Tramwaje stand silently here. This isn’t just any ordinary place. This is Cmentarzysko tramwajów, a unique spot in Warsaw. It’s a final resting place for trams.
Cmentarzysko tramwajów offers a glimpse into Warsaw’s transportation history. Old trams find their end here. Many were produced before 1984.
Imagine these trams once bustling through city streets. They carried people to work and home. They witnessed Warsaw’s evolution. Now, they gather here. It’s a film-like scene, as one source says.
The most iconic trams here are the 13N and 105N models. The 13N, nicknamed “parówki” or sausages, were especially beloved by Warsaw residents. 840 of them served Warsaw. The first one hit the rails in 1959. They ruled the tracks for two decades. They were withdrawn from service in 2012.
These “parówki” weren’t always comfortable. They lacked heating. Winter rides could be freezing. But in summer, open windows offered relief from the heat. Passengers enjoyed the soft, low seats.
One story tells of a 13N tram breakdown. It caused workers to be late for a meeting. The meeting was with none other than Gomułka himself.
The 105N trams have a rectangular front. These trams evoke less fondness among locals. They are still an important part of Warsaw’s tram history.
Initially, these trams at Cmentarzysko tramwajów were meant to be dismantled. Reusable parts were to be salvaged. The rest would be scrapped. For a time, the site became a magnet for photographers.
But there’s another Cmentarzysko tramwajów in Warsaw. This one is on a private plot on Salomejska Street. A collector named Stanisław Chustecki owns it. He has gathered more than 10 trams there. His collection includes trams from Warsaw and Kraków. One of these is a “Berlinka” of type K.
Chustecki dreams of opening a private tram museum. He even planned to acquire T4 wagons from Austria. These are from the 1920s.
Whether on Utrata or Salomejska Street, Cmentarzysko tramwajów reminds us of Warsaw’s past. It shows us the trams that shaped the city. These trams may be retired. But their stories continue to resonate.