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 7 - Mrázovka -Hotel Mövenpick


Fall of communist regime in end of 1989 started massive tide of foreign capital into Czech republic. Also, swiss company Moevenpick decided to built new hotel here in Praha. After several negotiations with city, area of Smichov was choosen. Architect decided to built "two section hotel" here. "Bottom" section is located very close to main street, and it can hold approx. 450 guests. "Top" section, located on the hill Mrazovka over the Praha also has several room, but mainly is there restaurant, so whole Praha can be seen from there. These sections are approx 150 meters distant, but if you want to walk on the street - this street is longer than 3 kilometers! Hotel therefore decided to built its own funicular between these parts!

   Hotel and funicular were both opened in 1995. Funicular is very strange, it is something between classic funicular and a monorail. It has only one car. There is no fare, no tickets, no timetable, funicular is self-serviced, so guest can it service same way as lift! This funicular is owned by hotel, and it is not public in general. However, top restaurant is opened to public, so every guest of this restaurant can use this funicular. Simply - strange. Hotel is located close to metro station Andel, of line "B". Hotel is excellent, five-star, therefore, rooms are relatively expensive...

 That is all. No other funicular were built here, and none are under construction --- well but wait, there is once one more interesting transport equipment. It is located in Decin, city with approx. 50.000 inhibitans located in Northern Bohemia, very close to german borderline. There is - lift. Yes, really "only" lift, but this lift connects city centre with "Shepherds Wall" over the city. This lift was built here in the end of 60's and it is completely inside in rock. Until 1996 was owned by muncipal city transport company, in early 1997 was sold to the owner of restaurant on the top station. There is fare for this lift, and it is certainly opened to public. Lift is approx. 60 meters long. Well, certainly is this not funicular, but it has close to it...  

 

 

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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