Sight guide · Zagreb · Croatia
Visiting Zagreb Funicular and Lotrščak Tower
The funicular, in service since 1890, climbs about 66 metres of track from Tomićeva Street off Ilica to the Upper Town, making it one of the shortest public funiculars in the world.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Suradnik13, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Zagreb Funicular and Lotrščak Tower is an experience in Gornji Grad (Upper Town), Zagreb. Allow 30 minutes; it is low cost. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Experience
- Area
- Gornji Grad (Upper Town)
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- kids and history
- Best months
- August and October–November
About Zagreb Funicular and Lotrščak Tower
The funicular, in service since 1890, climbs about 66 metres of track from Tomićeva Street off Ilica to the Upper Town, making it one of the shortest public funiculars in the world. At the top stands the 13th-century Lotrščak Tower, from which the Grič cannon is fired every day at noon.
Tip: Be at the top station just before noon to hear the cannon; if the funicular is not running, the stairs beside it take about five minutes.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 30 minutes.
- Cost: Low cost.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Gornji Grad (Upper Town), medieval hilltop of gas lamps, government palaces and St Mark's Square.
Best time to visit Zagreb Funicular and Lotrščak Tower
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- August: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- October: 17°C (63°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- November: 10°C (50°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, quiet crowds.
When to visit Zagreb has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Zagreb itinerary visits Zagreb Funicular and Lotrščak Tower on day 3, together with St Mark's Church, Museum of Broken Relationships and Tkalčićeva Street.
- No. 5 of the 18 sights in our Zagreb things-to-do list.
- One of the picks in historic sites in Zagreb.
- A family favourite in Zagreb with kids.
Near Zagreb Funicular and Lotrščak Tower
Also in Gornji Grad (Upper Town), so you can walk between them:
- Museum of Broken Relationships — 1 hour, mid-priced
- Strossmayer Promenade — 30 minutes, free
- Stone Gate — 15 minutes, free
If you like Zagreb Funicular and Lotrščak Tower
- Technical Museum Nikola Tesla — Trešnjevka, 2 hours
Staying near Zagreb Funicular and Lotrščak Tower
Stay in Gornji Grad (Upper Town) ($$$) to walk here: medieval hilltop of gas lamps, government palaces and St Mark's Square. All areas to stay in Zagreb.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Zagreb Funicular and Lotrščak Tower?
Plan 30 minutes. With Museum of Broken Relationships nearby, it fits a half-day in Gornji Grad (Upper Town).
+Is Zagreb Funicular and Lotrščak Tower free?
No, it is low cost. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Zagreb Funicular and Lotrščak Tower?
August and October–November, the quietest of the good months. Be at the top station just before noon to hear the cannon; if the funicular is not running, the stairs beside it take about five minutes.
+Do I need to book Zagreb Funicular and Lotrščak Tower in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Zagreb Funicular and Lotrščak Tower good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Zagreb. Zagreb is relaxed and easy with children: green parks with playgrounds, a zoo, the funicular, a hands-on technical museum and Lake Jarun in summer.