Trams in Opatija

The Opatija line was planned in 1892 as a steam driven tramway line from Matulje to Volosko, however, this concept was not accepted due to complaints by the hotel industry fearing the smoke and noise generated by steam locomotives, which would disturb their guests. The preliminary work for an electric tramway started in 1900. The concession for building this 12 kilometer long track was issued on February 9, 1906 and the tramway went into operation on February 9, 1908.

The line was descending from Matulje at the elevation of 212 meters (650 feet) to the sea level on the coast. The luggage was transported in separate wagons. In the summer they used open wagons to carry the public through Opatija.

The tramway line was closed on March 31, 1933, and the next day the public transportation was conducted using Consorzio Intercomunale Servizi Automobilistici Fiume-Abbazia busses. The tracks were removed and some of the wagons were sold to Ljubljana.

• Istria on the Internet - Tramways
• E.Oberegger, A short history of the "Lovraner Tram"(in german)