Funicular with three carriages
Funicular railway
The centrepiece of the Thüringer Bergbahn and Schwarzatalbahn is the funicular railway between Obstfelderschmiede valley station and Lichtenhain summit station.
Now a protected structure, it measures 1.4 km (0.9 miles) in length and covers a vertical distance of 323 m (0.2 miles).
The funicular takes about 16 minutes to complete a trip, and the gradient of the slope it travels is 25%, making it the steepest funicular capable of transporting normal-gauge rail vehicles.
Two separate rail vehicles operate on the funicular railway: a passenger carriage with a stepped interior, and a freight platform with carriage.
The freight platform is made up of a base with wheels and an additional top carriage (either a freight wagon, open-top carriage, or closed carriage).
Open-air travel is possible from May to October: during good weather, an open-top carriage – our "convertible" – take the place of the closed carriage.
When do the different vehicles operate?
The passenger carriage leaves the Lichtenhain summit station on the hour, while the freight platform leaves at half-past.
Down at the Obstfelderschmiede valley station, the freight platform leaves on the hour, while the passenger carriage leaves at half-past.
Accessibility
Passengers with disabilities can use the passenger wagon, which is designed for wheelchair access. This vehicle can also transport prams and bicycles.
