In an engineering marvel that has captivated both thrill-seekers and tourists alike, Switzerland has officially opened what is now recognized as the world’s steepest cable car. Connecting the village of Stechelberg on the valley floor to the mountain village of Mürren in the Bernese Oberland, this cable car boasts a gradient of 159.4%, making it a record-breaker in the realm of aerial transportation.
Riding the world’s steepest cable car
Opened on December 14, 2024, the cable car ascends 775 meters over a track length of nearly 1,194 meters, accomplishing this feat in just four minutes. The journey is not only quick but also groundbreaking in its design and functionality. Each of the two specially designed cabins from Carvatech in Austria can accommodate up to 85 passengers or 6.8 tons of cargo, offering a capacity of 800 people per hour when at full operational speed. The cabins are suspended on 11-meter-long arms, an innovative solution to manage the steep incline, ensuring a smooth ride despite the dramatic vertical challenge.
This world’s steepest cable car is part of the comprehensive “Schilthornbahn 20XX” project, which aims to revolutionize travel in this scenic region. Beyond the connection between Stechelberg and Mürren, the project includes further developments like the Funifor cable car system between Mürren and Birg, which opened simultaneously and is aimed at getting skiers and James Bond sightseers up the mountain quicker. This system features two tracks that can operate independently, ensuring continuous service even during maintenance, a critical aspect during the peak winter ski season. The entire project, with its cost estimates between CHF90 to CHF100 million, is set to be completed by spring or summer of 2026, promising to reduce travel time from the valley to the Schilthorn peak from 32 minutes to just over 18 minutes.
The cable car’s operation is fully autonomous, monitored by an array of cameras and sensors, negating the need for on-board staff. This high-tech approach not only enhances safety but also efficiency. The stations themselves are architectural landmarks with copper façades, providing not just a departure and arrival point but also stunning views of the surrounding Alps. The design echoes the historical Gimmelwald station from the 1960s, where guide wheels were placed outside due to spatial constraints, a feature now incorporated into the new stations for a nod to the past while embracing modernity.
Take the World’s Steepest Cable Car to Ski the World’s Steepest Ski Slope
Adding to its allure, the cable car leads directly to Piz Gloria, the revolving restaurant atop Schilthorn, famously featured in the James Bond film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”. This connection not only offers passengers an unparalleled dining experience with a 360-degree view but also ties into cultural tourism, attracting fans of the iconic spy series to this remote Alpine setting. At the halfway point named Birg, experienced skiers can get off to ski the Diretissima ski run which is the world’s steepest ski slope!
This new cable car not only challenges engineering norms but also redefines how we interact with mountainous landscapes, making what was once a challenging trek accessible in a matter of minutes. It’s an invitation to explore one of Switzerland’s most beautiful regions from a new perspective, blending adventure with scenic beauty and cinematic history. As this project unfolds, it promises to further cement Switzerland’s reputation as a leader in innovative tourism and transportation solutions.