Garaventa - Steepest Cable Car In The World & First Funifor In Switzerland Opened

The major project "Schilthornbahn 20XX" includes the complete reconstruction of the cable car connection from Stechelberg to the Schilthorn. The completed first stage marks two premieres: the steepest aerial tramway in the world with a gradient of almost 160 percent between Stechelberg and Mürren and the first Funifor cable car in Switzerland between Mürren and Birg. In the coming years, the second track of the Funifor Mürren-Birg and two further Funifor cable cars will follow, which will connect the Schilthorn from Birg and will go into operation every six months.

The cable car between Stechelberg and Mürren has a world record with a maximum gradient of almost 160 percent. No other cable car in the world has such a steep route. Two cabins, each with space for 85 people, transport up to 800 passengers per hour and significantly reduce the travel time from Stechelberg to Mürren. The cable car overcomes 775 meters in altitude in less than four minutes.

In addition to passenger transport, the cable car also handles freight logistics between Stechelberg and Mürren and optimizes this with a loading robot. Luggage and goods are transported synchronously with passenger transport, with guests being able to check in their luggage when purchasing their ticket and pick it up at the stations or directly at the hotel.

The cable car is also equipped with the AURO system (Autonomous Ropeway Operation), which enables autonomous operation. With the help of cameras and sensors, the cable car can operate without actively supervising operating personnel.

First Funifor in Switzerland

With the commissioning of the first track on the Mürren-Birg route, the Funifor system celebrates its premiere in Switzerland. The special feature of this type of cable car is the wide track, which guarantees high wind stability and reliable transport even in difficult weather conditions. Each cabin has space for up to 100 people. In future, the Funifor systems between Mürren, Birg and Schilthorn will have two parallel, independently operated tracks. This has the advantage that one track can remain in use during maintenance work. This guarantees operation 365 days a year.

Unique cabins and innovative technology

The cabins for the “Schilthornbahn 20XX” project were developed and manufactured in close cooperation with carvatech Karosserie & Kabinenbau GmbH from Oberwies, a company of the Doppelmayr Group. Over several years, a unique design was created that meets the specific requirements of this extraordinary project. As a special highlight of the cabins in the first two sections, the windows can be lowered to chest height, allowing an unglazed panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.

The control technology for the cable cars comes from Frey AG Stans, also part of the Doppelmayr Group. The innovative energy management system balances out peak energy consumption by recovering and locally storing braking energy - operations can thus be optimized across all five systems in a way that conserves resources.

First plants are in operation

With the completion of the first two systems, the "Schilthornbahn 20XX" project is taking shape. The stations of the Stechelberg-Mürren and Mürren-Birg sections are largely completed. The first two cable cars will be in operation from December 14, 2024. Remaining traction and support cable work will be carried out in parallel with the operation of the new systems. On March 15, 2025, the first funifor on the Birg-Schilthorn route will be put into operation, making the summit at 2,970 meters above sea level accessible to the public again. The second track between Mürren and Birg will follow in November 2025, before the project is completed with the opening of the second line between Birg and Schilthorn in 2026.

85-ATW Stechelberg–Mürren, Switzerland