A railway built to connect a difficult landscape.
Construction began in 1900. The first section to Buje opened in April 1902, and the extension to Poreč followed later that year. The narrow-gauge railway linked communities, ports, farms and markets across a hilly karst landscape.
123.1 kilometres
Official Istria tourism sources describe a 123.1 km railway linking 33 places between Trieste and Poreč, with 35 stations and stops, 604 curves, nine tunnels and six stone viaducts. The train carried passengers and goods including salt, olive oil, fruit, vegetables, stone, lime, flour and wine.
Why it ended
The railway ceased operation on 31 August 1935. Its physical line nevertheless survived in embankments, tunnels, station buildings and viaducts, making later conversion into a walking and cycling route possible.
From railway to route
Cross-border restoration projects in the 2000s rebuilt substantial sections for cycling and walking, secured viaducts and bridges, improved tunnels and created interpretation along the line. The modern route is therefore both transport heritage and active tourism infrastructure.