Karren: Control System Replacement & Reconstruction Of Valley Station Goes Ahead

The valley station of Dornbirn's popular local mountain, Karren, is being rebuilt. The previous valley station was put into operation in 1996 and is designed for a capacity of 100,000 journeys per year.

"In the meantime, over 300,000 journeys are recorded annually and an adaptation to current and future requirements is urgently needed. The conversion brings numerous improvements for energy efficiency, infrastructure, passengers and employees," explains Dr. Alexander Juen, City Councilor for City Marketing and Tourism. Mayor Dipl.-Vw.

Andrea Kaufmann adds: "The total investment volume is 3 million euros. One million euros will be financed by the city of Dornbirn to replace the control system and two million will flow from Dornbirner Seilbahn AG into the construction and conversion of the valley station." The cable car and the panoramic restaurant will remain closed from January to March 2025. Necessary preparatory work is expected to take place from October 2024 while operations continue.

The Karren cable car was opened on November 17, 1956, by Mayor Günther Anton Moosbrugger, and has been a success story ever since. The cable car and the associated infrastructure have been constantly rebuilt and expanded since then. The Karren cable car with its panoramic restaurant and the "Karren-Kante" viewing platform in the four-country corner is now a popular destination, whether for athletes, hiking enthusiasts, as a family outing or simply to enjoy nature and the magnificent view over Dornbirn.

Following the expansion measures at Camping Dornbirn, the valley station of the Karren cable car will be extensively rebuilt from the beginning of January to March 2025. An important part of the renovation is the replacement of the cable car's entire control system so that the supply of spare parts is secured and the system is prepared for future requirements.

More energy efficiency and quality of stay

A photovoltaic system will be installed on the building of the new valley station. In addition, the braking energy of the train will be fed into the grid in the future - two further measures to improve energy efficiency and climate protection. To improve the quality of stay, the entrance area will be relocated and the waiting area will be made more spacious. Renewed building technology will ensure a good climate in summer and winter. In addition, a public toilet facility will be built on the ground floor and the rooms for employees will be adapted to today's standards. In addition, an interim storage facility will be created for the panoramic restaurant to simplify logistics.

Reconstruction of Karren valley station

• The first work will start in October 2024 during ongoing operations
• From January to March 2025, the Karren cable car and the panoramic restaurant will remain closed.
• The investment volume is 3 million euros

All information about the Karren cable car and the panoramicrestaurant at: www.karren.at