In 1890, hundreds of Greek and foreign railroad workers toiled over the mountainous terrain in eastern Fthiotida. In their efforts to tame the wild landscape and complete the line between Lamia and Lianokladi (now part of the new route via Kallidromos), they created a path that today functions as a hiking trail, enchanting visitors with its verdant natural setting and intriguing history. Known as the Railway Track Walkway Path, it’s one of the region’s top attractions, and just two hours from Athens by train.
The track itself was built as part of the central Greek railway system, then transferred to Hellenic State Railways or SEK in 1920. It took on additional responsibilities during the Axis occupation of 1941–44, when it was used for military transportation and by the occupying forces, before being restored to its prewar condition after the war. The station became a part of the network again in 1970, when SEK was legally replaced by the state-owned Hellenic Railways Organisation S.A or OSE, and freight traffic dropped sharply.
Although there are no international trains currently operating in Greece, the country’s pristine mountains and idyllic islands combine to create a mystical blend of ancient history and modern-day hedonism. You can reach the country by ferry – overnight ferries connecting Italy and Greece are discounted or fully covered by Eurail Global Pass holders, and you can also travel from nearby Bulgaria and Albania.
