Odontotos-Vouraikos - Kalavryta, Hiking route

The Diakoptos - Kalavryta Railway Line, more commonly known as the Diakoptos - Kalavryta toothed railway (or simply the Odontotos), is a narrow-gauge toothed railway line connecting Diakopto with Kalavryta. It is a project of the Harilaos Trikoupis period and was inaugurated in 1896. It was one of the most difficult projects of its time due to the particularly difficult terrain and the high altitude at which it ended, as the cog railway is the most mountainous railway in Greece. In order to overcome these difficulties, the railway was constructed using the technique of serration whereby the train is hooked, using appropriate gears, onto serrated rails on routes where the gradient of the terrain exceeds 10%. The railway crosses the Vouraikos gorge, passing through tunnels and bridges along its length, covering a total distance of 22 km. Today it is mainly used for tourist tours along one of the most beautiful routes in Greece.

The original plans for the line included the extension of the Odontotos line from Kalavryta to Tripoli, but this was cancelled for financial reasons during the construction phase of the line to Kalavryta, before any works were started. For the future, OSE plans to extend the line from Kalavryta to the monastery of Agia Lavra and the Kalavryta ski centre.

The odontotos from Diakopto enters the Vouraikos gorge. It makes stops at the sites "Niamata" and "Triklia". About halfway along the route, after 12 km, it stops at the village of Kato Zachlorou. At this point it also serves visitors to the monastery of the Great Cave. Then, after 18 kilometers, it stops under the village of Kerpini and finally ends in Kalavryta.
source

 

The Odontotos

Buraikos river

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vouraikos river

 

 

 

The Odontotos

Buraikos river

 

 

 

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
*According to the sign of the O.S.E. it is not allowed to cross the route.
In case you wish to walk the route your attention is necessary due to the crossing of the train. There is a risk of a fatal accident.
Necessary caution when crossing on the tracks (especially on bridges) and in tunnels.