Funicular Railways aka ‘cable railways’ - a must for rail enthusiasts!

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I know not everyone is into Funicular Railways but not knowing what they were I decided to look into it a little further and came across a 'top 5' list of the best ones in the world and to my surprise I have actually been on one. A Funicular Railway is defined as 'a cable railway on a steep incline, especially such a railway with simultaneously ascending and descending cars counterbalancing one another'.

I'm sure all you rail buffs would know that! Then I thought people that love trains must go on tours of railways around the world? Maybe the travel industry should look into organizing big train trips for train buffs to places such as The Ghan (Australia), The Rocky Mountaineer (Canada) and the China Orient Express (China). I'm sure there must be people out there that would love to take a luxury train vacation to these destinations??

Anyway, here is the 'top 5' list of Funicular Railways around the world:

1.     Gelmerbahn, Switzerland

2.     Victoria Peak, Hong Kong

3.     Wellington, New Zealand

4.     Salzbergbahn, Austria

5.     Scenic Railway, Australia

For more information check out…SMH.com.au - they ran a great article and it has detailed information on each one and also prices and booking agents! You can check out this list of Funicular Railways to find a railway near you too!  

I have been on the Scenic Railway in Katoomba, Australia (2.5 hours west of Sydney in the Blue Mountains) and I thought that it was one of the scariest things I have ever done but I definitely recommend it!