The steepest cable car in the world opens for business. The previous day, a VIP opening ceremony was held to formally launch the new direct link between Stechelberg and Mürren. The first segment of the cable car between Mürren and Birg will start running at the same time.
It signifies the opening of the new direct link between Stechelberg and Mürren, the first significant construction phase of the SCHILTHORNBAHN 20XX project. With a gradient of 159.4%, it is the steepest cable car in the world. Through the Mürrenfluh’s sheer cliffs, the traditional aerial cableway takes four minutes to connect the valley level with the car-free mountain settlement. It travels almost 1194 meters, reaching a height of 775 meters. There is enough for 85 passengers or 6.8 tons of freight on the two cable cars made by Carvatech in Oberwies, Austria.At full capacity, 800 passengers can be carried every hour. The noticeable feature is the 11-meter suspension arm, which was necessary because of the steep incline. With continuous camera and sensor monitoring, the AURO system (Autonomous Ropeway Operation) aerial cableway allows for autonomous operation without the need for workers within the cable cars and stations. A completely automated loading robot handles the logistics of freight. Cargo and baggage are transported in tandem with the passengers in a container that is fixed beneath the cable car.
In front of more than 600 visitors, the cable car was formally launched on Friday, December 13, 2024. The new Stechelberg valley station served as the venue for the exciting celebration, which was hosted by Monika Erb. A guided tour of the structures allowed visitors to become acquainted with the new Stechelberg and Mürren stations in addition to the ceremonial inauguration ceremony and rides on the new cable car. The supporting program was completed with food and beverages from several food stalls and fascinating conversations with project management. At the pub, the celebration went on far into the night.
First Funifor cable car in Switzerland
The first track of the Funifor cable car on the second stretch between Mürren and Birg opened concurrently with the opening of the steepest cable car in the world. It is Switzerland’s first cableway of its kind. To ensure the transit capacity during the ski operations, the existing and new cableways will run alongside each other on this route during the winter. The second Funifor track is scheduled to debut in November 2025. There will be mechanical independence between the two tracks that house the incredibly wind-resistant cable cars, each of which can accommodate 100 passengers. One carriageway will be closed for an inspection, but the other one will remain open. This makes it possible to operate year-round, eliminating the need for maintenance breaks. The two tracks are electrically connected during regular operation, allowing the cable cars to function as a “classic” pendulum aerial cableway.
Visible cable car technology
Not only are the cableways distinctive, but each station has its own unique characteristics.
Each station is surrounded by a spectacular façade of brilliant copper. Similarly, the finger docks on the mountain stations offer an unhindered view of the surrounding mountains as they extend forth on concrete V-supports. The visible cable car technology, which is based on the former Gimmelwald cable car station, is another unique element. In the 1960s, the guide wheels were mounted on the roof outside the station due to space constraints and the steep inclination.Now, this persona is present at the new stations. Another peculiarity is that, because to its steepness, the cable car at the Stechelberg station enters and departs through the roof rather than the front of the station. Clear lines of sight, a consistent lighting design, and succinct, straightforward visitor orientation are features shared by all the structures.
Schilthorn summit remains closed until March 2025
Since mid-October, operations on the upper portion between Birg and Schilthorn have been halted. On March 15, 2025, the new cable car, which is also a Funifor, is expected to open its maiden track. The project will be finished in the spring of 2026 with the second track.
