Cities Where Trams Still Haven’t Bid Farewell

Do you know the answer to the well-known question often asked at knowledge competitions about which cities in the Czech Republic have trams? For fans of trams and public transportation, this question is easy, but for many others, it can be tricky. And here’s an interesting detail: while cities like Prague, Pilsen, Ostrava, Liberec, Brno, or Olomouc are easy to recall, places like Jablonec, Most, or Litvínov frequently slip people’s minds. Interestingly, Modřice is a bit of a trick question as well: line number two doesn’t actually run from the core of Brno to the Modřice district but rather to a nearby independent town. Even though tram service in Modřice has existed only since the 1970s, its shorter history compared to other places doesn’t change the important fact that trams have been here for several decades.

So why not shake off that boredom? Go visit cities with trams, depots, museum displays, and various attractions to enhance your knowledge and be well-prepared for the next trivia quiz.

Prague: The Tram Queen with the Largest Network and Public Transport Museum

When the term tram is mentioned in the Czech Republic, most people instantly think of the trams in Prague, which travel through iconic areas like Mala Strana and the Old Town. The tram network in Prague is over 150 kilometers long, making it one of the largest in Europe. It’s also one of the oldest, with the first horse-drawn tramway line operating beginning in September 1875. This original route connected the National Theatre to the Karlin Invalid Hospital via Příkopy and Poříčí. After some time, it was supplanted by the first Czech electric rail that transported people to The Jubilee Exhibition in 1891, starting from Letná’s top station of the now-defunct funicular railway and heading to Stromovka. The line’s creator, František Křižík, also funded an electric line from Karlín to Vysočany, and after this was completed in 1896, he began constructing a wide-ranging city network.
This lengthy and diverse history is preserved in the Museum of Public Transport located in Prague-Střešovice, showcasing a collection that includes dozens of vehicles, models, photographs, historical documents, and tickets. There are also historical tram rides available, which offer a nostalgic experience reminiscent of the First Republic era. An additional fun fact: the Prague public transit system also features a cable car leading to Petřín and operates Vltava ferries, many of which run all year round.

Brno: The City with the Trams that Everybody Loves

The tram network in Brno is the second largest in the Czech Republic, and it has been known as Šalina since its inception. This name originated from the German term for the official tram line called Elektrische Linie, and a blend of these words eventually led to the beloved Brno slang for trams. Among all the “tram cities” in the Czech Republic, Brno holds the title for having the oldest tram network: the first horse-drawn tram began its operations in August 1869. Over the years, horses transitioned to steam trams and eventually to electric trams starting from 1900. In summer, Brno offers historical and retro trams maintained by the local Technical Museum, alongside special St. Nicholas and Christmas trams that enhance the festive spirit. You might also find tours available of several carriage houses during Open Days or large city events. Interestingly, Brno’s public transport system also encompasses boat transport on the lovely Brno Dam.
Curious fact? Unlike Prague, Brno doesn’t feature a metro system, but it does have the longest tram tunnel in the Czech Republic. This so-called Brno metro stretches from Osová stop to University Hospital Brno and the university campus, measuring 602 meters in length.

Ostrava: Where Trams Are Whistling Beyond City Limits

After Prague and Brno, the Ostrava tram network is the third largest in the country. Trams began running in Ostrava back in 1894, maintaining their industrial charm, and the local tram language is just as vivid as the mining terms used by its residents. If plans go as intended, the tram network will see a significant expansion, connecting through mining railways and industrial railway sidings to link the regional city with Karvina, Orlova, and Havířov. An intercity tram route from Ostrava to Kyjovice-Budišovice is already operational, utilizing an old railway line adapted for tram services. This tram line also travels through a popular recreational area, with hopes to extend it to Hradec nad Moravicí in the future.

Pilsen: The City Known for Beer and Trams

Trams commenced operations in Pilsen back in 1899 and continue to serve as a critical part of the city’s transportation network. If you enjoy retro rides, you should know that Pilsen was the last city in the world to receive the T1 tram cars, which arrived in April 1987. Nowadays, you can catch a tram that takes you from the brewery all the way to the far end of the city. What’s truly remarkable? In Pilsen, they manufacture the longest tram in the world. The Škoda ForCity Smart 38T tram is a six-part vehicle that can be separated in the middle, travel at speeds up to eighty kilometers per hour outside the city, carry up to 368 passengers, and spans an impressive 60 meters in length.

Liberec: Narrow Tracks and the Journey to Jablonec

Trams in Liberec are unique because they operate on a narrow gauge of 1000 millimeters, which is rather unusual in the Czech Republic. Additionally, it is home to the highest tram stop in the country, located in Horní Hanychov, where you’ll find yourself at an elevation of 522 meters. Yet, perhaps the most noteworthy feature is the line connecting to Jablonec nad Nisou.

The tramline in question, which spans an impressive thirteen kilometers, saw its last regular service of trams running on the 1000 mm gauge on July 17, 2021. The following day, there was an official farewell to this narrow gauge and track reconstruction began. The modernized connection between Vratislavice and Jablonec nad Nisou is set to open in May 2024. Additionally, historic tram models and other vehicles are showcased at the Liberec Technical Museum, which is housed in the former Liberec Exhibition Market.

Another tram curiosity within the city center is the remnants of tram line switches that have been left embedded in the pavement of Moscow Street, serving as a historical memento. The memorial plaque attached is a metal cover bearing explanatory text.

Olomouc: Small Yet Mighty

Despite being the smallest tram network in the Czech Republic, stretching over less than 17 kilometers, the network in Olomouc is nonetheless significant. The history of trams here dates back to 1899, and the city possesses stunning historic tram sets. If you’d like to experience the charm of the Haná metropolis, hop on a tram and let it guide you through the delightful streets. Olomouc’s trams take you through the winding roads of the historical center, just a stone’s throw away from the UNESCO-protected Holy Trinity Column. It’s a spectacle you simply cannot witness anywhere else!

Tram Attractions

• • Just as you can navigate around Prague using the metro, similar tram excursions can take you beyond the cities.

• • Additionally, there’s an intercity tram line that links Most and Litvínov, which has been operational since 1957. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a vital part of the region. The Most trams are proud defenders against the monotony of car travel! Here’s a fun fact: when the center of Most was shifted in the 1970s due to coal mining, the tram line had to adjust its route and now operates differently than it originally did.

• • Let’s not forget about cities that had trams in the past. Teplice, known for having one of the earliest electric tram networks established in 1895, lost its service in 1959. Another spa destination, Mariánské Lázně, also had trams that transported visitors from the train station to the spas from 1902 to 1952.

• • For a short time, trams also connected the city center of Jihlava to the somewhat distant railway station from 1909 until 1948.

• • The Opava tram network was among the last to be established within what is now the Czech Republic, functioning between 1905 and 1956.

• • A slightly younger network existed in České Budějovice, which operated from 1909 to 1950.

• • In Český Těšín, trams had a very brief lifespan, running from 1911 to 1921, while those in Ústí nad Labem lasted a surprisingly long time. Their network spanned over 33 kilometers, ultimately ceasing operations after seventy-one years, in 1970. Only old photographs and a commemorative piece of track can still be found in Bilinská alley to remind us of its existence.

Czech Republic’s Historic Tram Networks

Explore the fascinating tram networks across several Czech cities, each with unique historical and technological highlights.

Prague

• Largest Network:
  Prague boasts the largest tram network in the Czech Republic, spanning over 150 kilometers.

• Nostalgic Rides & More:
  In addition to trams, visitors can enjoy nostalgic tram rides, a cable car to Petřín, and Vltava ferries as part of its extensive public transportation system.

Brno

• Historic Beginnings:
  Brno is home to the oldest tram network in the country, with the first trams operating since August 1869.

• Unique Feature:
  The city features the longest tram tunnel in the Czech Republic, measuring 602 meters.

Pilsen

• World Record Tram:
  Pilsen is notable for housing the world’s longest tram, the Škoda ForCity Smart 38T, which is 60 meters in length.

• Historical Distinction:
  The city is also recognized as the last to operate T1 cars, with operations ending in 1987.

Ostrava

• Extensive Network:
  Ostrava has the third largest tram network in the Czech Republic.

• Intercity Connections:
  The network supports intercity tram connections linking Ostrava with Kyjovice-Budišovice, and Most with Litvínov.

Liberec

• Distinctive Track Gauge:
  The Liberec tram network is unique with a narrow track gauge of 1000 millimeters.

• Intercity Link:
  It also includes an intercity connection to Jablonec nad Nisou.

• Historical Remnants:
  In the heart of Liberec, old tram line switches are embedded in the pavement of Moskovska Street, serving as a notable historical element.

This overview highlights the rich heritage and modern marvels of Czech tram networks, ensuring that there is something of interest for every visitor.