World’s steepest cable car opens in Switzerland

Can’t get enough of Switzerland? The country has a great way to bring you back to the land of unending adventures–the world's steepest cable car officially begins service in Switzerland. If reports are to go by, the cable car provides a direct connection between Stechelberg and Mürren. This marks the completion of the first major phase of the SCHILTHORNBAHN 20XX project. The new cable car, with a record-breaking gradient of 159.4%, connects the valley floor to the car-free mountain village of Mürren in just four minutes. Covering a height of 775 meters over a span of nearly 1,194 meters, it is a feat of engineering. The two cable cars, manufactured by Carvatech in Austria, can transport up to 85 passengers or 6.8 tonnes of cargo per trip, with a maximum capacity of 800 people per hour. A standout feature is the 11-meter-long suspension arm, designed to handle the extreme incline. The system incorporates advanced technology, including the AURO (Autonomous Ropeway Operation) system, which uses cameras and sensors to enable driverless operation. A fully automated loading robot manages freight logistics, synchronizing luggage and cargo transport with passengers via an undercarriage container. Simultaneously, the first track of Switzerland's inaugural Funifor cable car was launched on the second section between Mürren and Birg. During the winter, both the old and new cableways will operate in tandem to ensure sufficient transport capacity for ski operations. The second Funifor track is scheduled to open in November 2025.