Braunwald-Standseilbahn AG Expanding Its Range

In response to the decision of the government council of the canton of Glarus regarding the development of Braunwald, Braunwald-Standseilbahn AG is expanding the range within its existing order from December 2023.

The government council of the canton of Glarus informed about the variant decision for the development of Braunwald. The funicular is to be rebuilt on the existing route and the mountain station is to be located to the west or east of the current station (Variant B).

Timetable expansion and ongoing improvement of offers

The Braunwald-Standseilbahn AG will examine and implement possible optimizations such as extended operating times, more timetables or the development of an integrated logistics concept. The first measures will already be initiated this year.

After completion of the first modernization stage in December 2023 ("upgrading"), which among other things serves to simplify access in accordance with the Disability Equality Act and comprehensive modernization of the technical system, the timetable will be expanded. In the evenings, two additional trips are offered daily at 9:25 p.m. and 10:25 p.m., as well as an additional trip at 5:25 a.m. on weekends. The possibilities of an additional extension of the frequencies (e.g. every quarter of an hour) are being clarified with the canton as the customer and the Federal Office of Transport.

In addition, Braunwald-Standseilbahn AG will use the opportunity to exchange ideas with the various stakeholder groups in order to evaluate and implement further improvements to the offer. In this context, the required logistics concept for a continuous, integrated logistics chain is also being developed.

Improving visibility

The funicular on the Linthal - Braunwald connection is also an important factor in regional tourism. With the modernization in 2023, the carriages will be renewed and the valley station will be modernized. In order to also offer a pleasant travel experience for tourists who are not familiar with the area, the signage at the valley station will be renewed and improved. The funicular also continues to participate in cantonal and regional tourism initiatives.

Start of construction work on upgrading from mid-June 2023

Planning approval for the upgrade and the corresponding financing decision by the Federal Office of Transport were granted at the beginning of June 2023. Construction work on the new machine room in the mountain station and for access to the lift in the valley station will start in mid-June. At the same time, the tunnel and retaining wall will be renovated. In November 2023, the railway will be connected to the new control system and the new drive, which will result in a two-week interruption to operations (November 6 - 17, 2023). During the break, Braunwald will be accessed by helicopter flights, as was the case during the total renovation in 1997. In a second phase in 2024, the bridges will be replaced.