Ride the Flying Dutchman Funicular to Cape Point Lighthouse
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–4 hours
Fitness Level
Light—suitable for most fitness levels; some short uneven walking near viewpoints.
Overview
Skip the steep climb and let the Flying Dutchman funicular lift you through Cape Point’s fynbos to the old lighthouse. In minutes you’ll reach panoramic headlands, maritime history, and accessible trails that reveal the geology and wildlife of the Cape Peninsula.
Ride the Flying Dutchman Funicular to Cape Point Lighthouse
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The funicular arrives with a soft mechanical sigh, a low hum that blends into the cry of kelp gulls and the ocean wind. You step into a glass-sided car and watch the slope of Cape Point unspool beneath—strips of silver ocean, low cliffs and a shawl of fynbos that brushes the tracks like a wild, low hedge. In three minutes the carriage frames the weathered stone of the old lighthouse, and the world feels suddenly much larger: two currents meet here, waves curl in different directions, and the margin between sea and land seems deliberately sharp.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early
Morning visits have softer light and fewer tour groups; parking fills by mid-morning on weekends.
Dress Windproof
Bring a windproof jacket and layered clothing—the headlands are exposed and temperatures can drop quickly.
Stay on Boardwalks
Fynbos is fragile—stick to paths and viewing platforms to avoid damaging endemic plants.
Combine with Short Walks
Buy one-way up and hike down via the coastal paths to experience different viewpoints and quieter beaches.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Chacma baboon
- Cape fur seal
History
Cape Point was a critical navigational landmark for European explorers; the funicular’s name references the local legend of the ghost ship, the Flying Dutchman.
Conservation
The headland is part of the Cape Floristic Region—stay on paths to protect fragile fynbos and follow park rules to minimize visitor impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cape Town
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windproof Jacket
Protects against sudden coastal gusts and keeps you comfortable while viewing the cliffs.
Sturdy Walking Shoes
Provides traction on gravel paths and uneven boardwalks around the lighthouse.
Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is important in the sun and wind; refill at park facilities before you board.
summer specific
Camera with Wide-angle Lens
Captures expansive headland vistas and the lighthouse from the upper platform.