Europes Railways: The Fascinating Origins

The construction of railways across the face of the continent was a technological revolution that would fundamentally change Europe. Train holidays today are a wonderful way to explore and discover the culture and history of the continent. There are plenty of fascinating European cities, but many owe their existence to the very first pioneers of the railways who introduced rail travel as a viable prospect for moving heavy goods long distances in the first place. In some cases, reading about the introduction of rail travel in a particular country can be an enlightening glimpse at the foundations of modern-day travel.

Laying Down the Tracks

Wagonways (or tramways) are thought to have originated in Germany in the 1550's to facilitate the development of ore tubs to and from mines, using primitive wooden rails in the first example of what would become the sprawling railway network of Europe. Train holidays in those days would have been decidedly uncomfortable, as the only means of transporting the ores were 'hund' carts, with unflanged wheels running on wooden planks - a world away from the comfort of modern luxury carriages! Luckily, the rest of Europe soon began copying, and improving upon, the idea of wagonways, and by the 18th century, the practice had become widespread. Because a stiff wheel rolling on a rigid rail requires less energy per ton-mile moved than road transport (with a highly compliant wheel on an uneven surface), railroads are highly suitable for the movement of dense, bulk goods such as coal and other minerals. This led to a great deal of inventiveness in the possibilities of shapes, configurations, and materials used in both wheels and rails.

Turkey

Rail development in Turkey began in 1856, with the placement of 81 miles of railway line linking Izmir and Aydin. That early railway network grew into one of the most famous in Europe. Train holidays to the region will likely be using tracks originally planned out in 1923, when Turkey's railways entered their 'Republic period', a golden age that lasted until 1950. During the period, the railways that had been created were re-purposed to serve Turkey's financial interests, with growth in such industries as iron, steel, and coal.

Poland

Another popular country for travelers visiting Europe on train holidays, Poland's rail network dates back to the first half of the 19th century, when the railways were built under Prussian, Russian, and Austrian rule. After independence was declared in 1918, the independent Polish state began to administer its own railways. [l]