February the 17th, 2025 – Zagreb is home to a peculiar funicular. It is one of the shortest, steepest, and oldest funiculars in the world, and 125 years of history have played out on its 66 metre track.

As Index/Dubravko Grakalic writes, the charming little Zagreb funicular connects Donji Grad (Lower Town) and Gornji Grad (Upper Town), and is among the most recognisable symbols of Zagreb. The renovation of the oldest public transport vehicle in the capital has revived loving stories about the Zagreb funicular and its 125 years of history. It also looks back at its importance for the people of Zagreb, as well as tourists, who consider the Zagreb funicular one of the city’s most interesting attractions.

The Revitalisation of the Zagreb Funicular project, which will be completed in March 2026, will renovate the upper and lower stations of the funicular, the route it runs on and the drive system. New cabins will also be acquired. The Zagreb funicular line is only 66 metres long, connecting Tomićeva Ulica and Strossmayerovo šetalište. It’s one of the shortest funiculars in the world. It was put into operation almost 125 years ago – on October the 8th, 1890, and has been officially operating since 1893.

Patrik Macek/PIXSELL

the modernisation of public transport – the zagreb funicular and its 125 years of history

“The construction of the famed Zagreb funicular was an important undertaking in the development of public transport and the general modernisation of Zagreb at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Less than one year after the funicular was installed, a tram line connected the city from west to east. More specifically, that connection went from Gornja Ilica to Vlaška Ulica, or from Mandaličina Street to today’s Kvaternikov Square – with branches to the South Station, today’s West Station (Zapadni Kolodvor) and down to the Sava River.

The then horse-drawn tram was undoubtedly an important step in the modernisation of the capital’s public urban transport, which had previously used carriages. In Prague, tram traffic was electrified in 1891, and Budapest got an underground railway a mere five years later. Looking at it from this perspective, the steam-powered Zagreb funicular was a far more advanced means of transport, and partly an attraction for the citizens and visitors of Zagreb alike,” explained the curator of the Zagreb City Museum, Goran Arčabić.

Patrik Macek/PIXSELL

The Zagreb funicular and its 125 years of history began when it was built by Osijek entrepreneur David William Klein. That construction took place on the site where famous architect Milan Lenuci had previously designed a serpentine road. Klein calculated that most people would go this way towards the Upper Town, and not along Mesnička or Duga, which is Radićeva Ulica in this day and age.

The project progressed quickly. On October the 8th, 1888, Klein submitted an application for a building permit to the City Council, which he received in just two days. Work began in May 1889, and the first test run took place in February 1890. It was not without technical problems, one machine broke down, but in March 1890, the second test run went flawlessly. The much loved funicular had already become an attraction for visitors to Zagreb.

the zagreb funicular – 125 years of history and a centennial symbol of the capital

“This was particularly evident during the Jubilee Economic and Forestry Exhibition in Zagreb in the summer and autumn of 1891. Numerous visitors from all over took the opportunity to ride the funicular and spread the word about it. Interestingly, the Zagreb funicular was built on the initiative and funds of a private entrepreneur, and the entire venture was accompanied by administrative complications, technical difficulties and disapproval from citizens in the neighbourhood of the funicular line. To this day, the funicular has preserved its primary functions. In addition to being a tourist attraction, it primarily serves as part of the public transport system and is used daily by those who live, work or study in Upper Town,” explained Arčabić.

The Zagreb funicular was powered by steam until 1934, when it began being powered with electricity. Due to frequent breakdowns occurring at the time, the people of Zagreb also called it – the “zapinjača” (something that click-stops) as opposed to its Croatian name – uspinjača.

There were no external changes – the funicular has retained its external appearance, track and all its characteristics for more than a century. It’s now a protected cultural monument. In 1929, after the expiration of its 40-year concession, the funicular became the property of the City of Zagreb. Since 1947, it has been blue, the usual colour for all of Zagreb’s public transport vehicles, and it’s now under ZET’s management.

From 1969 to 1973, the funicular wasn’t in operation due to reconstruction. Only the brick viaduct was in good condition, while the rest of the structure was removed and replaced. The original shape of the Zagreb funicular was preserved, and the new drive machines and vehicles were installed by the Waagner-Biro company from Vienna. The electrical equipment was made by Siemens. The newly renovated funicular was put into operation on July the 26th, 1974. In 2005, the upper and lower stations of the funicular were again renovated.

The importance of the recognisable Zagreb funicular is also indicated by the Zagreb Tourist Board: “The Zagreb funicular, which has been connecting the Lower and Upper Towns since 1890, is a symbol of Zagreb and one of its most famous landmarks. At just 66 metres, it’s one of the shortest funiculars in the whole world, but its historical significance and charm make it an indispensable part of the Zagreb experience.

64 seconds to travel 66 metres

Patrik Macek/PIXSELL

In addition to connecting Zagreb’s Upper and Lower Towns, the funicular is a top tourist attraction, known for its authenticity and great view of the historic centre. As the oldest means of transportation in the entire city, it represents a combination of history and tradition and contributes to the creation of Zagreb’s unique identity.

Interestingly, the only known funicular with a shorter route than the one in Zagreb is the one at Niagara Falls – Falls Incline, which is 60 metres long and takes 62 seconds to ride. The Zagreb funicular takes 64 seconds to cover 66 meters. In Paris, the funicular is 108 metres long and takes 90 seconds to complete a journey, while the Angels Flight in Los Angeles is 91 metres long and takes 45 seconds.

Historical data shows that until 1929, the Zagreb funicular had both first and second class compartments. The first was more expensive and offered a view of Zagreb from the front of the funicular, while the second part was at the back and was cheaper, but without a view.

improvements and works

Patrik Macek/PIXSELL

“Regular repairs to the funicular are essential to preserving the safety and longevity of this historical symbol. Although it will be temporarily out of service, these interventions are key to ensuring its functionality and preserving the unique experience it provides. We believe that after the repairs are done, the Zagreb funicular will shine in its full glory again, ready to continue telling the story of Zagreb and be a part of its everyday life,” they stated from the Zagreb Tourist Board.

The Zagreb funicular has 125 years of impressive history behind it. It is scheduled to be renovated until March 2026. It took 10 months to build it back in the 19th century, while in the 21st century, the renovation will still take 13 months.
The post The Story of the Zagreb Funicular – 125 Years of History appeared first on Total Croatia.