Muzeum ozubnicové dráhy

The Cog Railway Museum occupies part of the former railway station building in Kořenov, a small town in the Jizera Mountains right on the border with Poland. It's a natural stop for anyone curious about railway engineering, or simply passing through on one of the most unusual stretches of track in Czechia.

What makes this railway so special?

Kořenov sits on the rack-and-pinion line connecting Tanvald, Kořenov and Harrachov, opened in 1902. It's the steepest — and the only standard-gauge — cog railway in the Czech Republic: on the seven-kilometre stretch between Tanvald and Kořenov, trains climb a gradient of up to 58 per mille. To make that possible, engineers laid a 4.43-kilometre double Abt rack system into the track, into which a toothed wheel on the locomotive engages for extra grip on the steep climb. The route passes through five tunnels (the longest running 940 metres), curves through a horseshoe bend, and crosses a 26-metre-high bridge over the Jizera river. Riding the line is an attraction in itself, and the museum in Kořenov explains how the whole system works and where it came from.

What's inside the museum?

The exhibition occupies part of the old station building, with the entrance from the station's waiting hall. On display are models of different rack systems, locomotive cog wheels mounted on a preserved section of original rack track, along with numerous photographs, technical drawings and texts covering the history of the Tanvald–Kořenov line and its continuation toward Szklarska Poręba on the Polish side. A second part of the exhibition, the Engine Shed (Výtopna), a restored former locomotive depot, shows historic locomotives and wagons, including cog-driven ones. Visits there run with a guide, who talks through the daily work of the railwaymen who kept trains running on such demanding terrain.

How do you get there?

The museum sits directly at Kořenov railway station, so the most fitting way to arrive is by the cog railway itself from Tanvald — the ride there is part of the experience. The station also connects to hiking routes heading into the Jizera Mountains and toward Harrachov, making it easy to combine a museum visit with a walk or bike trip in the area.

When should you visit?

Visits run as guided groups departing on the hour, with the first tour at 10:15 and the last at 16:15. It's worth building in a little buffer time so you don't miss the start of the next group. During the season, steam trains also run on the line — a good extra reason for railway enthusiasts to time their visit accordingly.

Who is it for?

The museum works well for families with children (models and locomotives up close always draw attention), railway enthusiasts, and travellers planning to ride the cog railway who want to understand the line's engineering beforehand. It's also a convenient stop on a wider trip through the Jizera Mountains, combining an educational visit with a location right next to the station.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to join a guided tour? Yes, both the museum and the Engine Shed are visited in guided groups, with tours departing every hour.

How long does a visit take? A full visit covering both parts of the exhibition (the museum and the former engine depot) typically takes around an hour, depending on group size and pace.

Can I combine the visit with a ride on the cog railway? Yes, that's the best way to do it — Kořenov station lies on the Tanvald–Harrachov line, and the museum occupies part of the station building itself.

Does the museum run steam train rides? During the season, steam train excursions operate on the line, giving visitors an extra attraction alongside the museum exhibition.