Dimitri BurkhardJust a fraction of the Swiss mountains is accessible to people like you and me. Yet, thanks to no less than 129 gondolas and 251 cable cars in Switzerland, all of us can climb some spectacular peaks.
When it comes to reaching new heights, the Swiss are known the world over for their ingenious engineering. Since the opening of the first cable car in 1866, Swiss businesses such as CWA Constructions SA or Garaventa AG have installed cable cars near and far.
Here are some of the most stunning cable cars in Switzerland that will take you to new heights - sorted by altitude above sea level:
- Switzerland's Highest Cable Car to Klein Matterhorn in Zermatt (3821 m)
- Rotating Cable Car to Titlis in Engelberg (3238 m)
- 007 Cable Car to Schilthorn in the Bernese Alps (2970 m)
- Glacier Cable Car to Glacier 3000 (2965 m)
- Eiger Express Cable Car from Grindelwald to the Eiger Glacier (2320 m)
- Mythical Cable Car to Pilatus in Lucerne (2128 m)
- Double-Decker Cable Car to Stanserhorn (1898 m)
- World's Steepest Cable Car from Stechelberg to Mürren (1638 m)
- The Farmer Cable Cars in Engelberg
- Types of Cable Cars in Switzerland
- How to Ride Cable Cars in Switzerland on a Budget
- FAQ About Cable Cars in Switzerland
Switzerland's Highest Cable Car to Klein Matterhorn in Zermatt (3821 m)
Whenever I reach the immense altitude of the Klein Matterhorn, I feel the thinness of the air. Think about it: this is as close to climbing a 4K as you will ever get without actually climbing a 4K!
In one swift movement, the hyper-modern Matterhorn glacier paradise cable car will bring you from Trockener Steg to the summit at 3821 meters above the sea. The highest cable car in Switzerland features heated seats and panoramic views.
Although I have never tried them, there are four special cabins with see-through glass floors made of Swarovski crystals. You will see the glaciers below from a new perspective for an upgraded fare. And once you exit the station, you will be eye to eye with the mighty Matterhorn...
It is open all year, and Swiss Travel Pass holders enjoy a 50 percent discount. Here is one of many available webcams mounted at the peak.
Rotating Cable Car to Titlis in Engelberg (3238 m)
In the Mount Titlis cable car, there is no need to rush for the best spot. The world's first revolving cable car allows everyone a perfect view. During the five-minute ride from Stand, the cabin of Titlis Rotair, with its iconic Swiss cross on the bottom, revolves 360 degrees.
Once you have soaked in the glacier views from the top of Titlis, several exciting activities are lined up. Those who have never seen snow or ice should definitely walk the glacier cave. On the other side, I dare the thrill-seekers among you to try the Titlis Cliff Walk. Imagine a 100-meter suspension bridge spanning across the void...
Except for a one-week maintenance period in November, the Titlis Rotair cable car operates year-round. Check out the various webcams and get 50 percent off with a Swiss Half-Fare Card or a Swiss Travel Pass.
007 Cable Car to Schilthorn in the Bernese Alps (2970 m)
Ever since its first international appearance in 1969, the Schilthorn in the Bernese Alps has gained more and more fame. It served as a filming location for James Bond’s On Her Majesty's Secret Service.
At the time, the film production partially financed the cable car and the revolving mountain station, which served as Blofeld's hideout. While Piz Gloria went up in flames at the movie's end, the Schilthorn mountain base has survived and thrived.
Today, there is a restaurant with a Bond-inspired menu, an interactive museum, a “Walk of Fame” dedicated to the secret agent, and fantastic views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Opened all year, Schilthorn offers fare reductions to holders of a Swiss Travel Pass. The trip to Mürren is fully covered, while the cable car to Schilthorn is 50 percent off. Preview the vistas on the webcam.
From Stechelberg in the valley, take the new cable car to Mürren. Then, transfer to the famous cable car featured in the James Bond movie.
Glacier Cable Car to Glacier 3000 (2965 m)
It always astonishes me how accessible some of Switzerland’s peaks are to the public. Glacier 3000 is a good example as it is easily reachable with public transportation from all directions.
The easiest way to reach this glacier world is to take the postal bus from Gstaad or Les Diablerets to the cable car station at Col du Pillon. From there, the cable car ride to astonishing heights of nearly 3K will only take fifteen minutes. It is easy to forget that the 1400-meter difference in altitude comes with a temperature drop, so pack a jacket even during summer.
Apart from walking in the snow and seeing the majestic glaciers, highlights at the top include the Alpine Coaster Ride. The world's highest toboggan run operates between May and September. And I sure felt an adrenaline rush when crossing the Peak Walk by Tissot, the world’s first suspension footbridge between two peaks...
Have a sneak peek on the webcam, then enjoy 50 percent off the Glacier 3000 cable car with a Swiss Travel Pass. It is open all year round for day visitors.
Eiger Express Cable Car from Grindelwald to the Eiger Glacier (2320 m)
For a good reason, visiting the Jungfraujoch is on top of many bucket lists. Up until 2021, the peak was exclusively reachable by a cogwheel railway. Yet, thanks to the Eiger Express cable car link, the journey has been cut by a staggering 47 minutes.
From the brand-new terminal in Grindelwald, the trip to the Eiger Glacier station at 2320 meters above the sea takes a mere 15 minutes.
The Eiger Express is the world's most modern tricable (3S) lift system that combines all the benefits of a gondola cable car and an aerial tramway. Each of the 44 cabins holds 26 seats, and the engineers were tasked with leaving a minimal footprint in nature. As a result, the 6.5 km track requires only seven supporting towers.
Mythical Cable Car to Pilatus in Lucerne (2128 m)
Mount Pilatus, high above Lucerne, is one of my favorite peaks. I recommend a day trip from Lucerne that combines a boat, a cogwheel railway, and two types of cable cars. The fairly new Dragon Ride cable car is the final link from Fräkmüntegg to the summit.
The cabin design reminds me of some cockpit. There are unobstructed views thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, and I highly recommend grabbing a seat in the front row. You will feel like a captain in an airplane as you glide up to the summit of the mythical dragon’s lair...
Mount Pilatus offers an instant and refreshing change of perspective. Just moments ago, you were at the bottom. But now, Central Switzerland below looks like a miniature railroad set. And once you grasp the sheer size of Lake Lucerne, it becomes apparent how Switzerland can be the main water source of Europe.
Along the flower path, you will not only see the delicate alpine flora. I highly recommend booking an overnight stay at one of the two hotels. Those who remain up there once all the tourists have left will surely spot ibex as they graze during dusk and dawn.
The Golden Roundtrip is the itinerary from Lucerne to Mt. Pilatus and back. It is open nearly all year except for two weeks of maintenance in late October/early November. Check the webcams for a preview and get 50 percent off the cable car with a Swiss Travel Pass.
Double-Decker Cable Car to Stanserhorn (1898 m)
The Stanserhorn in the Uri Alps is a bit off the main tourist route, making it a legitimate alternative to central Switzerland's Blockbuster peaks. The Stanserhorn has a revolving restaurant and a nature reserve with rare alpine plants. And if you get lucky, you might even spot a marmot!
Start by taking the train to Stans, which is about a 20-minute ride from Lucerne. Just steps from the main train station, the historic funicular built in 1893. Approximately 25 minutes later, you will transfer onto the waiting cable car.
The aptly named CabriO cable car is the world's first double-decker cable car! The top floor, with space for thirty passengers, feels like a boat deck, offering unprecedented views of ten lakes. I definitely dare you to try it out and feel the wind in your hair...
Stanserhorn is open through the end of November. Check the webcam and reserve your time slot online. And the best comes last: the Stanserhorn is entirely covered by the Swiss Travel Pass.
World's Steepest Cable Car from Stechelberg to Mürren (1638 m)
In 2024, the world's steepest cable car opened. And I can't wait to experience the latest thrills in the Bernese Alps!
This engineering marvel, with its stunning 110-degree incline, connects the villages of Stechelberg and Mürren in roughly four minutes. The thought of ascending at such a dramatic angle (and speed) makes my heart race...
Like many of Switzerland's cable cars, I suspect this one transforms the journey into yet another alpine adventure. This cable car has definitely earned a top spot on my must-experience list for my next mountain excursion!
The Farmer Cable Cars in Engelberg
Still today, many farmers live in remote areas of the Swiss Alps that are out of reach for cars. And if there is a road leading up to their chalets or dairy farms, the quickest way to civilization might be across a deep valley.
Farmers in Engelberg are especially known for their makeshift cable cars. The cabins are often made of wood and hang on a steel cable. Whether used to transport rations, cheese loaves, or children on the way to school, these farmer cable cars should be considered a cultural treasure.
We once rode in a "Buiräbähnli" in the Uri Alps. It’s an experience I will never forget! Engelberg offers the Buiräbähnli Safari to the public, a multi-day hike involving overnight stays with farmers, and several crossings in farmer cable cars...
Types of Cable Cars in Switzerland
Have you noticed? Not all cable cars are alike. By definition, Switzerland's mountain transportation system includes three main types of cable cars. Each serves a different purpose, and I can highly recommend you try them all!
First of all, the aerial tramway is a classic cable car made of a large cabin holding numerous passengers at once. They typically run at set intervals, such as every 30 minutes, or once there is no more space.
These systems use one or two stationary cables for support and a third moving cable for propulsion. Aerial tramways are often used to access the highest peaks and may swing slightly when passing support pylons. During peak times, especially ski season, these can become quite crowded. They operate as reversible systems, with cabins shuttling back and forth between terminals.
Gondola lifts feature smaller cabins, typically for 4 to 15 people, that circulate continuously. Since they go round and round, there is no set timetable with departure times - just hop on!
Unlike aerial tramways, gondolas are attached to a continuously circulating cable. They provide stable, smooth rides and have become increasingly popular due to their high throughput. I have spotted various kinds in Switzerland, including monocable gondolas (using one cable for both support and propulsion), bi-cable gondolas (separate support and traction cables), and tri-cable gondolas (two carrying ropes and one pulling rope) which offer exceptional wind stability and capacity.
And finally, chair lifts consist of open benches with safety bars, primarily serving skiers in winter. They operate continuously or on demand and may only run in summer if no tramways or gondolas are available. Modern chair lifts can transport up to 10 people per chair and often feature heated seats and protective hoods.
Beyond these main types, Switzerland also boasts unique innovations like the CabriO on Mount Stanserhorn - the world's first double-decker, open-air cable car offering unobstructed panoramic views.
How to Ride Cable Cars in Switzerland on a Budget
Exploring Switzerland's stunning peaks via cable car doesn't have to break the bank. While individual tickets can add up, a few strategic options will significantly reduce your costs, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking views without emptying your wallet.
We always recommend the Swiss Travel Pass, one of the most cost-effective ways to experience Switzerland's extensive public transport network. This all-in-one pass covers many cable cars entirely, and others at a discount. When purchased indiviually, cable car tickets can add up quickly.
For exploring central Switzerland specifically, consider making Lucerne your base. The Tell-Pass provides unlimited access to several top cable cars in the region, including those leading to Mount Pilatus, Mount Titlis, and Stanserhorn. Additionally, you'll receive numerous discounts on funiculars and mountain railways within central Switzerland.
So, as you can tell (no pun intended!), by strategically utilizing the Swiss Travel Pass or the Tell-Pass, you can experience Switzerland's incredible cable car network without exceeding your budget, ensuring an unforgettable and affordable adventure.
When in the Bernese Alps, get up early and fetch a discounted ride to the top of Niederhorn. The round-trip Comfort-Ticket allows you to use the cable car outside of peak hours after 4 PM and before 9 AM. During the summer months of July, August, and September, you can double-dip every Friday and Saturday evening. Not only can you use your ticket for daytime excursions, but it also covers evening trips, with the last descent available at 10:20 PM.
Unbelievably, you can use the Schilthorn cable car for free on your birthday!
Christian
