Petřín Funicular: Awaiting Rebirth

The Petřín Funicular, or Lanová dráha na Petřín, is a funicular railway in Prague that ascends Petřín Hill. The lower station is located in the Malá Strana district, and the railway climbs to the summit of Petřín, where attractions such as the Petřín Lookout Tower, Štefánik Observatory, and a mirror maze await. Originally opened in 1891, the funicular initially used a water balance propulsion system. Water was poured into a tank in the upper carriage to outweigh the lower one, pulling it up the hill. This system was in place until World War I, after which the funicular was closed. It reopened in 1932 with an electric motor. The funicular was again suspended in 1965 due to landslides. It wasn't until 1985 that it was restored, becoming part of Prague's public transport system. The track is 510 meters long and overcomes a height difference of 130 meters. The funicular passes through the Hunger Wall, built in the 14th century by Emperor Charles IV. Currently, the Petřín Funicular is closed for a complete refurbishment and replacement of the cars. The renovation is expected to be completed in the summer of 2026, with a new track and carriages.