A funicular is a rather exotic type of transport. It is a small car that moves on rails with cable traction. It allows the transportation of people and various goods through areas with difficult terrain: across crevices, up steep mountains, etc. Where motor vehicles struggle, a funicular easily covers the distance. Typically, the length of their routes is short, taking just a few minutes. But during that time, one can enjoy unusual views.
1Niesenbahn Funicular, 3500 meters
The longest funicular is located in Switzerland. It helps cover distances in the Alps, consisting of two sections with lengths of 2,112 + 1,388 meters. Next to it is the longest staircase, with a length of 11,767 steps.
2Metro Alpin, 1749 meters
This is a completely underground funicular located in Switzerland. It covers a distance of 1749 meters. In a few minutes, tourists ascend 476 meters into the Swiss Alps. It is one of the fastest funiculars – the car can move at a speed of 36 km/h.
3Wuppertal Suspension Railway, 1448 meters
This monorail is located on viaducts, running above the Wupper River at a height of 12 meters, with a length of 1448 meters. Tourists are transported in a special Kaiserwagen, in which the emperor rode along this road in 1900.
4Victoria Peak Funicular, 1364 meters
The Victoria Peak Funicular is located in Hong Kong. The car covers a distance of 1364 meters, with an ascent at an angle of 45 degrees. This allows tourists to easily conquer Victoria Peak. The ride takes 15 minutes. At the top, visitors are greeted by a shopping and entertainment center, as well as numerous observation decks.
5Central Funicular in Naples, 1234 meters
Opened in 1928 and has been maintained in working condition ever since. Besides its entertainment function, it also serves a primary transport role. The city has very complex terrain, so 4 funiculars were built in Naples for transportation. The Central Funicular is the longest of them.
6Fløibanen Funicular, 850 meters
The Norwegian Fløibanen funicular takes tourists to the top of Mount Fløyen, located near Bergen. The ride takes just 8 minutes. During this time, travelers can enjoy breathtaking views. For tourists’ convenience, the tram has panoramic windows.
7Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, 835 meters
This funicular is located in the USA, in Tennessee, with a track length of just over a kilometer. The car with 42 seats covers this distance in 15 minutes. During this time, it takes its passengers to the top of Lookout Mountain. The ascent is quite steep and breathtaking, but even more impressive are the views from the windows.
8Wellington Cable Car, 628 meters
Located in the capital of New Zealand. The cars run between the suburb and the business part of the city. This route was opened in 1902. The route length is 628 meters. The funicular has become a symbol of Wellington.
9Flying Dutchman Funicular, 585 meters
You can ride this Flying Dutchman without fear. It is located in South Africa, near the Cape of Good Hope. The route length is 585 meters. The ride lasts 3 minutes.
10Prague Funicular, 510 meters
Built to transport passengers to Petřín Hill. The funicular line length is 510 meters. It moves on rails with the help of a towing cable on an electric motor. The route has 3 stops.
This old mode of transportation successfully withstands modern loads. In some places, the cars serve only tourists, while in other cities they are a full-fledged means of transport. The roads are kept in working condition and modernized.
