the reputation of the Tsar’s family friend, a religious elder, a seer, and a healer.

The exposition includes a cosmetic mirror, broken down in the middle that symbolizes the broken life of its owner, an icon of St. Simeon Verhotursky the Righteous, who is highly honored in Siberia, and the plate of the famous Kuznetsovky porcelain factory with the monogram of the empress, which Rasputin gave to his god-daughter Iraida Kolesnikova during her christening, an old Viennese chair from the Rasputin’s house. There is an authentic platband from the famous home of Rasputin, and the only thing remained of the building.

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Tyumen: Bourgeois Siberian oil capital

The Lover’s Bridge in Tyumen. Source: RIA Novosti

There’s something different about Tyumen. This city of over half a million people was the first Russian settlement in Siberia. Today, it’s the capital of the vast Tyumen Oblast, or province, that stretches from the Kazakhstan border north to the Arctic Ocean. Tyumen Oblast is home to the majority of Russia’s seemingly limitless oil and natural gas reserves. Some of the world’s largest drilling companies have officers here, and Tyumen residents enjoy much higher incomes than elsewhere in Russia. The result is a cosmopolitan city with a bright outlook on the future.

A stop in Tyumen provides an interesting glimpse into how modern Russia’s oil revenue has influenced Siberia’s oldest Russian city. Tyumen is a great stopover point on the Trans-Siberian Railroad and a short ride from Yekaterinburg (five hours) or Tobolsk (four hours).

How to get there

Direct flights run each day between Tyumen and Moscow or St. Petersburg ($450 roundtrip). Tyumen is also located on the Trans-Siberian Railroad. Trains leave Moscow in the afternoon and evening ($110-250, 32-38 hours).

In the 16th century, Russia started expanding eastward into parts of Central Asia ruled by the Tatars, an Islamic people who still live thoughout Russia. A band of Cossacks wrested control of Tyumen from the Tatars in 1580. Six years later, Russians established a fort in Tyumen on the Tura River.

For centuries, Tyumen vied with the nearby city of Tobolsk—once the official capital of Siberia—for the prestige of the region’s most important city. Tyumen won in the end, when the Trans-Siberian Railroad bypassed Tobolsk and was routed through this now oil-rich city.

Tyumen played an important role in Russian history during times of war. At the beginning of the Russian Civil War, the Bolshevik Red Army slowly pushed the White Army, commanded by Admiral Alexander Kolchak, into Siberia. Kolchak and his anti-Bolshevik forces holed up in Tyumen until the Red Army overtook them in January of 1918.

Tura River. Source: Lori / Legion Media

During the Second World War, many Russian industries were moved away from the front to Siberian cities. Tyumen had already become an industrial capital during the early Soviet era, and the city became an ideal spot to relocate Russia’s western factories. As Nazi forces approached Russia in 1941, the embalmed body of Vladimir Lenin was sent from the Lenin Mausoleum in Moscow’s Red Square by train to the Tyumen State Agricultural Academy for safekeeping. In 1945, Lenin’s body was shipped back to Moscow.

Where to stay

Located in a stunningly remodeled Soviet building, The Hotel Vostok offers modern rooms ($80-125). Far more luxurious—and twice as expensive—is The Hotel Tyumen .

Some of the factories relocated to Tyumen during wartime remained in the city. The discovery of oil in the region catapulted Siberia’s oldest Russian settlement to further prosperity. Modern Tyumen is a vibrant city with a number of universities and a revamped center well-suited for exploration by foot.

Start your walking tour around central Tyumen on Ulitsa Respubliki. The city’s main drag has fine pedestrian walkways and leads wanderers past an impressive collection of tsarist-era buildings that recall Tyumen’s importance in the beginning of Russia’s colonization of Siberia.

From the southeastern end of Ul. Respubliki, head north toward the Tura River and take a brief side trip onto Ul. Ordzhonikidze to visit the Fine Arts Museum (47 Ul. Ordzhonikidze) which houses exhibits of classical Russian and Soviet art as well as traditional bone carving and works produced by the native people who live in the far north of Tyumen Oblast.

Detail of wood carvings and windows on wooden house. Source: Getty Images

Back on Ul. Respubliki, you’ll soon see the city’s requisite Lenin statue by the local government buildings. A block away, opposite Lenin, is Tyumen’s city park, a delightful place to walk or hop on one of its amusement rides.

Most Siberian cities developed under the watchful eyes of the atheist Soviet regime and churches are usually not Siberia’s strongpoint. But this isn’t true in four-centuries-old Tyumen. Strolling up Ul. Respubliki, you’ll soon come to the Church of the Saviour (41 Ul. Lenina) and the Znamensky Cathedral (13 Ul. Semakova). Each of these stunning Baroque-influenced churches are located right off Ul. Respubliki and were built in the late 18th century.

Tyumen is also famous for its historic wooden houses. Heading further up Ul. Respubliki, stop to wander around some of the side streets and snap photos of these ornate wooden structures which provide a glimpse back in time. Near the Tura River, you’ll pass a civil war monument in remembrance of the Tyumen natives who died fighting the White Army and the Tyumen State Agricultural Academy (7 Ul. Respubliki) an impressive building in its own right where Lenin was stored during the Second World War.

Near the end of Ul. Respubliki, take a walk over the Tura River on the Lover’s Bridge, a suspension bridge open to foot traffic only that has become one of Tyumen’s iconic sights. The other side of the river is a great place to see more of Tyumen’s signature wooden houses as well as take in the churches scattered around the city center.

Save the best for last and visit the Trinity Monastery (10 Ul. Kommunisticheskaya) at the end of Ul. Respubliki. A white wall surrounds the monastery, giving it the appearance of a mini-kremlin, and the golden onion domes of the 18th century churches within should not be missed.

Although navigating Tyumen is straightforward enough, the St. Petersburg-based travel company OSTWEST can arrange a city tour in Tyumen and the surrounding countryside. 

All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

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