On March 10 1896, the rack railway began its journey. The slope of the line does not allow the movement of an ordinary train, so between the rails there is a jagged line that allows the operation of a mechanism so as to climb from sea level to the station Kalavryta in 750 meters. The width of the lines is shorter than the European standard (0.75 m). Today, the train with the two small wagons and the diesel-electric power unit, starts its trail from the station of Diakopto and
climbs to Kalavryta, passing through a normal section at first and then continues to climb by engaging special equipment called "teeth" when it reaches the first narrowing of the gorge, until the station of Niamata settlement. The train called Odontotos runs through small tunnels where, between the small openings you have time to observe the opposite slopes of a large rockshelter with successive cavernous halls, full of stalagmites, forming upright columns. The train stops using the "teeth" when it reaches Triklion.
The route continues in the wild landscapes with waterfalls and reaches the closest point on the route called "Portes" where the train passes through a tunnel. During the next section, Odontotos again uses the "teeth" and reaches the station of Mega Spilaio which is situated in the village of Kato Zachlorou. From this point on, it continues normally, picking up speed passing through Kerpini and reaches Kalavryta through the open plains.
The train continues its journey providing to its passengers great time starting from Diakopto and passing through conglomerate rocks that cause tremors and awe, through bridges and tunnels and other peaceful places. The narrowest and most beautiful parts of the gorge are at Niamata , Portes, Triklia, Sifoni and the "courtroom", a cave with stalagmite rocks that resembles a courtroom. There has never been an accident in the history of the Rack.
Next to the train tracks there is a path formely used by local residents, today the same track is marked with symbols of the European path E4, which is used by Greek and foreign hikers. The descending path holds about six hours while the ascending path upload about 7-8 hours. Every year on the third Sunday of May the Association of Mountaineering and Skiing of Kalavryta, organizes the Panhellenic Pass with the participation of hundreds of climbers and hikers.
TIMETABLE OF RACK RAILWAY
From Kalavryta to Diakopto:
09:28 Daily
12:27 Daily
14:10 Weekends & Bank Holidays
15:30 Daily
16:50 Weekends & Bank Holidays
From Diakopto to Kalavryta:
08:10 Daily
11:15 Daily
12:33 Weekends & Bank Holidays
14:12 Daily
15:32 Weekends & Bank Holidays
Information:
Diakopto station 2691 043206
kalavryta station 2692 022245
Customer helpline 1110
Ticket price
9.50 euro
19.00 euro roundtrip
Source: www.kalavrita.gov.gr