Funicular Railway
Dresden’s funicular railway has been taking passengers from the district of Loschwitz up to that of Weißer Hirsch since 1895. At first the route was intended only to connect the city centre with the newly founded residential area Weißer Hirsch. Following the construction of a sanatorium, the district had become renowned for its spas. Today, the funicular railway has become an important tourist attraction in Dresden. The railway itself, which has been listed as a historical monument since 1984, is certainly worth a visit.
The attractive surrounding landscape makes a trip on the funicular railway a very special experience. As it travels up the hill, the railway winds its way through a picturesque natural environment, along two short tunnels and over a 102-metre viaduct. From the upper station, visitors enjoy a wonderful view of the Elbe valley and urban Dresden. The nearby “Luisenhof” restaurant is not only the perfect place, from which to set out on a walk through the Weißer Hirsch villas, but also an inviting spot for a break when on an outing.
Two carriages travel along this naturally attractive route, joined by a cable and driven by the stationary hoisting machine. Unlike the suspension railway, which has operating stations at both ends, the funicular railway is run entirely from the upper station.
Technical details
- Model: Standseilbahn cable railway with Abt passing loop
- Operation: shuttle (unmanned)
- Stations: Lower station in Loschwitz, upper station in Weißer Hirsch
- Length of route: 547.0 m (about 1,795 feet)
- Height difference: 95.0 m (about 312 feet)
- Minimum gradient: 9.5 %
- Maximum gradient: 29.0 %
- Track gauge: 1,000 mm
- Cable: 578 m long (1,345 feet); 38 mm thick
- Drive power: 199 kW
- Hoisting engine: two rigidly coupled driving discs
- Capacity: 630 people per hour in each direction
- Maximum speed: 5 m/s
- Journey time: 5 minutes
