Since 1891, the Petřín funicular in the Czech capital of Prague has connected the city center with Petřín Hill, carrying around 2.5 million passengers annually.

In addition to various parks and historic buildings, the top of the hill features the Petřín Lookout Tower, which was modeled after the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Following several modernizations throughout its eventful history, it has now been comprehensively renewed by Doppelmayr/Garaventa: featuring new vehicles, a new control system, a new haul rope, and a unique design by Anna Marešová that combines tradition and modernity.

An integral part of the project was the extensive overhaul of the funicular, including the reconstruction of the entire track and the construction of barrier-free access points.

The Design

Following the T3 tram, the Petřín funicular is already the second project that Marešová was commissioned to realize for the Prague Public Transit Company (DPP). The designer won a competition to secure the project.

“We wanted the new design to build on the historic tradition of the Petřín funicular while offering passengers maximum comfort combined with the latest technologies,” said the designer.

Her goal was to create a sustainable, functional, and timeless aesthetic. “We opted for a design that provides maximum views during the ride and is technologically advanced. We believe it will serve people well and entertain them for at least another thirty years,” Marešová is convinced.

The Journey

The design was created in close coordination with the ropeway manufacturer DOPPELMAYR/GARAVENTA, which built the vehicles together with its subsidiary CWA Constructions SA in around eleven months.

The only major change compared to the original design was the replacement of the seats in the rear section with lean rests for technical reasons.

At the same time, the designer designated space in this area for the funicular’s operating staff. “I am delighted that the Prague Public Transit Company (DPP) approached this project so comprehensively. After so many years, the funicular deserved it,” Marešová emphasizes.

A Brief History of the Petřín Funicular

The Petřín funicular began operating on July 25, 1891. It originally operated using a water-ballast system and was shut down in 1916 due to the First World War.

The current, longer route was opened in 1932 featuring an electric drive, a different track gauge, and entirely new technical equipment, remaining in operation even during World War II.

In 1965, operations had to be suspended due to landslides on the Petřín slope that damaged the track system. Restoring the line took until 1985; upon its reopening, the funicular was integrated into the regular public transit network.

In September 2024, the track system and the entire Petřín slope were damaged by extreme rainfall. Due to the planned comprehensive renovation of the line and the replacement of the carriages, funicular operations were not resumed.