Five Most Spectacular Mountain Lifts In Central Switzerland Named

The first revolving cable car, the oldest cog railway or the steepest funicular in the world: when it comes to innovative record-breaking cable cars, superlatives are lined up in the Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region. It's no wonder that rail traffic in Switzerland has a long tradition: in 1847 - exactly 175 years ago - the first railway line in Switzerland, the Spanish Brötli Railway, was put into operation, connecting Baden with Zurich by train. Since then, infrastructure and technology have developed further on the one hand and aspects such as sustainability have gained importance on the other. In this field of tension, the operators of Pilatus, Rigi, Titlis, Stanserhorn or Stoos surprise again and again with the most modern mountain railways, who know how to combine innovative mobility concepts with a unique experience. Reason enough, then, to present the five most spectacular record tracks in the region in more detail. On top of that, there is the super saving tip for everyone who wants to discover the region from above:

Up to the Queen of the Mountains with the first mountain railway in Europe

In 1871, the Rigi Railway was the first cogwheel railway in Europe to go into operation. Today it takes its guests in around 30 minutes from Vitznau to Rigi-Kulm at 1,797 meters above sea level - with a spectacular panorama of Lake Lucerne, the Alps and the Swiss Mittelland included during the journey. By the way: If you are looking for a very special train experience this summer, you should book a trip in the traditional locomotive 7. On the occasion of the 150th anniversary celebrations of the Rigi Bahn, the steam locomotive steeped in history will be put on the rails again on certain dates - including as part of the Rigi Festival. But despite all the nostalgia, the company has not stopped in the past. On the contrary: since April of this year, six new train compositions have been in which, thanks to an innovative circulatory system, are particularly sustainable on the road: because while the previous fleet burned the braking energy on the descent, the new trams feed this back into their own network as electricity, so that it can be used in a resource-saving manner for trains traveling uphill. For this, it was awarded the Swisstainable label as one of the most sustainable mountain railways in Switzerland.

With the steepest cog railway in the world to the summit of Lucerne's local mountain

With a gradient of up to 48 percent, the cogwheel train on Mount Pilatus is the steepest cogwheel train in the world. The railway was put into operation in 1889 and still amazes today with its ingenious construction. The journey from Alpnachstadt to the Pilatus Kulm at 2132 meters above sea level takes around 30 minutes. On a route of 4.6 kilometers, it takes its passengers past magnificent mountain meadows and imposing rock faces. With a bit of luck, attentive observers may even spot marmots and ibexes along the railway line. In addition, the Pilatus Bahnen will also be offering new rolling stock in the coming year: a total of eight new vehicles will go into operation in 2023. You can reach your destination more sustainably and comfortably thanks to the innovative guidance system and other technological innovations. Among other things, the new railcars are quieter,

Turned off to the glacier on the way

The Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region has even more to offer when it comes to innovative mountain railway concepts, for example the TITLIS Rotair cable car, the world's first revolving cable car. During the 5-minute ride, the gondola rotates 360 degrees, allowing a unique panoramic view of steep rock faces, snow-capped peaks and narrow crevasses. Once at the top, a visit to the icy glacier grotto or a walk along the "Titlis Cliff Walk" are worthwhile.

Up the Stanserhorn topless

Of course we're talking about a ride on the CabriO train, the world's first aerial train with an open upper deck. From the Kälti intermediate station, which can be reached from Stans with the nostalgic funicular from 1893, the unique mountain railway takes everyone up the Stanserhorn in six minutes – including the wind blowing through your hair. For the unobstructed panoramic view, be sure to go to the sun deck of the double decker. But don't worry, even if you can't get a seat in the upper part or suffer from a fear of heights when driving open, you will also experience a unique view in the lower part thanks to floor-level windows. Local tip: Combine the trip to the Stanserhorn with a candlelight dinner on the summit and enjoy the sunset with a 5-course meal.

Almost perpendicular to the Stoos

The fifth in the group, the Stoosbahnen, completes the record-breaking mountain railway experience in the Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region. Here, the steepest funicular in the world transports its guests from the Schwyz-Schlattli valley station up to the car-free mountain village of Stoos at 1,300 meters above sea level. With a gradient of 110 percent, the cable car covers around 744 meters in altitude in seven minutes. Thanks to an automatic leveling system, the passengers are always standing horizontally. Depending on the season, you can go down 35 kilometers of ski slopes or countless hiking trails. Whether summer or winter: the view of the Pilatus, the Rigi, the Rütli and the ten lakes and the high Alps is unmistakable.

Tips (not only) for cable car enthusiasts

If you are now hooked and want to explore the cable car Eldorado Lucerne-Lake Lucerne on your own, the Tell Pass is recommended. With the all-inclusive ticket, guests can easily explore the whole of Central Switzerland on two (CHF 190.-) to ten (CHF 320.-) consecutive days by train, bus, boat and the presented here and many other mountain railways at a particularly reasonable price. Bonus partners also offer other benefits. Incidentally, the Tell Pass is particularly attractive this summer thanks to its 2 for 1 promotion: guests who book at least two nights in one of the participating hotels will receive a second pass for free when they buy a Tell Pass. Children also travel free of charge as part of the campaign. Anyone who would like to delve deeper into the topic of mobility should visit the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne,

About the Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region

The Luzern-Vierwaldstättersee adventure region (www.luzern.com), located in the geographic heart and historic heartland of Switzerland, has a wide variety of holiday experiences in store for its holiday guests. Outdoor enthusiasts will find a diverse network of hiking, cycling and mountain biking routes in summer. In the cooler months of the year, around 500 kilometers of pistes await fans of winter sports in the surrounding ski areas. The city of Lucerne, as the cultural center of Central Switzerland, inspires its visitors with unique architecture, traditional customs and world-class music festivals.