You don't need to be a railway enthusiast to fall under the captivating charm of this nostalgic railway: the Tren de Sóller – a historic narrow-gauge train.

The Sóller Train („The Red Lightning“) is a historic narrow-gauge railway that runs on a charming route from Palma de Mallorca to Sóller. Over its 27 kilometres, the railway meanders through magnificent landscapes, splendid forests and mountains. A moving travel experience.

Not red and not fast

Opinions differ on how the railway got its name „The Red Lightning“. In any case, the carriages are not red, and the train is quite far from lightning speed: usually, the railway chugs along at well under 30 km/h through the tranquil landscape. The Tren de Sóller has long since served less as a means of transport, but rather as Impressive island experience, which, during the roughly hour-long journey, reveals a glimpse of Mallorca's magic.

Over one hundred years old

The Sóller train is now over one hundred years old. 1912 the railway line, also known as the Ferrocarril de Sóller, made its maiden voyage. Back then, still with a steam locomotive at the front. It was originally built to transport the abundant orange harvest from the fertile valley of Sóller to transport to the Mallorcan capital. The route through the Tramuntana Mountains brought about significant time savings compared to the laborious donkey transports or loading by ship. The still occasionally used designation „Orange Express“ originates from this original purpose.

Well-maintained, historic flair

To be able to cover the rugged route as safely and comfortably as possible, the Tren de Sóller was built with a track gauge of only three feet – that's 914 millimetres. After more and more passengers complained about the unpleasant smoke pollution in the following years, especially in the tunnels, the Tren de Sóller was finally electrified in 1927. Everything else breathes the (well-maintained) flair of history to this day. Step aboard the venerable carriages, take a seat historic wooden benches or secure one of the comfortable leather armchair. Slide the window pane aside and enjoy the passing Mallorcan scenery.

400 metres of altitude gain, 13 tunnels, countless bends

The Sóller train departs from Palm at Plaça d'Espanya in a tiny, separate station. The railway overcomes a good 400 metres of altitude difference on the following route, passing through 13 tunnels, crossing many narrow bridges and the 52-metre-long Cinc Ponts viaduct. If you wish, you can count the numerous, tight bends once. The Tren de Sóller initially leaves Palma at a very leisurely pace, allowing you a uninterrupted view of previously unknown alleys and nooks in the suburbs. Via the Serra de Alfàbia, the train first heads for Bunyola. At the highest point of the route, nestled amidst the mountains, the Tren de Sóller stops for ten minutes – perfect for a photo shoot in the paradisiacal landscape.

The magic of natural beauty

However, make sure you haven't used too much battery by then: for the magnificent olive groves, which fragrant almond plantations and those passing at arm's length Orange trees. The impressions are overwhelming at any time of year, with the peak in late January for the oranges and Almond blossom but a very special fascination. Discover the magic of natural beauty in the picturesque, seemingly untouched mountain world. And gain that very special serenity that is so characteristic of the local inhabitants of this island.

Continue nostalgically to Port de Sóller

After a good 40 minutes, the Tren de Sóller finally reaches Sóller. In principle, you now have two options: you can stroll through Sóller for a bit and then travel back. Or you can extend your nostalgic train journey a little longer and travel with the equally old Sóller Tram to Port de Sóller. The historic tram departs from the station forecourt, travels through the city, then passes extensive lemon groves and lush landscapes until it reaches the harbour mole of Port de Sóller directly. The fact that this tram exists at all has something to do with a Spanish law and the ingenuity of the Majorcans. At the time, the law regarding the construction of light railways contained a clause stating that railway lines could only receive subsidies if they were at least 30 kilometres long. Since the track for the Tren de Sóller from Palma to Sóller only managed to cover 27 kilometres, the tram was built alongside it as an official extension of the railway line, to „complete“ the said 30 kilometres.

Timetable on the internet

The Sóller train runs five times a day from Palma and Sóller from April to October. In the months of November to March, only four services per day are offered. You can find the exact departure times on the website www.trendesoller.com read up. The The fare for the round trip is €25.00..Please note that repair work on the wagons and tracks is preferably carried out during the winter months, which may lead to restrictions or train cancellations.

Another tip: „The Red Flash“ is very popular with tourists. It is therefore recommended to be very to arrive at the departure station on time, in order to grab another seat. Generally, the Tren de Sóller trains are busier in the morning. The afternoon trains are mostly quite empty. There you can leisurely choose the best seat to relax and enjoy the fantastic scenery.

Title image: Copyright @ pixabay/ramonrullan