Only a fraction of the Swiss mountains is accessible to individuals such as you and me. But, because of at least 129 gondolas and 251 cable vehicles in Switzerland, all of us can climb some spectacular peaks.
In relation to reaching new heights, the Swiss are recognized the world over for his or her ingenious engineering. For the reason that opening of the first cable automobile in 1866, Swiss companies comparable to CWA Constructions SA or Garaventa AG have put in cable vehicles close to and much.
Listed here are a number of the most gorgeous cable vehicles in Switzerland that may take you to new heights, sorted by altitude above sea degree:
- Switzerland’s Highest Cable Automotive to Klein Matterhorn in Zermatt (3821 m)
- Rotating Cable Automotive to Titlis in Engelberg (3238 m)
- 007 Cable Automotive to Schilthorn within the Bernese Alps (2970 m)
- Glacier Cable Automotive to Glacier 3000 (2965 m)
- Eiger Specific Cable Automotive from Grindelwald to the Eiger Glacier (2320 m)
- Legendary Cable Automotive to Pilatus in Lucerne (2128 m)
- Double-Decker Cable Automotive to Stanserhorn (1898 m)
- World’s Steepest Cable Automotive from Stechelberg to Mürren (1638 m)
- The Farmer Cable Vehicles in Engelberg
- Varieties of Cable Vehicles in Switzerland
- Household-Pleasant Cable Vehicles in Switzerland
- How one can Trip Cable Vehicles in Switzerland on a Finances
- Why Cable Vehicles Matter in Switzerland
- FAQ About Cable Vehicles in Switzerland
- Swiss Cable Vehicles In Comparability
Switzerland’s cable vehicles are legendary, providing easy entry to a number of the most gorgeous high-alpine landscapes. From iconic Swiss peaks to lesser-known meadows, these engineering marvels needs to be on the bucket checklist of anybody searching for journey, views, or household enjoyable.
Switzerland’s Highest Cable Automotive to Klein Matterhorn in Zermatt (3821 m)
The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable automobile in Zermatt whisks you as much as Europe’s highest cable automobile station at 3883 meters. The trip provides jaw-dropping views of the Matterhorn and the encompassing Alps, making it a bucket-list expertise for mountain lovers.
Every time I attain the immense altitude of the Klein Matterhorn, I really feel the thinness of the air. Give it some thought: that is as near climbing a 4K as you’ll ever get with out truly climbing a 4K!
In a single swift motion, the hyper-modern Matterhorn glacier paradise cable automobile will carry you from Trockener Steg to the summit at 3821 meters above the ocean. The very best cable automobile in Switzerland options heated seats and panoramic views.
Though I’ve by no means tried them, there are 4 particular cabins with see-through glass flooring product of Swarovski crystals. You will notice the glaciers under from a brand new perspective for an upgraded fare. And when you exit the station, you can be eye to eye with the mighty Matterhorn…
It’s open all 12 months, and Swiss Journey Go holders get pleasure from a 50 p.c low cost. Right here is one in all many accessible webcams mounted on the peak.
Rotating Cable Automotive to Titlis in Engelberg (3238 m)
The Titlis Rotair is the world’s first revolving cable automobile, providing you with a 360-degree panorama of glaciers and peaks as you ascend to 3020 meters. On the high, discover the glacier cave and luxuriate in snow actions year-round.
However no worries: Within the Mount Titlis cable automobile, there is no such thing as a must rush for the most effective spot. The world’s first revolving cable automobile permits everybody an ideal view. Through the five-minute trip from Stand, the cabin of Titlis Rotair, with its iconic Swiss cross on the underside, revolves 360 levels.
Upon getting soaked within the glacier views from the highest of Titlis, a number of thrilling actions are lined up. Those that have by no means seen snow or ice ought to undoubtedly stroll the glacier cave. On the opposite aspect, I dare the thrill-seekers amongst you to strive the Titlis Cliff Stroll. Think about a 100-meter suspension bridge spanning throughout the void…
Aside from a one-week upkeep interval in November, the Titlis Rotair cable automobile operates year-round. Take a look at the assorted webcams and get 50 p.c off with a Swiss Half-Fare Card or a Swiss Journey Go.
007 Cable Automotive to Schilthorn within the Bernese Alps (2970 m)
Well-known as a James Bond filming location, the Schilthorn cable automobile delivers you to the Piz Gloria restaurant and a number of the greatest views within the Bernese Alps. The trip itself is a cinematic thrill.
Ever since its first worldwide look in 1969, the Schilthorn within the Bernese Alps has gained increasingly fame. It served as a filming location for James Bond’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
On the time, the movie manufacturing partially financed the cable automobile and the revolving mountain station, which served as Blofeld’s hideout. Whereas Piz Gloria went up in flames on the film’s finish, the Schilthorn mountain base has survived and thrived.
At the moment, there’s a restaurant with a Bond-inspired menu, an interactive museum, a “Stroll of Fame” devoted to the key agent, and improbable views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Opened all 12 months, Schilthorn provides fare reductions to holders of a Swiss Journey Go. The journey to Mürren is totally lined, whereas the cable automobile to Schilthorn is 50 p.c off. Preview the vistas on the webcam.
From Stechelberg within the valley, take the brand new cable automobile to Mürren. Then, switch to the well-known cable automobile featured within the James Bond film.
Glacier Cable Automotive to Glacier 3000 (2965 m)
Glacier 3000’s cable automobile is your gateway to the one suspension bridge connecting two mountain peaks. Get pleasure from snow sports activities, climbing, and the Peak Stroll with sweeping views of the Alps.
It at all times astonishes me how accessible a few of Switzerland’s peaks are to the general public. Glacier 3000 is an effective instance as it’s simply reachable with public transportation from all instructions.
The simplest technique to attain this glacier world is to take the postal bus from Gstaad or Les Diablerets to the cable automobile station at Col du Pillon. From there, the cable automobile trip to astonishing heights of practically 3K will solely take fifteen minutes. It’s straightforward to overlook that the 1400-meter distinction in altitude comes with a temperature drop, so pack a jacket even throughout summer time.
Other than strolling within the snow and seeing the majestic glaciers, highlights on the high embrace the Alpine Coaster Trip. The world’s highest toboggan run operates between Might and September. And I positive felt an adrenaline rush when crossing the Peak Stroll by Tissot, the world’s first suspension footbridge between two peaks…
Have a sneak peek on the webcam, then get pleasure from 50 p.c off the Glacier 3000 cable automobile with a Swiss Journey Go. It’s open all 12 months spherical for day guests.
Eiger Specific Cable Automotive from Grindelwald to the Eiger Glacier (2320 m)
The Eiger Specific is one in all Switzerland’s latest and quickest cable vehicles, taking you from Grindelwald to the Eiger Glacier in simply quarter-hour. Its fashionable cabins and close-up views of the Eiger’s north face are a spotlight.
For good motive, a go to to Jungfraujoch is on the high of many bucket lists. Up till 2021, the height was completely reachable by a cogwheel railway. But, because of the Eiger Specific cable automobile hyperlink, the journey has been reduce by a staggering 47 minutes.
From the brand-new terminal in Grindelwald, the journey to the Eiger Glacier station at 2320 meters above sea degree takes a mere quarter-hour.
The Eiger Specific is the world’s most fashionable tricable (3S) raise system that mixes all the advantages of a gondola cable automobile and an aerial tramway. Every of the 44 cabins holds 26 seats, and the engineers have been tasked with leaving a minimal footprint in nature. In consequence, the 6.5 km observe requires solely seven supporting towers.
Legendary Cable Automotive to Pilatus in Lucerne (2128 m)
Mount Pilatus, excessive above Lucerne, is one in all my favourite peaks. I at all times advocate a day journey from Lucerne that mixes a ship, a cogwheel railway, and two sorts of cable vehicles. The pretty new Dragon Trip cable automobile is the ultimate hyperlink from Fräkmüntegg to the summit.
The cabin design jogs my memory of a cockpit. There are unobstructed views because of floor-to-ceiling home windows, and I extremely advocate grabbing a seat within the entrance row. You’ll really feel like a captain in an airplane as you glide as much as the summit of the legendary dragon’s lair…
Mount Pilatus provides an instantaneous and refreshing change of perspective. Simply moments in the past, you have been on the backside. However now, Central Switzerland under seems to be like a miniature railroad set. When you grasp the sheer measurement of Lake Lucerne, it turns into obvious why Switzerland is the primary water supply for a lot of Europe.
Alongside the flower path, you’ll not solely see the fragile alpine flora. I extremely advocate reserving an in a single day keep at one of many two motels. Those that stay up there as soon as all of the vacationers have left will certainly spot ibex as they graze throughout nightfall and daybreak.
The Golden Roundtrip is the itinerary from Lucerne to Mt. Pilatus and again. It’s open practically all 12 months besides for 2 weeks of upkeep in late October/early November. Verify the webcams for a preview and get 50 p.c off the cable automobile with a Swiss Journey Go.
Double-Decker Cable Automotive to Stanserhorn (1898 m)
Trip the world’s first open-top double-decker cable automobile, the Cabrio, to the summit of Stanserhorn. Stanserhorn within the Uri Alps is a bit off the primary vacationer route, making it a authentic different to central Switzerland’s Blockbuster peaks.
Mount Stanserhorn has a revolving restaurant and a nature reserve with uncommon alpine vegetation. And, in case you get fortunate, you would possibly even spot a marmot!
Begin by taking the practice to Stans, which is a few 20-minute trip from Lucerne. Simply steps from the primary practice station, you can find the historic funicular inbuilt 1893. Roughly 25 minutes later, you’ll switch onto the ready cable automobile. Get pleasure from contemporary air and unobstructed views from the rooftop deck.
The aptly named CabriO cable automobile is the world’s first double-decker cable automobile! The highest ground, with area for thirty passengers, appears like a ship deck, providing unprecedented views of ten lakes. I undoubtedly dare you to strive it out and really feel the wind in your hair…
Stanserhorn is open by the tip of November. Verify the webcam and reserve your time slot on-line. And the most effective comes final: the Stanserhorn is fully lined by the Swiss Journey Go.
World’s Steepest Cable Automotive from Stechelberg to Mürren (1638 m)
In 2024, the world’s steepest cable automobile opened. And I am unable to wait to expertise the newest thrills within the Bernese Alps!
This engineering marvel, with its gorgeous 110-degree incline, connects the villages of Stechelberg and Mürren in roughly 4 minutes. The Mürrenbahn climbs steeply from Stechelberg to the car-free village of Mürren.
The mere considered ascending at such a dramatic angle (and pace) makes my coronary heart race… Like with lots of Switzerland’s cable vehicles, the journey is an journey in itself, with dramatic cliffs and waterfalls alongside the way in which.
This cable automobile has earned a high spot on my must-experience checklist for my subsequent mountain tour!
The Farmer Cable Vehicles in Engelberg
Nonetheless right now, many farmers stay in distant areas of the Swiss Alps which are out of attain for vehicles. And if there’s a street main as much as their chalets or dairy farms, the quickest technique to civilization is likely to be throughout a deep valley.
Uncover the quirky aspect of Swiss transport with Engelberg’s “Buiräbähnli” or farmer cable vehicles. These small lifts join distant farms and climbing trails, providing a novel glimpse into alpine life.
Farmers in Engelberg are particularly recognized for his or her makeshift cable vehicles. The cabins are sometimes product of wooden and grasp on a metal cable. Whether or not used to move rations, cheese loaves, or youngsters on the way in which to high school, these farmer cable vehicles needs to be thought-about a cultural treasure.
We as soon as rode in a „Buiräbähnli“ within the Uri Alps. It’s an expertise I’ll always remember! Engelberg provides the Buiräbähnli Safari to the general public, a multi-day hike involving in a single day stays with farmers, and several other crossings in farmer cable vehicles…
Varieties of Cable Vehicles in Switzerland
Have you ever observed? Not all cable vehicles are alike. Switzerland boasts quite a lot of cable vehicles, from revolving cabins to classic funiculars. Every provides a distinct technique to expertise the mountains, whether or not you’re searching for thrills or tranquility.
By definition, Switzerland’s mountain transportation system contains three foremost sorts of cable vehicles. Every serves a distinct objective, and I can extremely advocate you strive all of them!
To begin with, the aerial tramway is a basic cable automobile made of a big cabin holding quite a few passengers without delay. They sometimes run at set intervals, comparable to each half-hour, or as soon as there is no such thing as a extra space.
These programs use one or two stationary cables for assist and a 3rd shifting cable for propulsion. Aerial tramways are sometimes used to entry the very best peaks and will swing barely when passing assist pylons. Throughout peak occasions, particularly ski season, these can change into fairly crowded. They function as reversible programs, with cabins shuttling backwards and forwards between terminals.
Gondola lifts characteristic smaller cabins, sometimes for 4 to fifteen individuals, that flow into constantly. Since they go spherical and spherical, there is no such thing as a set timetable with departure occasions – simply hop on!
In contrast to aerial tramways, gondolas are connected to a constantly circulating cable. They supply secure, clean rides and have change into more and more fashionable because of their excessive throughput. I’ve noticed numerous varieties in Switzerland, together with monocable gondolas (utilizing one cable for each assist and propulsion), bi-cable gondolas (separate assist and traction cables), and tri-cable gondolas (two carrying ropes and one pulling rope) which provide distinctive wind stability and capability.
And eventually, chair lifts include open benches with security bars, primarily serving skiers in winter. They function constantly or on demand and will solely run in summer time if no tramways or gondolas can be found. Fashionable chair lifts can transport as much as 10 individuals per chair and infrequently characteristic heated seats and protecting hoods.
Past these foremost varieties, Switzerland additionally boasts distinctive improvements just like the CabriO on Mount Stanserhorn – the world’s first double-decker, open-air cable automobile providing unobstructed panoramic views.
Household-Pleasant Cable Vehicles in Switzerland
Switzerland’s cable vehicles make mountain adventures potential for households with children of all ages-and strollers in tow.
Many routes are designed with households in thoughts, providing straightforward boarding, accessible cabins, and points of interest that preserve little explorers entertained from valley to summit. Listed here are some high picks for family-friendly cable vehicles, and what makes them stand out:
Brunni Engelberg (Ristis Cable Automotive)
This cable automobile in Engelberg is a favourite for households, because of its spacious, stroller-accessible cabins and the legendary Globi’s Alpine Playground on the high. The playground has climbing parts, a wild water world, and loads of area to run round.
Getting there’s a breeze, too: the cable automobile is stroller-friendly, and the journey from Lucerne by practice and bus is clean and direct.
Sattel-Hochstuckli (Stuckli Rondo)
Referred to as the world’s first revolving cable automobile, the Stuckli Rondo whisks households to an journey space full of sled runs, trampolines, and bouncy castles. The cabins are roomy and welcome each wheelchairs and pushchairs. On the high, children can burn off vitality whereas dad and mom get pleasure from panoramic views of the encompassing peaks.
Adliswil–Felsenegg Cable Automotive (Zurich Area)
Simply exterior Zurich, this cable automobile is totally accessible and a part of the town’s public transport community. It’s a sensible choice for households, with quick access for strollers and loads of strolling trails on the high. The trip is brief however scenic, and the Felsenegg space provides eating places, playgrounds, and mild paths appropriate for little legs.
Oeschinensee Gondola (Bernese Oberland)
The gondola to Oeschinensee is stroller-friendly (strollers have to be folded), and workers are completely happy to assist with boarding. As soon as on the high, the trail to the lake is generally obstacle-free, making it appropriate for households with younger youngsters. Bear in mind to reserve your tickets forward of time.
Aletsch Area Cable Vehicles (Bettmeralp, Fiescheralp, Riederalp)
These cable vehicles are designed for straightforward entry, making them best for households with strollers. On the high, you’ll discover large, stroller-friendly paths and playgrounds with mountain views. The area can be recognized for its mild hikes and family-friendly infrastructure.
Melchsee-Frutt (Obwalden)
The cable automobile to Melchsee-Frutt is one other nice alternative for households. On the summit, there’s a giant playground and flat, stroller-friendly trails across the lakes. The realm is ideal for straightforward walks, picnics, and letting children discover safely.
Most of those cable vehicles are stroller-friendly and join straight with trains, buses, or boats, making the journey seamless for households. Have you learnt another family-friendly cable vehicles in Switzerland? Please tell us within the feedback, and we’ll add them to this checklist.
How one can Trip Cable Vehicles in Switzerland on a Finances
Exploring Switzerland’s gorgeous peaks through cable automobile does not have to interrupt the financial institution. Whereas particular person tickets can add up, a couple of strategic choices will considerably cut back your prices, permitting you to get pleasure from breathtaking views with out emptying your pockets.
We at all times advocate the Swiss Journey Go, some of the cost-effective methods to expertise Switzerland’s intensive public transport community. This all-in-one cross covers many cable vehicles fully, and others at a reduction. When bought individually, cable automobile tickets can add up shortly.
For exploring central Switzerland particularly, think about making Lucerne your base. The Inform-Go gives limitless entry to a number of high cable vehicles within the area, together with these resulting in Mount Pilatus, Mount Titlis, and Stanserhorn. Moreover, you will obtain quite a few reductions on funiculars and mountain railways inside central Switzerland.
So, as you possibly can inform (no pun supposed!), by strategically using the Swiss Journey Go or the Inform-Go, you possibly can expertise Switzerland’s unimaginable cable automobile community with out exceeding your funds, making certain an unforgettable and inexpensive journey.
When within the Bernese Alps, rise up early and fetch a reduced trip to the highest of Niederhorn. The round-trip Consolation-Ticket permits you to use the cable automobile exterior of peak hours after 4 PM and earlier than 9 AM. Through the summer time months of July, August, and September, you possibly can double-dip each Friday and Saturday night. Not solely can you utilize your ticket for daytime excursions, nevertheless it additionally covers night journeys, with the final descent accessible at 10:20 PM.
Unbelievably, you should utilize the Schilthorn cable automobile at no cost in your birthday!
Why Cable Vehicles Matter in Switzerland
Cable vehicles are stitched into the Swiss journey expertise, connecting guests and locals with the nation’s most spectacular alpine surroundings. Switzerland’s dramatic peaks and hidden valleys could be practically unimaginable to achieve for many vacationers with out these ingenious lifts.
Accessibility to Distant Places
Cable vehicles in Switzerland make it straightforward to soar above forests and cliffs, delivering you straight to panoramic viewpoints and charming mountain villages, no climbing boots required.
A Swiss cable automobile trip transforms a easy switch into an unforgettable journey. Gliding excessive above the panorama, you’ll discover the journey itself is a reminiscence, generally even outshining the vacation spot.
Take a look at the farmer cable vehicles we advocate, a must-do expertise, even when the vacation spot is a random alpine meadow.
Enhancing the Vacationer Expertise
Let’s be sincere: in Switzerland, the trip up is usually simply as legendary because the mountain on the high. Many vacationers depart with tales concerning the cable automobile journey, these views (!), and that first breath of crisp alpine air.
They make it straightforward to soar above forests and cliffs, delivering you straight to panoramic viewpoints and charming mountain villages, no climbing boots required.
Environment friendly Transport Options
Cable vehicles provide an environment friendly and environmentally pleasant technique to discover the mountains, particularly since many join locations that vehicles might by no means attain.
By offering entry with out constructing roads, they assist protect Switzerland’s pure magnificence for the subsequent technology.
Integration with the Transport Community
The Swiss transport community is famously clean, and cable vehicles match proper in. Whether or not you’re stepping off a practice, bus, or boat, transfers are designed to be straightforward, making gliding from lowland lakes to snowy summits easy because of well-coordinated public transport.
Cable vehicles are a signature Swiss expertise we extremely advocate to any „Newly Swissed“ residents or guests. No matter which cable automobile you decide, it should seemingly be a enjoyable expertise getting from the valley ground to sky-high peaks.
FAQ About Cable Vehicles in Switzerland
Questioning about tickets, accessibility, or the most effective time to trip? Our FAQ covers every part it is advisable know for a clean Swiss cable automobile expertise.
Swiss Cable Vehicles In Comparability
| Cable Automotive | Area | High Altitude (m) | Return Worth (CHF) | Distinctive Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matterhorn Glacier Paradise | Zermatt (Valais) | 3,883 | ~120–150* | Highest in Europe, panoramic views |
| Titlis Rotair | Engelberg (Obwalden) | 3,020 | ~96 | Rotating cabin, glacier cave |
| Schilthorn – Piz Gloria | Bernese Oberland | 2,970 | ~88 | 360° view, James Bond location |
| Glacier 3000 | Les Diablerets | 2,965 | ~80 | Peak Stroll suspension bridge |
| Eiger Specific | Grindelwald (Bern) | 2,320 | ~64 | Quickest to Eiger Glacier, fashionable cabins |
| Pilatus | Lucerne | 2,128 | ~78 | Panoramic gondola, dragon legends |
| Stanserhorn | Nidwalden | 1,898 | ~75 | Open-top double-decker cable automobile |
| Mürrenbahn (Stechelberg–Mürren) | Bernese Oberland | 1,638 | ~22 | Steep ascent, car-free village entry |
| Brunni Engelberg (Ristis) | Engelberg (Obwalden) | 1,600 | ~38 | Household-friendly, playground, stroller entry |
| Sattel-Hochstuckli | Schwyz | 1,200 | ~36 | Revolving cable automobile, journey park |
| Adliswil–Felsenegg | Zurich | 804 | ~12 | Stroller-friendly, metropolis views |
- Household-friendly/stroller entry: Brunni Engelberg, Sattel-Hochstuckli, Adliswil–Felsenegg, Mürrenbahn
- Distinctive options: Rotating cabins (Titlis, Sattel-Hochstuckli), open-top (Stanserhorn), record-breaking heights (Matterhorn Glacier Paradise), journey parks/playgrounds (Brunni Engelberg, Sattel-Hochstuckli), well-known movie places (Schilthorn)
Cable Vehicles in Switzerland: High Rides, Finances & Household Suggestions (2025) first appeared within the Newly Swissed On-line Journal
