Stanserhorn funicular, Mountain transport system in Nidwalden, Switzerland.
The transport system consists of two distinct sections: a historic funicular with wooden cars running from Stans at 450 meters (1476 feet) to Kälti at 713 meters (2339 feet), followed by a modern aerial cable car carrying passengers to the mountain station at 1898 meters (6227 feet) with views across ten Swiss lakes.
The original three-section electric funicular opened in 1893 as one of the first installations of its kind worldwide before reconstruction in 1974. The lower historic section was preserved while the upper portions were replaced in 2012 with a new CabriO pendulum cable car featuring double-deck cabins that complete the journey in six minutes.
This mountain railway has provided generations of Swiss residents and tourists with access to the summit and has become an integral part of regional identity, combining traditional wooden construction with contemporary technology while supporting local employment in the tourism sector throughout the operating season.
The starting point is located at Stansstaderstrasse 19 in Stans, accessible by public transport from Stans railway station. Operations run from April through November, weather dependent, with regular departures during operating hours. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online, and reservations are recommended for groups visiting during peak season.
The upper decks of the CabriO cabins feature an open-air design without overhead covering, allowing passengers to experience the full panorama throughout the journey. This construction makes it the first aerial cable car worldwide with a completely open passenger area on the upper level, providing unobstructed views in favorable weather conditions.
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