Zsuzsi narrow gauge railway system

The Zsuzsi railway system was built more than 130 years ago. First it was used as a railway system for timber transporting, then for commuting from the peri-urban areas to Debrecen. Later (from 1980’s), the railway system became a tourist attraction – during the communist era it was called Pioneer’s Railway (according to the communist Pioneer movement). After the fall of communism the need to improve of the existing infrastructure became crucial. The railway nowadays is operated by a non-profit corporation and owned by the Municipality. The railway now is used for awareness-raising purposes among the visitors (primarily for young pupils) in order to draw their attention to the natural values of Debrecen’s woodlands. Around the terminus station new infrastructure elements were built in the last 10 years: the House Of Nature & Observatory, a look-out tower, an educational path in the forest, open-air stage etc. ¬ thus the surroundings of the terminus station has become an eco-touristic centre for visitors.
The functional change of Zsuzsi railway is an excellent example of how infrastructure elements previously used for other purposes (transporting, commuting) could be transferred in order to enhance the importance of natural and cultural heritage on a local level.