Standseilbahn Stuttgart (Stuttgart Cable Car), Stuttgart

The Stuttgart Cable Car (Standseilbahn Stuttgart) is a notable funicular railway in Stuttgart, that was established to provide convenient access to the Stuttgart Degerloch forest cemetery. This line operates between the valley station at Südheimer Platz and the forest cemetery, situated in the southern quarters of Heslach. Opened on October 30, 1929, the funicular was designed to assist visitors in reaching the cemetery, which is perched 90 meters above the Stuttgart Heslach area.

Key to its integration into the city's transport network, the funicular connects with Stuttgart Stadtbahn lines U1 and U14 at Südheimer Platz, enhancing its accessibility. The line itself boasts impressive technical specifications, including an altitude difference of 87 meters and a maximum steepness of 28.3%. Each journey on the funicular takes about 3 minutes, and each of its teak-constructed cars, built by Esslingen Engine Works, can accommodate 74 passengers. It operates using a cable-hauled, electric traction system.

The funicular's operational history includes a significant incident in December 1999 when one of its cars was damaged by an uprooted tree during a thunderstorm. However, it was subsequently restored. The line underwent modernization in 2004 to align with new European Union safety guidelines, resuming its regular schedule on July 24, 2004.

Today, the Standseilbahn Stuttgart is recognized as one of Stuttgart’s two active transport tourist attractions, alongside the Stuttgart Rack Railway (line 10). Locally, it has earned the nickname ''Legacy Hunter Express,'' (''Erbschleicherexpress'') reflecting its historical connection to the cemetery and perhaps a bit of local humor regarding its passengers.