The Vintage Railway (Mariager - Handest Veteranjernbane)
Take a Historic Train Ride 100 Years Back in Time
- A Cozy and Fun Family Trip on a Vintage Train
The conductor blows the whistle, and the journey begins. 17 kilometers through some of Denmark’s most stunning landscapes: fjords, charming market towns, beech forests, rolling hills, heathlands, and river valleys. The train travels at a leisurely 30 km/h, giving you plenty of time to take in the scenery.
The round trip on the historic train takes 45 minutes each way, offering plenty to see along the route.
Bring your picnic basket and afternoon coffee onboard and enjoy refreshments along the way—it makes the trip even more enjoyable.
Step out onto one of the open platforms at the end of the carriages and listen to the old locomotive chugging and puffing as it makes its way through the scenic countryside, whistling frequently.
Enjoy your packed lunch at the historic Handest Station, which is a protected heritage site. Refreshments can be purchased at the railway kiosk. Children can take a ride on the bright red railbus on the model railway inside the goods shed, and you can explore the waiting room and station office, where you might even meet the stationmaster and postman.
The railway’s locomotives and carriages date from 1900–1950 and once operated on private railway lines across Denmark.
Experience a piece of living Danish cultural history—the story of a local private railway. Enjoy the nostalgia of a time when grandpa and great-grandpa were young. We showcase exquisite Danish railway carriage craftsmanship on Denmark’s longest heritage railway—an active museum filled with fascinating mechanics.
Special Theme Days in 2025
Look forward to these special event days during the 2025 season:
- Veteran Day – June 22: A wonderful gathering of vintage cars and historic trains.
- Suitcase Day – July 6: Anyone arriving with an old cardboard or leather suitcase rides the train for free.
- Teddy Bear Day – August 17: All children (ages 4-11) accompanied by an adult and bringing a teddy bear ride for free.
- ELRO Day – September 6: Extended timetable and free tickets for all passengers.
- Light Regatta – September 13: Sunset ride on the railbus.
- Chestnut Train in the Autumn Holidays – October 12, 14, 16, and 19: Ride the train and collect chestnuts along the way.
- Halloween Train – October 16 (Thursday during the autumn holidays): An evening trip to Handest with a spooky and fun atmosphere. All children bringing a carved pumpkin or lantern ride for free when accompanied by an adult.
See the schedule and book tickets at www.mhvj.dk
The Salt Tour – A Full-Day Excursion Including Meals
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Salt Tour—by train, by boat, and in the salt boiling hut!
Mariager Salt Center, Café Salt, Mariager-Handest Vintage Railway, and Fjordtours (which operates the tour boat Svanen) have teamed up to offer this unique Salt Tour experience, allowing you to explore the scenic Mariager Fjord while enjoying delicious meals (brunch and afternoon coffee with cake).
The Salt Tour can be booked on the following Saturdays in summer 2025:
- May 31
- June 7
- June 14
- June 21
- June 28
And on the following Sundays in autumn 2025:
- September 7
- September 14
- September 21
THE TRIANGLE ROUTE: SHIP-BUS-TRAIN Mariager-Hobro-Handest-Mariager
Tickets must be booked at www.fjordtours.dk
Your Triangle Route ticket grants free admission to Mariager Museum throughout the 2025 season—so be sure to keep your ticket!
Why Not Rent Your Own Train or Carriage?
Make your bus trip, excursion, wedding, birthday, reception, or corporate event truly special—rent a vintage train! Your very own exclusive train, featuring a motor car leading beautifully varnished teak carriages with open platforms, accompanied by staff in classic uniforms. A scenic journey through some of Denmark’s most breathtaking landscapes.
You can make stops along the way if you'd like to enjoy a picnic in the great outdoors.
Or, rent your very own carriage for a day and have it coupled to the scheduled heritage train.
The possibilities are endless—it’s only your imagination that sets the limits!
Visit www.mhvj.dk or email marketing@mhvj.eu
Phone (Mariager Station): +45 98 54 18 64