The Sargan Eight

The point where the tracks reached is still known today as “The Ninth Kilometer.” A railway station building was also erected in Mokra Gora at that time. During the excavation of the tunnel beneath Budim Hill on Šargan, a great tragedy occurred when a rockslide buried an entire shift of workers. Russian and Italian prisoners of war perished in the accident. The exact number of casualties remains unknown to this day, though according to local accounts, the shift consisted of approximately 200 workers. A modest monument on Budim Hill serves as a reminder of this tragedy, bearing only the year of construction—1916. Following this unfortunate event, work on the railway was suspended until March 1, 1921, when the Sarajevo Directorate resumed construction. One of the primary designers and lead implementers of the line was Hugo Kainzl, a former inspector of the erstwhile Bosnia-Herzegovinian Railways.

The point where the tracks reached is still known today as “The Ninth Kilometer.” A railway station building was also erected in Mokra Gora at that time. During the excavation of the tunnel beneath Budim Hill on Šargan, a great tragedy occurred when a rockslide buried an entire shift of workers. Russian and Italian prisoners of war perished in the accident. The exact number of casualties remains unknown to this day, though according to local accounts, the shift consisted of approximately 200 workers. A modest monument on Budim Hill serves as a reminder of this tragedy, bearing only the year of construction—1916. Following this unfortunate event, work on the railway was suspended until March 1, 1921, when the Sarajevo Directorate resumed construction. One of the primary designers and lead implementers of the line was Hugo Kainzl, a former inspector of the erstwhile Bosnia-Herzegovinian Railways.

In 1999, ŽTP Belgrade began the reconstruction of the Šargan Eight for tourism purposes. To date, the entire track route has been revitalized, featuring authentic station buildings and original vintage wagons. The “Nostalgia” train set, consisting of two locomotives and three carriages along with a panoramic wagon, is currently operational for tourist rides. The Jatare and Mokra Gora stations have been converted into catering facilities where tourists can rest and refresh during the journey.

In addition to the Šargan Eight (with a track gauge of 750 mm), the former Forest Railway has also been restored. It previously ran to the Jatarice excursion site through the Kamešina river valley over a length of 2 km, with a track gauge of 600 mm. At the starting station of the forest railway, near the White Water (Bela Voda) spring, is the club building of the “Association of Mokra Gora Natives and Friends,” featuring a summer stage, two restaurant wagons, and a souvenir shop. The “Jatarice” picnic area has been developed into a rest area with built-in grills, a water fountain, and sheltered tables for visitors.

Both restored lines, along with the accompanying railway station buildings and exhibition wagons, form an open-air museum complex. It not only illustrates the history of railway traffic but also represents a vital segment of the history of the Mokra Gora region. For half a century, this railway opened doors to the world for Mokra Gora, while the steam engine brought the “world” to the village. The exceptional monumental value of this complex lies in the fact that the entire route, stations, and vehicles have been authentically reconstructed, preserving the technical process of stoking and operating a steam locomotive.

The ride on the Šargan Eight was an attraction even when it functioned as standard railway transport. The steam engine fought its way through rocky gorges and high cuttings between Šargan and Mokra Gora, along a route where the track follows an unusual figure-eight path. From several vantage points, passengers could see three levels of tracks simultaneously. Many would panic seeing another train seemingly coming toward them, but there was no danger as that train was in a different spatial section. Traveling the 13.5 km route of the famous “Eight,” it is practically impossible for a passenger to discern which direction the train has come from or where it is headed next.

Far from the hustle and bustle of modern life, enriched by the natural beauty of the Mokra Gora region, this unique European railway today revives the romantic spirit of bygone days through the nostalgic whistle of the steam engine. The wild ambiance, the slalom through curves, and the tunnels create an adventure reflecting the almost forgotten warmth of the train’s rhythmic rattle.