Technology & history

At the time of its inaugural journey to Molkenkur in 1890, the Heidelberg funicular railway employed a combination of cable and rack-and-pinion technology. In 1907, the line was extended to Königstuhl. With a total length of 1.5 km, the Heidelberg funicular railway is the longest of its kind in Germany.

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The lower modern funicular
The lower modern funicular
The lower modern funicular
The lower modern funicular
The lower modern funicular
The lower modern funicular
The lower modern funicular
The lower modern funicular
The lower modern funicular
The lower modern funicular
The lower modern funicular
The lower modern funicular
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The railway has been modernized many times over the years. Following the most recent modifications, which took place between 2002 and 2005, the lower section is in fact now considered one of Germany's most up-to-date funicular railways. The historic upper section to Königstuhl was also completely overhauled. The rolling stock on this section however still dates back over a hundred years to the railway's infancy, making the upper section one of Germany's oldest funicular railways. The state authority responsible for historical monuments in Baden-Württemberg has recognized the railway's particular cultural significance, honouring it in 2004 with an entry in the regional register of monuments.

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The upper historic funicular
The upper historic funicular
The upper historic funicular
The upper historic funicular
The upper historic funicular
The upper historic funicular
The upper historic funicular
The upper historic funicular
The upper historic funicular
The upper historic funicular
The upper historic funicular
The upper historic funicular
The upper historic funicular
The upper historic funicular
The upper historic funicular
The upper historic funicular
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Join us on a tour of the chief milestones in the railway's history: 1890, 1907, 1961, 1997 and the modernization phase from 2002 to 2005. Or take a look at the chronicle of events.

Experience the funicular railways - order tickets online now!

Simply pick up tickets, jump aboard, relax and enjoy.

Running speed, driving mechanism, gauge etc.

Find out what has changed since the renovation in 2005.

Maximum gradient:
43 per cent

Longitudinal profile of the funicular railways.
Longitudinal profile of the funicular railways.
 

© Heidelberger Straßen- und Bergbahn GmbH