Heidelberger Bergbahn, Funicular railway system in Heidelberg, Germany
The Heidelberg Mountain Railway is a funicular system operating two connected lines with a total of four stations throughout the city. The lower line runs from Kornmarkt to Castle station, while the upper line continues from there to Molkenkur and then to Königstuhl.
The funicular system was put into operation in 1885 using water-ballast technology and innovative propulsion methods of that era. The system was modernized while keeping its historical structure and continuing to serve the city.
The railway connects the old town to the castle and mountain, making travel easier for both visitors and residents. It forms part of daily life in Heidelberg, allowing people to move quickly between different elevations of the city.
The funicular is easily accessible on foot from Kornmarkt, where the climb to Castle station begins. Plan for possible wait times, especially on pleasant weekends, and weather at the summit can be cooler than in town.
The upper section still uses original electrical technology from 1907 and ranks among Germany's oldest electric mountain railways still operational. This technical heritage means visitors experience a rare historical machine in action.
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