Rack Railway Track Tanvald - Harrachov
The rack railway track Tanvald - Korenov - Harrachov was put into operation on 01 June 1902. The track runs through difficult terrain and required extraordinary technical solutions.
It is situated in a romantic landscape with alternating tunnels, bridges, deep cuttings and high embankments. The panorama of the Jizerske Mountains and the Krkonose underlines the exceptional position of the steepest railway track in the country, formerly an important connection between the Czech Republic and Poland and, during World War Two, also an important line to Berlin.
Reliable brakes were the biggest issue for the railway cars operating on this line. The original rack wheel system was replaced by engine-powered cars with a hydrodynamic brake and, later, by locomotives with electronic regulation, and the rack system was replaced by an adhesion system. The line is operated all year round, and each train in the main summer and winter season has a city transport connection.
The line is open all year round, in the main summer and winter season there is a public transport from the centre of Harrachov to every train.
In the building of the former railway station Kořenov you can visit the Museum of Cog Railway and the Switching Station. Information about regular trains of ČD can be found at www.cd.cz (link is external) or by calling +420 221 111 122.
There are also occasional historical trains on the cog railway line, about which you can find information at www.zubacka.cz or by calling +420 724 215 962.
Information
Go from Harrachov to Zacler or in the opposite direction, for a three-day trip or for a whole week. Enjoy the pure nature, the warmth of the mountain chalets and the sky full of stars.
