Ah the funicular railway - not just a mode of transportation in a Wes Anderson film, but a practical (and often beautiful) way of getting up a steep incline for those in many cities.
Derived from the Latin word funiculus, the humble funicular railway saw a huge boom in urban areas, particularly in Europe, from the 1860’s onwards as industrialisation took over. The oldest funicular railway operating in the UK dates from 1875 and is in Scarborough, North Yorkshire. They had existed prior to this in some form for hundreds of years before, but mostly as a means of transporting goods (and not people) up and down steep hills.
As well as their practical use for inhabitants of a city, they offer tourists a unique experience while providing frequently wonderful views of the town/city below, and surrounding area. The tram-like vehicles are often resplendent in their own right, with quaint designs much like that of… yes, a Wes Anderson film.
Many different types exist; from water-powered funicular railways such as the gorgeous Bom Jesus do Monte near Braga, to the lengthy Fløibanen in Bergen, Norway - a 2,789-foot funicular that whisks visitors to the top of Mount Fløyen. Here are some of our favourite images of funicular railways in stunning locations found across the globe.
Fløibanen funicular railway with view of Bergen from Mount Fløyen, Bergen, Norway.
Fløibanen funicular railway with view of Bergen from Mount Fløyen, Bergen, Norway. Read less
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