The "Elka" cable car in Chorzów

The "Elka" cable car in Chorzów is a year-round means of transport located in Silesian Park, put into operation in 1967 as the first lowland cable car in Europe. Its design was realized by the Industrial Construction Design Office, and the construction was commissioned by Mostostal Zabrze. The historic route was 5,539 meters long and consisted of three sections forming a distinctive triangle: Silesian Stadium – Amusement Park – Planetarium. In the summer of 2006, the cable car was seasonally limited, and in 2007, due to poor technical condition, it was closed. After several years of discontinuation, one section connecting the Amusement Park and Silesian Stadium was renovated in 2013. The modernization introduced detachable gondolas and chairs, and the new route, measuring 2,183.52 meters, began operation on September 8, 2013. The cable car operates at a speed of 3-4 m/s, and the travel time is less than 9 minutes. In 2022, work began on the second line, which was completed on December 8, 2023, connecting the Amusement Park with the Planetarium. The history of "Elka" is tied to the turbulent political and technical events of the 20th century, and its design reflects the modern architecture of the 1960s. The cable car has had a huge impact on the region's culture, serving as a tourist and recreational attraction. Interestingly, in the 1970s, it transported over 240,000 people annually, and the total number of passengers exceeded 15.5 million. By connecting various attractions of Silesian Park, the cable car allows visitors to admire its nature, including animals in the nearby zoo. Further investments are expected, including a third line, indicating the dynamic development of the recreational infrastructure of this place.