Petřín Cableway Closed Early Due to Extensive Damage

The Prague Public Transit Company (DPP) has suspended operations of the Petřín cableway earlier than planned due to damage caused by recent heavy rains.

The rains severely impacted the track, primarily due to malfunctioning drainage systems and soil erosion, leaving the route unusable.

Repair costs are estimated to reach CZK 15 million, but the company has decided to wait for a complete overhaul scheduled for March next year.

“The extreme rainfall, which led to widespread flooding across many parts of the Czech Republic, has damaged the Petřín cableway to such an extent that it can no longer be safely operated without costly repairs,” the DPP stated on its website.

Jan Šurovský, a board member and technical director at DPP, explained that the recurring drainage issues on Petřín’s “constantly shifting hill” were the final straw.

“The track is damaged and unstable in many places. For instance, the fastening of numerous sleepers has failed, and a tree from the waterlogged ground has already fallen onto the track, worsening the situation. There’s also a heightened risk of additional trees falling,” he noted.

Given the severe damage and the scheduled complete reconstruction of the cableway—including the replacement of its cars, starting in March 2025—the DPP has decided to suspend operations indefinitely until the reconstruction is finished.

The projected cost of immediate repairs would have been between CZK 12 to 15 million.

Saying Goodbye to the Petřín Cableway

Despite the early closure, the DPP is planning a symbolic farewell to one of Prague’s most popular attractions. Throughout October, the company will offer guided tours every Saturday and hold open days at the cableway’s upper station on Sundays and the Czech National Day on October 28.

As for the timeline of the reconstruction, DPP has not provided a completion date, leaving it unclear when the cableway will be back in operation.

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