Children”s railway name after K. Zaslonova

The Children's Railway named after K. Zaslonov is a unique tourist attraction in Minsk, representing a functioning narrow-gauge railway operated by schoolchildren. Its length is 3,790 meters, and the route includes two railway crossings and three stations: Zaslonovo, Pionerskaya, and Sosnovy Bor. The railway runs through a green area of the capital and has a dumbbell shape — with turning loops at both ends, allowing trains to run in a circular route.

The children’s railway operates from May to September, and the ceremonial opening of train traffic traditionally takes place on May 1. It is not only a popular site among city residents but also an important part of cultural and educational programs for children and youth. Thanks to its inclusion in tourist routes, the railway has become part of popular excursions around Belarus and is especially in demand as part of excursions from Minsk.

History

The history of the Minsk children’s railway began on July 9, 1955, when it was officially opened based on a project by the prominent Belarusian architect Georgy Zaborsky. It was the second children’s railway in Belarus — the first was opened in Gomel back in August 1936.

Originally, the railway had educational and developmental purposes: schoolchildren had the opportunity to learn railway professions by studying in special technical clubs and then applying their knowledge in practice.

In 1971, the railway was named after Konstantin Sergeyevich Zaslonov — Hero of the Soviet Union, partisan commander, and railway worker. This gave the site additional historical and patriotic significance. Today, the children’s railway is not just a place for walks and entertainment, but also a monument of history visited annually by thousands of guests as part of excursions around Belarus.

Interesting facts

• The Minsk Children’s Railway is a unique example of a functioning historical site, with part of its infrastructure dating back over a century. For example, some of the rails on which the children's trains run bear the marking: <29>ЮРДМ 0V 1901. This means they were manufactured in May 1901 at the South Russian Dnieper Metallurgical Plant in Yekaterinoslav (now Dnipro, Ukraine).
• The trains, stations, and technical maintenance are managed by secondary school students in Minsk, who undergo preliminary training in specialized railway clubs. This makes train rides especially interesting for children — they can see how their peers manage a real railway.
• During the summer season, thematic events are often held at Zaslonovo station and nearby areas. In addition, most of the excursion routes start from here.

Excursions with a visit to the Children's Railway

Excursions to the children’s railway in Minsk are included in various educational and family routes for both locals and tourists. Especially popular are excursions from Minsk, which include a train ride, station tour, an introduction to the railway’s structure, and a story about Konstantin Zaslonov.

For schoolchildren, it’s a great opportunity to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a real railway and see how their peers handle serious work. Adult tourists will appreciate the uniqueness of the site, its historical value, and the beauty of the natural area through which the route passes.

You can easily book an excursion with a visit to the children’s railway on the website Ekskursii.by. It’s a great option for a weekend outing and an opportunity to discover new aspects of the Belarusian capital.