Putting the Fun in Funicular

From short city rides to steep mountain climbs, some of the world's most interesting inclined railways

by michellecassidy1

14 Places

Schwyz, Switzerland

Stoosbahn Funicular

The steepest classic funicular in the world glides along a dizzying incline.

hrnick

Added by hrnick

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest Castle Hill Funicular

Built in 1870 at the bridge that connected Buda and Pest, this spectacular incline railway was almost lost forever during World War II.

thelittleowl

Added by thelittleowl

Montmartre Funicular

The water-powered carriages are long gone, but for over a century this funicular railway has been the fastest route to the highest point in Paris.

Fløibanen Funicular

A favorite with sightseers and locals alike, this Norwegian funicular provides easy access to a stunning view of Bergen and its environs.

RHyzer

Added by RHyzer

Québec City, Québec

Old Québec Funicular

This steep cable railway has been hoisting passengers in the heart of Québec City for over a century.

dfelsing47

Added by dfelsing47

Kaunas, Lithuania

Žaliakalnis Funicular Railway

The oldest funicular in Lithuania has been climbing this steep hill since 1931.

Giedrius

Added by Giedrius

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Monongahela Incline

The United States’s oldest funicular railway glides up and down a steep Pittsburgh street.

Added by brickhound

Stockholm, Sweden

Lost Toys of the Nybohov Funicular

No one knows who's responsible for decorating this tunnel with stuffed animals, but the people love it enough to protest their removal.

hrnick

Added by hrnick

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Duquesne Incline

There aren't too many operational funiculars around, but Pittsburgh has two!

Added by brickhound

Los Angeles, California

Angels Flight

Historic funicular railway, believed to be the shortest railroad in the world.

anhie

Funicolare Centrale

In a city that boasts four separate inclined cable railways, this is one of the busiest funicular lines in the world.

RHyzer

Added by RHyzer

Braga, Portugal

Bom Jesus do Monte

A stunning 18th-century site where pilgrims ascend by a series of punishing stairs only to return via funicular.

littlebrumble

Added by littlebrumble

Mülenen, Switzerland

The Niesenbahn

Traversing steep Alpine slopes, this engineering marvel is one of the longest and highest funiculars in the world.

RHyzer

Added by RHyzer

Flåmsbana (Flåm Railway)

One of the most breathtaking railways in Europe also takes one of the steepest climbs, from fjord to mountain plateau.

Added by kld123

Map