Currently, there are four operational funicular railways in the Czech Republic. Two of them are located in Prague and two in Karlovy Vary. For years, there have been discussions about building a funicular in Brno but the plans were abandoned.
Funicular Railway to Petřín – most famous funicular in the Czech Republic, operating as part of Prague’s integrated public transport system. Construction began in 1890, and a year later the funicular made its first trip, powered by water at the time. The service was suspended during World War I, and in 1931, it underwent renovation, electrification, and route extension. The funicular was closed after a major landslide damaged the route in in 1965. It was reopened 20 years later after the route was secured and renovated. Since then, with short breaks in 1996 and 2006, the funicular has been regularly transporting tourists to Petřín.
The line is 510 meters long and has three stations: Újezd, Nebozízek, and Petřín. It can transport 1,400 people per hour.
NH Prague Hotel Funicular – the second funicular in Prague belongs to the NH Prague Hotel and is often considered as an elevator. It has been operating since 1996, connecting the hotel’s main building with a restaurant located on a steep hill. The funicular is free for both hotel guests and the public, for example, those visiting the restaurant. The line is 156 meters long, with a 51-meter elevation difference between the lower and upper stations.
Imperial Hotel Funicular – one of the most well-known funiculars, also called the “second Czech metro,” it runs from Theatre Square to the Imperial Hotel in Karlovy Vary. It was opened in 1907 and operated mainly during the season from early spring to early autumn. It was closed in 1981 due to poor technical condition. The Polish company Budimex carried out a general renovation, and it reopened six years later. The line is 127 meters long, with a travel time of one minute. The entire route is in a tunnel. The funicular is part of Karlovy Vary’s public transport system, with the same tickets as the buses.
Funicular to Diana Hill – another funicular in Karlovy Vary, built between 1911-1912, and upon opening, it was the longest funicular in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It currently transports passengers from the Hotel Pupp station to Diana Hill, where a observation tower was built. The line is 453 meters long, and the journey between stations takes 6 minutes. The funicular is operated by Karlovy Vary Public Transport, but a special fare applies. However, day tickets are accepted.
Related articles:
Train travel in the Czech Republic – a comprehensive guide
Narrow-gauge railways in the Czech Republic
Scenic railways in the Czech Republic
Railway museums in the Czech Republic
