The new Petřín Funicular cars were designed with a strong focus on simplicity, elegance, and functionality. This was a highly complex project developed in close collaboration with the Swiss manufacturers Doppelmayr, CWA, and Garaventa, and in intensive cooperation with Prague Public Transit Company.
The cabins were conceived to offer a unique passenger experience, defined by generous panoramic windows, four compartments with separate entrances, and a capacity of up to 100 standing passengers. The seats can be easily folded away and used as leaning supports for those who prefer to stand during the short three-minute ride. We ensured full barrier-free access, allowing comfortable boarding for wheelchair users as well as parents with strollers.
Our design draws inspiration from the original funicular cars introduced in 1985, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. While referencing their character and proportions, the new cabins are fully equipped with modern technologies and comply with current technical, safety, and operational standards.
The atmosphere of Petřín, long associated with love and joy, played an important role in our design approach. A distinctive feature is the interaction between the two cabins: as they pass each other, one “winks” at the other and its interior lighting briefly turns red, adding a subtle sense of playfulness to the journey.
Following the completion of the technical documentation in collaboration with Doppelmayr, we developed the final visualisations. After nearly a year of development, the project has remained true to the original concept, with only minor refinements that further strengthened the initial vision.
Production of the cars is currently underway. The reopening of the funicular is scheduled for September 2026.
