A unique cable car, recognized as the steepest in the world, has started operation in the Bernese Alps in Switzerland.
The cable car connects the villages of Stechelberg and Mürren, climbing the Mürrenfluh cliffs with an impressive incline of 159.4%. Covering a distance of 1,194 meters and an elevation gain of 775 meters, the journey takes just four minutes. Each of the two cabins can accommodate up to 85 passengers, with a maximum capacity of 800 people per hour.
One of the key features of this cable car is its cabins, suspended on 11-meter-long “arms” to ensure safe movement along the steep slope. The system operates automatically at a speed of 7 meters per second, with cameras and sensors ensuring constant monitoring for safety.
The project, developed by Schilthornbahn AG, includes the construction of three new cable car sections, each equipped with two cabins. This innovation will eliminate the need for transfers, reducing total travel time from 32 minutes to just 18 minutes.
The total project cost is estimated at 90–100 million Swiss francs (approximately $100–112 million). Completion is expected by spring 2026.
