Steam railways in the territory of present-day Slovakia began to develop more extensively in the mid-19th century. The construction of railways provided a permanent and efficient means of transporting goods and, later, passengers. Narrow-gauge railways also became an integral part of the railway network, contributing to the creation of an effective transport system for forest railways along the valleys of the Carpathian Arc. In addition to forest railways, Slovakia’s railway history includes field, sugar refinery, industrial, mining, construction, military, local, ropeway, tourist, and even children’s (pioneer) railways. Some of these still preserve and operate steam locomotives today, such as the Čierna Hora Forest Railway in Čierny Balog, the Košice Children’s Historical Railway, the Orava Forest Railway in Oravská Lesná – Tanečník, the Kysuce Forest Railway in Vychylovka, the Považie Forest Railway in Pribylina, and the Nitra Field Railway. Additionally, steam locomotive operations continue in ten locomotive depots across Slovakia, including Bratislava – Východné, Bratislava – Hlavné, Vrútky, Prievidza, Nové Mesto nad Váhom, Poprad, Tisovec, Zvolen, Košice, and Haniska pri Košiciach.
Preserving steam railway heritage revitalises cultural and technical monuments and sustains traditions, specialised skills, and a wide range of activities and knowledge across various professions. These include coal burners, lighters, ash removers, boilermen, preheaters, bearing fitters, locksmiths, watchmakers, boiler washers, firekeepers, fire extinguishers, air blowers, and “westingers” (brake repairers). Among the many preserved traditions, some notable customs include welcoming newcomers by smearing them with soot or locking them in a smokehouse, apprentices wearing distinctive “radio caps,” and train drivers donning white gloves.
The efforts of those dedicated to preserving steam heritage are essential for maintaining the knowledge and skills required for live steam operation. The steam engine maintenance community continues to pass down its expertise from generation to generation. Initially, this transmission of knowledge took place within the institutional framework of the railway workforce. Today, however, it is primarily upheld by passionate enthusiasts who remain committed to preserving the skills and traditions associated with steam locomotives. As a result, the end of steam traction on Slovak railways after 1980 did not mark the definitive end of steam operations. Instead, the focus gradually shifted toward cultural and technical heritage development, museum exhibitions, and tourism.
