Funiculars of Euskadi, a peculiar and emblematic transport that still allows us to reach the summits of Bilbao, San Sebastian and the Trapaga Valley.
Artxanda Funicular: Inaugurated on October 7, 1915, the Artxanda funicular managed to unite 2 of the most important spaces of that time, the urban core of the Villa de Bilbao, and the leisure and recreation area of Greater Bilbao, the Artxanda mountain. At that time, Artxanda was already one of the busiest and most important leisure areas of the capital of Bizkaia, a space where the people of Bilbao used to go to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city. On June 25, 1976, the Artxanda funicular suffered an accident due to a brake failure, fortunately, although the car fell to the lower base, only two operators were injured. The funicular was inactive for years, until 1983, thanks to the modernization of the facilities and the impulse of the city council of the capital of Bizkaia, the Artxanda funicular returned to climb the slopes of our beloved “botxo”. That same year, Bilbao witnessed the worst floods that Euskadi has suffered throughout its history, causing the funicular equipment to be severely damaged. Today, the ride lasts 3 minutes, is managed by the city of Bilbao and with a good day, you can enjoy a great view of the entire city of Bilbao. A plan that we highly recommend in our article “What to see in Bilbao”.
Igeldo FunicularThis funicular was inaugurated on August 25, 1912 and is therefore the oldest funicular in the Basque Country. It was built to improve accessibility to Mount Igeldo and at the same time to serve as the main transport for the Igeldo Amusement Park. The lower base, located in the funicular square, is located next to Ondarreta beach and Chillida’s Wind Comb sculpture. Its route, of more than 300 meters, and with slopes of up to 58% of slope has a duration of approximately 3 minutes. A small trip that besides giving us the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful views of the Bay of La Concha and the city of Donostia San Sebastian, also makes us travel back in time thanks to its wooden wagon and the Amusement Park to which it transports us. In 2012, Monte Igeldo, celebrated its centenary, reviving the successes of the past and attracting new protagonists, the tourists. It has always been debated whether to continue using the traditional wagons and keep the history of this transport alive with its current facilities or, on the contrary, to give way to new technologies and change the equipment. In our opinion, as long as safety is guaranteed, the original aesthetics should be maintained. Classic, original, unique.
Larreineta Funicular: Inaugurated on September 24, 1926, the Larreineta funicular, joins the urban nucleus of Trapagaran with the old mining nucleus of La Arboleda, a trajectory of 1.198 meters that besides delighting us with magnificent views of the Abra Bay, Bilbao and the mining area, also provides access to La Arboleda, where we can find a great golf course designed by Seve Ballesteros, walk between mines or enjoy the dishes of beans in their typical restaurants. Unlike the rest of the funiculars, the Larreineta has a horizontal platform that makes it one of the few existing of this type, reason why in July 2014 it was declared of Cultural Interest, an appointment, which aims to preserve its conservation. When the funicular was built, its purpose was to transport goods to La Arboleda, since this place had great difficulties of access. Currently, the funicular is operated by the public transport company EuskoTren, which offers its services along with the rest of its transports.
As you can see, the funiculars of Euskadi, are still effective and practical to move us to some of the highest points surrounding our cities. Here is the example of the views offered by the Igeldo funicular, a real wonder, enjoy.
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