The Zagreb Funicular (Croatian: Zagrebačka uspinjača) is a funicular in Zagreb, Croatia, operated by the Zagreb Electric Tram, situated in Tomić Street, connecting Ilica (Donji Grad) with Strossmayerovo šetalište (Strossmayer promenade) to the north (Gornji Grad). Its 66-metre (217ft) track makes it one of the shortest public-transport funiculars in the world.[1]
History
In 1888, D.W. Klein won a concession to build a funicular in Zagreb. The funicular was built and put into operation in 1890. The funicular was propelled by a steam engine. Initially, the steam pressure was so low, and repairs were so frequent, that it remained out of operation nearly half of the time. [2] In 1934 its steam propulsion was replaced by an electric motor.[3]
In 1969 operation of the funicular was suspended due to security reasons: its systems were worn out. Repairs lasted four and half years, and it was put back in operation on July 26, 1974. [4]
Having in mind that it kept its original shape, constructional and most of the technical properties, it was given legal protection as a monument of culture.[2]
On 20 January 2025 the funicular was closed down for operation until March 2026 for complete overhaul that includes track replacement with anti-vibration padding, installation of a new three-phaseelectric motor, hauling rope replacement, new air-conditioned cabins, disabled access to both stations and cabins as well as HVAC system improvements on both stations.[5]
Technical characteristics
The funicular runs at a speed of 1.5m/s (4.9ft/s), requiring 64 seconds to cross the distance.[6] The funicular runs on a 66m (217ft) long and 1,200mm (3ft11+1⁄4in) wide gauge track, at an inclination of 52%. This makes it one of the shortest, but also one of the steepest funiculars in the world. The electrical engine is in the northern (upper) station. It has a power output of 28.5kW (38.2hp), and operates on 400 Vdirect current, at 720 revolutions per minute.[7][8][9]
The bottom and top stations are at an elevation of 126m (413ft) and 156.5m (513ft) respectively, making for a height difference of 30.5m (100ft). The funicular has two cars for 28 passengers each (16 seated and 12 standing places). The cars are 5,640mm (18.50ft) long, and weigh 5.05 tonnes (4.97 long tons; 5.57 short tons) when empty. Each car can carry 2,240kg (4,940lb).[9][10] The rides are scheduled every 10 minutes from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.[11]
