In Bakuriani, you can also find a narrow-gauge railway, with its station conveniently located almost at the heart of the village. This charming little train, affectionately known as the Kukushka, offers an exhilarating adventure for all who ride it.
Characterized by its 900-millimeter (about 2 feet 11 7/16 inches) gauge, the Kukushka is indeed a narrow-gauge railway, in contrast to the standard gauge of 1520 millimeters. The history of this railway dates back to the 19th century, with its original purpose being to transport passengers from Borjomi to Bakuriani, providing access to the region’s famous mineral water springs.
The views from the train window are nothing short of breathtaking. This railway is considered one of the most picturesque routes in Georgia. Along the way, the train crosses a bridge known as the Eiffel Bridge. Yes, that’s right! The legendary Gustave Eiffel, the mastermind behind the Eiffel Tower in Paris, also designed this remarkable bridge in Georgia. Commissioned by the Romanov family in 1902, the bridge continues to delight tourists traveling along this route. Its official name is the Tsaghveri-Tsemi Bridge, spanning the Tsemistskhali River, and it is situated just before the Tsaghveri (Tsagveri) station.
Construction of this 900 mm line began in 1897, when Georgia was still part of the Russian Empire. The challenging terrain meant that construction took four years, and the first train finally ran in January 1902. Gustave Eiffel was tasked with designing the viaduct that crosses the Tsemistskhali River between the stations of Tsaghveri and Tsemi.
Initially, the trains were powered by steam engines of the “Porter” type, imported from America, and passengers traveled in open carriages protected by handrails. The line was electrified in 1966, replacing the small steam engine with an electric “crocodile” locomotive manufactured by Škoda in Czechoslovakia.
While the line was also used until 1991 for transporting andesite from a nearby mine, the Kukushka now serves exclusively as a passenger service for tourists and local residents alike.
In 2016, the Georgian authorities undertook a renovation of the narrow-gauge railway, launching an updated version of the Kukushka train. The new train consists of four carriages, each accommodating 32 passengers.
Despite the relatively short distance between Borjomi and Bakuriani, the journey takes approximately 2.5 hours (with an average speed of 15 km/h). This leisurely trip is definitely one to savor, allowing you to fully appreciate the stunning scenery along the route.
A Country of Fantastic Nature: Georgia is home to mountains, the sea, waterfalls, roaring rivers, and snow-capped peaks, as well as glaciers and subtropical climates. In one vacation, you can transition from winter to summer, from mineral springs to sandy beaches.