Funambule funicular, Funicular in Neuchâtel, Switzerland

The Fun'ambule is a funicular railway in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, running entirely underground. Its 330-metre single track with a passing loop links the Gare station, in the extension of the station underpass, with the Université station in the Jardin Anglais, climbing 46 metres at gradients of up to 34%. The two 126-passenger cars, Maxime and Léa, are built by CWA under Garaventa supervision.

Construction began on 17 March 1999 in the Jardin Anglais and at the upper station by the CFF railway station. The line opened on 27 April 2001 to serve the Swiss national exhibition Expo.02, held in Neuchâtel from 15 May to 20 October 2002, when it carried over 2,200,000 passengers. Its name was chosen from more than 350 entries in a competition among young people of the canton.

The name Fun'ambule was chosen in a competition among young people of the canton of Neuchâtel, with over 350 proposals submitted; it was officially adopted on 27 April 2001. The two cars are named Maxime (red) and Léa (yellow), after two workers' newborns during construction.

The underground journey is fairly quick and offers a direct route without transfers. Keep in mind this is an automated system that can get crowded during peak commuting times.

The cabins feature a special design with multiple segments that move independently to keep passenger spaces level throughout the ride. Most travelers pass through without realizing this engineering detail, yet it makes the journey noticeably smoother.