The oldest known funicular is in Hohensalzburg Castle, and it's known as the Reisszug. Though now being run by a metal cart, cables, and an electric motor, the Reisszug has been in operation since the early 1500s!
This iconic piece of Victorian engineering, Saltburn Cliff Tramway is the second oldest water funicular in the world and the oldest in the United Kingdom. Constructed and opened in 1884, it is still operated in exactly the same way as it was designed by our Victorian forebears.
Stoosbahn in Switzerland, with a maximum slope of 110% (47.7°), is the steepest funicular in the world. The Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway, built in 1888, is the steepest and longest water-powered funicular in the world. It climbs 152 metres (499 ft) vertically on a 58% gradient.
Gelmerbahn is mountain railway in Switzerland with gradient of 106%, making it Europe's steepest open Funicular. It is a very popular ride that only open during the summer months every year.
What is the difference between a funicular and a gondola?
A funicular is a cable railway in which a cable attached to a pair of tram-like vehicles on rails moves them up and down a steep slope. A gondola lift, also called a cable car, is a type of aerial lift which is supported and propelled by cables from above.
The Cairngorm funicular near Aviemore, was closed for four years from September 2018 due to structural issues with the track. It was reopened to the public in January 2023 following £25m of repairs before it was closed again in August that year due to snagging issues.
Connecting the banks of River Danube and the Buda Castle, the Funicular (Budavari Siklo in Hungarian) has been in service since 1870. The construction was started by the idea of Odon Szechenyi, son of the statesman Count Istvan Szechenyi.
On 15 January 2024 a fire broke out at the lift, starting in an electrical plant room and causing extensive damage. The cliff lift reopened after repair in September 2024.
Funicular Railways There are over 40 funicular railways in the United Kingdom dating back to the 19th century, many of them still in operation and open to the public.
Since Liverpool Road ceased operation, the oldest railway station in use is Broad Green railway station in Liverpool which opened on 15 September 1830. The Liverpool and Manchester Railway opened starting from Liverpool Crown Street, hence the older stations start from Liverpool.
The East Hill is the United Kingdom's steepest funicular railway in use today and is a main Hastings point of interest. Compared to the West Hill, which runs through a tunnel, the East Hill funicular is cut into the cliff giving wide-open views.
Where would you find the famous peak tram, one of the world's oldest funicular railways, which takes passengers high above the huge city below?
The Peak Tram is a funicular railway in Hong Kong, which carries both tourists and residents to the upper levels of Hong Kong Island. Running from Garden Road Admiralty to Victoria Peak via the Mid-Levels, it provides the most direct route and offers good views over the harbour and skyscrapers of Hong Kong.
1. Vale Street, Bristol – 21.81 degrees. It's long been suspected but as of June 2025, Vale Street in Totterdown, Bristol is now officially recognised as the steepest street in England.
Discover the thrill of the Mumbo Jumbo, the UK's steepest rollercoaster. Join the adventure at Flamingo Land Resort! #mumbojumbo #flamingoland #rollercoaster.
The funicular operates daily from early in the morning until late in the evening. The round-trip ticket costs 5,000 Hungarian forints for adults, with reductions for children and families. Alternatively, you can reach the castle on a fifteen-minute scenic walk or by using the local buses.
Can you walk across the chain bridge in Budapest right now?
Can you walk across the Chain Bridge in Budapest right now? Yes, you can. After being closed for major renovations starting in 2021, the bridge reopened to pedestrians in 2023 and is fully walkable again.
Montjuïc Funicular Railway. The funicular railway gives you quick, easy access by public transport to Montjuïc from the centre of Barcelona in just 2 minutes.
