Tanvald – Harrachov Rack Railway – Pearl of Czech Railways

Only a few railways may take pride in so many “best of” as the Jizera Mountains - Giant Mountains railway route between Tanvald and Harrachov which was built between 1899 and 1902.

This unique railway line is interesting not only for its unique structural design but for its rich history as well. It became a regular destination for the admirers of railroads and technical monuments from all across Europe and the section between Tanvald and Kořenov was declared a cultural monument by the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic in 1992.

Today, the railway line is operated on a 12-kilometre route from Tanvald to Harrachov, also popularly known as "kořenovská Zubačka" or "Polubenka". The route from Tanvald to Harrachov boasts about interesting artificial structures such as, among others, five tunnels the longest of which measures 940 metres, preserved 4.43 km long double-rail Abt rack in the axis of the track on a seven-kilometre section between Tanvald and Kořenov overcoming a height difference of 235 metres with rising gradient up to 58 per mille being the largest in the Czech Republic. From the protected Kořenov railway station (701 m a.s.l.), the railway line continues through a horseshoe-shaped curve over a 26-metre high bridge above the Jizera river and passes thus from the Jizera Mountains to the Giant Mountains. From Harrachov, the tracks further continue along the reconstructed railway line through Novosvětský průsmyk (New World Pass) (885 m a.s.l.) another 15 km to Szklarska Poreba, a Polish spa town and Giant Mountains centre. The train trip to our Polish friends is definitely worth taking. Not only have the passengers the opportunity to travel by a truly modern set of carriages but during their travel they may also visit Jakuszyce, the highest located railway station in Poland. 

During the summer season, this "pearl of our railways" is used, mostly on weekends, to organize popular nostalgic travels by historical sets of carriages. The view of the scenery of the Giant Mountains and the Jizera Mountains boundary is especially beautiful from these historical sets of carriages. Information about them can be found at www.zubacka.cz

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