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Viewpoint · Bilbao, Basque Country
Funicular de Artxanda
Funicular from 1915 that rises in three minutes from central Bilbao to Monte Artxanda, with a park, grill restaurants and the best view of the city and the ria.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Funicular de Artxanda
The Funicular de Artxanda links the Castaños neighborhood, near the ria, to the top of Monte Artxanda, at about 250 meters elevation. It was opened in 1915 and, after several renovations, covers roughly 770 meters in about three minutes, with frequent departures throughout the day.
At the top, a viewpoint shows all of Bilbao: the ria in its curve, the Guggenheim, the Torre Iberdrola, the Casco Viejo, the neighborhoods on the slopes and, on clear days, the surrounding mountains. It is the view that appears on many postcards.
The mountain has parks with lawns, barbecue areas and walking paths, and traditional grill restaurants, the asadores, where Bilbaínos have lunch on weekends. A steel sculpture with the letters of the neighborhood's name commemorates the defense of Bilbao in the Civil War.
The funicular is part of the public transport network and accepts the Barik card, Biscay's transport card.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours, including the walk at the top.
Best time
In the late afternoon, to see the city lights come on. On low-cloud days the view can be obscured; check the sky before you go up.
How to get there
The lower station is on Plaza del Funicular, in the Castaños neighborhood, a 5-minute walk from the Zubizuri bridge and 15 minutes from the Casco Viejo.
Tip
Use the Barik card to pay as you would on the metro. If you plan to have lunch, book one of the asadores at the top for the weekend. Walk down the trail if you want a hike.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Funicular de Artxanda
How long does the Artxanda funicular take?
About three minutes, with frequent departures throughout the day.
What is at the top of Artxanda?
A city viewpoint, parks, picnic areas, and grill restaurants.
Where do you catch the funicular?
At Plaza del Funicular, in the Castaños neighborhood, near the Zubizuri bridge.