Public Funiculars
of Czech Republic

Text and photos by Richard Bilek

Presentation | Prague - Letná | Prague - Petrín | Karlovy Vary - Slovenská ul. - Imperiál | Karlovy Vary - výšina Diana | Karlovy Vary - Divadelní ulice | Mrázovka -Hotel Mövenpick | Menu


Part 5 - Karlovy Vary - výšina Diana

 

 Due to commercial success of Westbury's funiculars, city council of Karlovy Vary decided to build its own funicular too. It was decided to built electric funicular between spa's centre and the Diana Plateau, popular place over the city. Also, new sightseeing tower was planned close to top station.

This 437 m. long funicular was opened in august 1912. For first two years was this funicular not so popular, but this changed in the early 1914, when tower close to top station was opened. Even during wars, funicular was in service until 1960 without any major change. In 1961 winter service started too, but between 1963 and 1965 was funicular partially renewed and remained in service until end of 1980, when it was closed together with Divadelni's ulice funicular. In the years between 1980 and 1988 was also restored by Budimex, and was opened on 20th December 1988, and is in service until today. Also, tower on the top was restored in 1991, and can be visited too.

This funicular is too owned by muncipal city transport, but it is not integrated with rest of urban transport, so special tickets (and, of course fare) is valid here - but anyway, it is nice trip. Bottom station is located directly in spa's centre (where no cars are allowed).


 Also fourth funicular was built in Karlovy Vary in 1913. It should run to the Three Cross' Hill over the city, but work was abandoned in 1914 (because of war), and funicular was not finished. There is still hope to finish this funicular, but if this will be successfull is still unknown

With opening of Diana's funicular, for more than 80 years no new funicular was built here in Czech republic. For long time it looked, that this is forever - but 'never say never'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Old postcard

 

 

 

 

Presentation | Prague - Letná | Prague - Petrín | Karlovy Vary - Slovenská ul. - Imperiál | Karlovy Vary - výšina Diana | Karlovy Vary - Divadelní ulice | Mrázovka -Hotel Mövenpick | Menu

Copyright 1998 by Michel Azéma, Paris (France)
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