Rellerli - New Gondola Planned

A new, all-year-round cable car to the Rellerli is intended to make the magnificent panoramic mountain easily accessible to everyone

The project for the new Rellerlibahn is running, the concept is in place and the first steps have already been taken. The gondola lift, designed according to the most modern criteria, is subject to contemporary framework conditions: low impact on the natural environment, low noise emissions and high energy efficiency as well as a new, curve-free route that is gentle on the landscape with relatively few support masts.

Garaventa AG tested various variants for a new track. A gondola lift with cabins for 10 people proved to be the best solution. It grants a simple, quiet and not very labor-intensive operation, both in summer and in winter, during the day or in the evening. The cabins are designed for the disabled and, with a transport capacity of 600 people per hour, also allow the transport of sports equipment.

Site inspections have already taken place with representatives from various federal and cantonal offices, who fortunately all gave positive comments on the project. The sustainable and ecologically oriented concept, which corresponds to gentle, natural tourism, is obviously convincing. The feedback from wildlife and forest protection is also positive. The fact that, despite the difficulties in maintaining contacts caused by the pandemic, it was possible to involve all those affected and unite them behind the railway project idea with patient, detailed work can probably be described as the great success of the past twelve months.

The next steps in spatial planning

The process consists of two phases: On the one hand, the partner Mountain View AG will submit the planning application for the new lodge and the renovation of the old mountain station before the end of this year. The lodge replaces the existing mountain house and will take into account the valuable landscape character of the Rellerli in terms of size and appearance. For the construction of the new railway, a corridor in the area must then be set aside by means of a development ordinance, which should be done by a municipal vote. The approval procedure for the projects can then be initiated at the Federal Office of Transport. Despite the separate procedures, everyone involved agrees that the new gondola and the renovation of the Rellerli building can only be realized together, which is why it is important to support both projects. The following still applies: If the next project stages can be handled optimally and no objections are raised, the new lift could start operating in the 2023/24 winter season.