Merkurbergbahn, Funicular railway in Baden-Baden, Germany
Merkurbergbahn is a funicular railway in Baden-Baden that transports visitors up to Merkur Mountain at 668 meters elevation. The line climbs steeply through wooded slopes, offering changing views of the town and surrounding Black Forest terrain as you ascend.
The railway opened in 1913 as part of Baden-Baden's development as a leisure destination. It was modernized and reopened in 1979 following a period of closure, with updated safety and technical systems installed.
The funicular serves as a gateway to outdoor activities, connecting visitors to hiking paths and observation platforms overlooking the Black Forest region.
The ride takes around 15 minutes to reach the summit despite the steep climb, making it quick and manageable for most visitors. The cars have handholds and seating arranged for different abilities, so people with various mobility levels can enjoy the journey comfortably.
The line covers a substantial elevation gain in a short distance, with gradients exceeding 50 percent along much of the track. This extreme steepness makes the journey feel more thrilling than typical mountain railways and offers an uncommon engineering achievement.
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