If you’re visiting the famous spa town of Spa in the province of Liège, you can’t miss this glass-and-steel structure climbing up the hill. An essential part of getting to the famous Spa Thermal Baths, this unique mode of transportation keeps its secrets well hidden. Here’s everything you need to know about the Spa Funicular, its engineering secrets, its fares, and its unusual history.
Galerie photos
A funicular… that isn’t really one! (The technical secret)
When we talk about a funicular, we immediately think of the classic system: two cars connected by a single cable that acts as a counterweight (when one goes up, the other must go down).
However, the “funicular” in Spa is a technical impostor! It is actually two inclined elevators that are completely independent of one another. Each car has its own motor, its own cables, and its own independent counterweight. If one car breaks down, the other can continue to operate without any problems.
The Impossible Curve: A Unique Engineering Challenge in Belgium
This is where the true technical feat lies—one that fascinates lovers of architecture and mechanics. As a general rule, an inclined elevator ascends in a strictly rectilinear (straight) path.
In Spa, to perfectly follow the contours of the hill and navigate around rocky obstacles, the track traces a helical curve as it ascends. Making an elevator car turn on inclined rails without passengers losing their balance required extremely complex engineering calculations. It is one of the very few examples of its kind in Europe!
A “VIP” booth for bathrobe wearers and a “General Public” booth
Although the two glass cabins look identical, they serve completely different purposes and have different users:
- The cabin on the left (General Public): This is the one you’ll take if you’re coming from downtown. It’s open to all spa visitors and passersby for €1.50 one way. The ultra-fast ride takes about 2 minutes and offers an exceptional panoramic view through the glass windows of the rooftops of the city of Spa.
- The cabin on the right (the Hotel’s VIP cabin): Private and directly connected to the Van der Valk Radisson Blu Palace Hotel. Hotel guests enjoy direct access from their room hallways. It’s not uncommon to run into travelers in bathrobes and slippers heading straight up to get a massage at the thermal baths without even having to step outside!
Did you know? The unusual love story behind the “Annette and Lubin” hill
The summit of the hill that the aircraft climbs isn’t called “Annette and Lubin” by chance. Its name hides a love story worthy of an 18th-century novel.
In 1764, Annette and Lubin (whose real names were Marie-Jeanne and Jean-Pierre) settled on this wild hill as hermits. Very soon, rumors began to spread: the couple was living in “sin” because they were not legally married according to the laws of the Church at the time. Thanks to the sympathy they inspired and the financial support of wealthy spa guests passing through, they obtained a special dispensation from the Pope to formalize their union.
To make a living, they opened an open-air dance hall on the hill. With its dancing, local drinks, and entertainment, the place quickly became the must-visit party spot for the entire European aristocracy who came to “take the waters” in Spa. By transporting spa guests to the summit today, the modern funicular simply continues this centuries-old tradition of relaxation and pleasure!
Practical Guide & FAQ for Your Visit
How much does the Spa funicular cost?
The fare for the public cabin is €1.50 for a one-way trip (rates may vary slightly depending on the spa season). Access is included or discounted for guests with specific packages at the Spa Thermal Baths.
What are the operating hours?
The funicular generally follows the opening hours of the Spa Thermal Baths (usually from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekdays, and until 11:00 p.m. on weekends).
Can you walk up to the Spa Thermal Baths?
Yes! For hiking enthusiasts or those on a tight budget, there’s a winding walking trail right next to the funicular tracks. The trail winds through the woods on the hill and will take you to the summit for free in about 15 minutes of brisk walking.
