Viesīte Museum “Sēlija”, Mazais Bānītis Park Department

Little Engine Park is the most recognizable department of Sēlija Museum. It remains the only place in Latvia where visitors can see the history of the 600 mm gauge railway in its original location. The narrow gauge railway was built by German troops in 1915-1916 for transporting military freight. After WWI, it was adapted to transport passengers and non-military cargo. 

At the museum, you can see a Schwarzkopff steam locomotive Ml – 635 from 1918, Latvia’s only service car, a closed freight car, a timber platform, a trolley, a draisine and a display about railway in Sēlija. 

The museum is in charge of seven historic buildings from the station complex. Visitors can also browse a number of other displays about Sēlija that focus on nature, ethnography and archaeology. A crafts centre is located on the premises. In 2016, two of the narrow gauge depot buildings were granted the status of a listed cultural monument of national importance. The “Mazais Bānītis Park” Department of the Viesīte Museum “Sēlija” is part of Latvia’s military heritage and part of Latvia’s industrial heritage.