In the heart of the Alpes bernesesin Swissa new engineering marvel is erected: the steepest cable car in the world. This innovative means of transportation, officially inaugurated on December 14connects the village of Stechelberg with Mürren, marking a before and after in the connectivity and tourism development of this mountainous region. With a slope of 159.4% and a design that challenges the limits of technology, this cable car is a technical achievement and a cultural and economic catalyst.
The cable car, which is part of the ambitious “Schilthornbahn 20XX” project, has a record slope of 159.4%, making it the steepest in the world. In a journey of just four minutes, the cabins ascend 775 meters in altitude, covering a total distance of 1,194 meters. Designed to maximize efficiency and safety, these cabins are suspended from 11 meter long arms, allowing them to overcome the extreme slope of the terrain.
Each cabin has the capacity to transport up to 85 passengerswhich represents a significant improvement in the mobility of this mountainous region. In addition, the operation system is completely autonomous, with cameras and sensors that monitor all aspects of the trip in real time. This technological approach not only ensures a safe and efficient experience, but also reflects the Swiss commitment to innovation and sustainability in transport infrastructure.
The cable car is located in the majestic Bernese Alpsa region known for its stunning natural beauty and its importance as a tourist destination. The route connects the valley village of Stechelberg with the picturesque village of Mürren, a location that has been a starting point for exploring the Schilthorn and other alpine attractions for decades. This project not only improves accessibility to these areas, but also reinforces the attractiveness of Swiss as a world-class mountain destination.
The alpine environment where this cable car is located is made up of rugged landscapes and panoramic views that include more than 200 mountain peaksamong them the emblematic Montblanc. These landscapes have historically been a magnet for adventurers, mountaineers and tourists, who now have a more comfortable and faster way to enjoy the region.
Beyond its role as means of transportationthis cable car has a unique cultural and tourist dimension. Your final destination, the revolving restaurant Piz Gloriais an iconic place that gained worldwide fame by appearing in the film James Bond from 1969, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. This restaurant, designed by Bernese architect Konrad Wolf, combines a world-class dining experience with spectacular views of the Alps.
Piz Gloria It has been the scene of notable cultural events, such as Detour Discoteque, a remote party that combined music, design and nature in a unique environment. These types of activities, together with its connection to the James Bond saga, have made the Schilthorn a must-see destination for lovers of film and experiential travel.
The world’s steepest cable car is just one part of a larger project known as “Schilthornbahn 20XX.” This ambitious plan includes the construction of a route divided into three sections, designed to significantly reduce the travel time between Stechelberg and the Schilthorn. Currently, the entire journey takes 32 minutes, but once the project is completed, the time is expected to be reduced to 18 minutes.
The first phase of the project, which includes the connection between Stechelberg and Mürrenis already in operation. Simultaneously, the Mürren-Birg connection has been inaugurated, while the last section, which will take passengers to the Schilthorn, is scheduled to be completed in March 2025. Full completion of the project is planned for spring or summer 2026thus consolidating the Schilthorn’s position as a world-class tourist destination.
The impact of this cable car transcends the technical and cultural, as it also represents an engine of economic development and sustainable for the region. Improved connectivity not only facilitates access for tourists, but also opens up new economic opportunities for local communities, many of whom rely on tourism as a primary source of income.
The project approach also reflects a commitment to sustainability. By reducing travel time and optimizing transportation efficiency, emissions are minimized and the natural environment is preserved. Furthermore, the capacity of the cabins to transport a greater number of passengers in less time contributes to the sustainable management of the tourist flow, avoiding the saturation of natural spaces.
The construction of the cable car and the development of the project “Schilthornbahn 20XX” are an example of how collaboration between technology, culture and tourism can generate results that benefit local communities and attract visitors from around the world. From its innovative design to its ability to revitalize the regional economy, this project offers a model that could inspire similar initiatives in other mountain regions around the world.
The world’s steepest cable car is not only an engineering milestone, but also a symbol of human ingenuity and how innovations can transform landscapes and communities. To the connect Stechelberg with Mürren and beyond, this project stands out for its ability to unite the technical with the cultural, offering visitors an advanced means of transportation for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Swiss Alps. With future phases that promise even more advances, this cable car is positioned as an emblematic work that combines efficiency, sustainability and tourist attraction in one of the most impressive landscapes in the world.
