It has been traveling on rails that are only 66 meters long for 134 years

The Zagreb Funicular is one of the nicest and oldest means of city transportation in Zagreb.

Its story goes back to the 19th century, and it connects Upper and Lower Town every day as if they were old friends who enjoy spending time together.

Zagreb funicular, Photo: Boška i Krešo, www.infozagreb.hr

History:

• Osijek construction entrepreneur D.W. Klein noticed that most people go up to Gornji grad precisely on the street that today bears the name of Tomićeva. Inspired by European cities like Budapest and Zurich, he decided to build a funicular.
• The city authorities quickly accepted his proposal, and the funicular was put into operation on October 8, 1890. During construction, they faced many challenges, but the funicular became a reality.

Zagreb Funicular, Photo: S. Kaštelan, www.infozagreb.hr

Technical miracles:

• The Zagreb Funicular is the shortest cable railway in the world intended for public transport. With a 66-meter-long railway, it connects the Lower and Upper towns.
• Two carriages, each with a capacity of 28 passengers, run on wheels adapted to the route. The electric drive motor with a power of 28.5 kW is located in the upper station.
• The ride lasts only 64 seconds, but in that short time, it overcomes a height difference of 30.5 meters on a 52 percent gradient.

Zagreb funicular (Funicular) Photo: Smuki, Depositphotos

Architectural beauty:

• The funicular was built as an inclined viaduct of eight semicircular openings, made of brick with lime mortar. The original construction has not shown signs of significant technical deformations to date.
• There are two tracks on the concrete surface of the viaduct, and in some of these semicircular openings today there are art galleries and souvenir shops.

Zagreb funicular (Funicular) Photo: Panama7, Depositphotos

Legal protection and maintenance:

The Zagreb funicular has retained its original appearance and construction. Therefore, it is legally protected as a cultural monument.

The Zagreb Electric Tram (ZET) maintains and operates this magical funicular.

The funicular is not only a means of transportation but also a part of Zagreb’s history and identity. May its wagons continue to slide merrily up the hill, connecting the two parts of the city in harmony.