The municipalities of Nelas, Mangualde, Fornos de Algodres and Gouveia presented the tourism project "Expresso do Alto Mondego", which involves CP - Comboios de Portugal and private operators. Nelas and Mangualde belong to the district of Viseu, while Fornos de Algodres and Gouveia are in the district of Guarda, united by the Serra da Estrela, the Mondego River and the Beira Alta railway line.
The total investment is 511 thousand euros, funded 70% by Turismo Centro de Portugal and the remaining 30% distributed among the four municipalities. The project started in May 2024 and is expected to be completed in May 2028, with the aim of creating a single platform that brings together the region's tourism offerings and obtaining Biosphere certification, a green tourism seal with international recognition.
The project comes after nearly a decade of collaboration between the municipalities in the area of culture. The idea is to allow visitors to purchase packages of one, two or more days in the region, being able to use the train to arrive and get around. There will be 40 electric bicycles, 10 in each municipality, at the train stations for a more sustainable experience.
The project was presented to private tourism operators, associations, parish councils and media. The mayors highlighted the importance of this network covering two Intermunicipal Communities, CIM Viseu Dão Lafões and CIM Beiras e Serra da Estrela, considering that initiatives like this enhance the region's appeal and contribute to keeping people in the country's interior.
