The Little Train in Ape
In Ape, you can still imagine the whistle and rumble of the little narrow-gauge train. These are not just sounds; the little narrow-gauge train is one of the most important stories of Ape, which began over 100 years ago.
From Dream to Tracks
At the end of the 19th century, the idea of a narrow-gauge railway was born in the Vidzeme province of the Russian Empire. The authors of this idea and the landowners created the “Vidzeme Approach Road Society” and planned the railway line for transporting goods. On August 15, 1903, the narrow-gauge railway line from Pļaviņas (Stukmaņi) to Valka was opened. It connected distant settlements in the Vidzeme region and was important during both peaceful and wartime. The little train not only transported goods and people along this line, but it also marked the beginning of further development.
The Baron’s Dream for Ape
A crucial role in the development of Ape was played by Baron Axel von Delvig. He was the one who ensured that a stop on the railway line was planned in Ape, making it an important place on the route. The Baron helped build the Ape station, developed the town’s surroundings, and boosted the local economy. The narrow-gauge train connected the local with the distant.
Through Wars and Devastation
The history of the railway is not just about technology, but also about the people and the times. During World War I and the War of Independence, the railway line was damaged. It was controlled by various armies – Russian, German, Soviet, and Estonian. In the spring of 1919, the “Battle of Ape” took place near Lūšakrogs, where an Estonian armored train was also involved. When the armies retreated, painful sights were left behind – embankments were destroyed, and the infrastructure was disrupted.
However, in 1921, the railway began to revive – train services were restored again from Gulbene to Valka. This line became the only narrow-gauge railway in Vidzeme that crossed national borders twice.
During World War II, the German army’s retreat once again caused significant destruction. After the war, in 1945, trains began running from Gulbene to Ape and later to Valga. The former steam locomotives, which were powered by wood and coal, were gradually replaced by the diesel train TU2. This train operated more quietly, and the railway story continued.
The Little Train is Silent, but the Story Lives On
In 1970, the railway between Ape and Valga was closed, and on January 1, 1973, the section between Ape and Alūksne was also shut down. The tracks were dismantled. Previously, there had been a restaurant called “Restor” in the Ape station building, but after the railway was closed, the building was repurposed into shops and later – a bus station. Today, the building is no longer actively used, but it still carries the essence of its history. The station master’s house and the small weight house have survived to this day.
The Green Continuation
Although the old railway tracks are no longer there, the narrow-gauge train’s path remains. In the Latvia and Estonia programme project “Green Railways”, a beautiful route for cyclists and hikers has been established where the old railway used to run. This path stretches from the town of Ape to the Estonian border, continuing to Mõniste and Valka. The route is 3.8 km long. The project involved improving the path, equipping it with information signs, and even restoring the bridge over the Jašupīte River. Locals call it the “Demography Bridge,” symbolizing the connection between the past, present, and future.
Ape – Where the Narrow-Gauge Train Rolls in the Heart
Although the narrow-gauge train no longer runs on the tracks, people in Ape still remember it. The train is like a bridge between generations. The little train may seem simple and quiet, but it carries a big story about Ape, the town’s creation, and development. Ape may be small, but it is a town with a big heart. It is a town that has managed to preserve its values throughout various periods of time.
The new project “Green Railways II” focuses on the little narrow-gauge train. A new train is being created as a stylized locomotive and carriage. It symbolizes the “Ape” stop, where people can rest, learn new things, and hear the story of Ape and its history. Here, visitors can not only take photographs but also learn more about the “Green Railways.” They can also find out where to go next, crossing the “Demography Bridge” over the Jašupīte River towards Estonia.
For more about Green Railways, visit the website: www.greenrailways.eu