Things to Do in Košice with Kids: A Unique Train Adventure
Show me a child — or even an adult — who isn’t fascinated by trains.
There’s something about the sound of a whistle, the slow movement as the train pulls away, and that quiet sense of anticipation — you know where you’re going, but not quite what you’ll discover along the way. That feeling of adventure is exactly what makes train travel so special.
If you’re visiting Košice and looking for things to do with kids, the Košice Children’s Heritage Railway is one experience you shouldn’t miss.
⭐ What Makes This Railway Unique — and Why Go?
What’s extraordinary about this railway is that many of the roles are carried out by children.
From conductors and dispatchers to ticket inspectors and track operators, children — some as young as nine — take on real responsibilities that keep the railway running. This isn’t just a “pretend play” activity. These kids go through a selection process and training, learning how the railway works and how to handle their roles properly.
Watching them in action is genuinely impressive. There’s a calmness and focus in the way they handle both routine tasks and unexpected situations — from spotting an issue and alerting the driver to solving problems on the spot. The skills they’re developing — from communication to problem-solving — are remarkable.
For kids, the excitement is in the ride. For adults, it’s seeing just how capable these young volunteers are.
🌲 The Route: Čermeľ → Alpínka
The train runs between Čermeľ and Alpínka — and back — taking around 20 minutes each way through forested scenery.
Expect:
- winding tracks through the forest
- steam engine (on selected days)
- vintage carriages with wooden seats
- open windows (it can get a bit windy)
🎟️ Where to Start (and How to Make It a Half-Day Trip)
The best place to start is at Čermeľ station — the closest stop to Košice. This beautiful train station has signage in both Slovak and English, and a small ticket office that usually opens around 20 minutes before departure. If you arrive early, there’s an indoor waiting area, a small refreshment place (bufet), and toilets.
Once you reach Alpínka, it’s worth taking some time to explore the area rather than heading straight back. This is what turns this train ride into an unforgettable adventure.
At Alpínka, you’ll find:
- a restaurant and small cafés/buffets
- playgrounds and sports areas
- a rope park (Tarzania Alpínka)
- mini golf and other outdoor activities
- designated fire pits for barbecuing (some may require a small fee)
There are also a couple of interesting landmarks here, including Chata Alpínka, a Swiss-style wooden lodge, and the historic Čermeľ water supply system from 1911, which is still in use today.
Both Čermeľ and Alpínka stations have small souvenir shops where you can pick up:
- train whistles (always a hit with kids)
- small toys and railway-themed items
- classic souvenirs like magnets
You can also buy souvenirs directly on the train, but the station shops usually offer a wider selection.
🧭 Practical Tips
🕒 Opening Hours
In spring and autumn, the railway mainly operates on weekends. During the summer holidays (July–August), trains run more frequently, including on weekdays, with the first train leaving Čermeľ station at 9:15 and the last train departing Alpínka at 4:00 pm.
👉 Check the latest timetable before your visit.
💶 Tickets & Cost
Tickets are available at the station before departure.
- Children under 3 travel free
- Children aged 3–15: €7 return
- Adult return ticket: €9
- Family ticket: €28 (for parents travelling with their own children)
🚋 Getting There
Getting to Čermeľ is straightforward. From the city centre:
- Take tram 1, 2 or 6 to Havlíčkova
- Then bus 14 to Čermeľ
If connections line up, you can be in Čermeľ in around 30 minutes. Trams run frequently, even at weekends, but bus No. 14 runs roughly every 30 minutes, so it’s worth checking timings in advance to avoid waiting.
🚂 All Aboard: Košice’s Most Unique Family Experience
If you’re looking for something a little different in Košice — especially with kids — this is one of the most memorable experiences you can have.
It’s simple, nostalgic, and unexpectedly impressive.
