Talented Magyar photographer and train operator Tamás Rizsavi often captures Budapest from unique perspectives, and his collection of urban depictions includes unusual shots portraying Budapest’s public conveyances. In his recent series of dreamlike images, the artist embarks on a hike in the Buda Hills to snap sparkling photos of the Children’s Railway traversing snow-covered sylvan scenes. Admire this vintage vehicle (registered as the planet’s longest narrow-gauge railway line controlled by children) gliding past pristinely frosty settings, adding a dash of color to the bleached background.
The retro conveyances of the Children’s Railway chug along the ridge of the Buda Hills all year long, covering a scenic path across nine stops between Hűvösvölgy and Széchenyi Hill – and during wintertime, the trip is especially panoramic because there are no leaves on the trees to block the views over Budapest and the surrounding countryside.
Those who hop aboard these communist-era remnants embark on a time-transcending journey operated by uniformed youngsters, alongside a mix of passengers spanning starry-eyed lovebirds, puzzled tourists, and elderly couples – or maybe even groups of rowdy children who suddenly start singing Hungarian songs, as the surreal trip turns into a moving concert accompanied by high-spirited guitar rhythms. The train operates from Tuesdays through Sundays from September to April, and every day from May to August; tickets can be purchased from children at the stations, while aboard the train the kids serve as conductors – below, check out Tamás Rizsavi’s stunning scenes of the Children’s Railway taken this winter.
For more stunning Budapest images by the artist, visit Tamás Rizsavi’s Facebook page.
