Vinifuni Ligerz–Prêles, Mountain funicular railway in Bern, Switzerland
Vinifuni is a cable railway that links the wine village of Ligerz with the higher-elevation settlement of Prêles, ascending steeply over Lake Biel and surrounding vineyards. The system covers a significant rise in altitude across a relatively short route.
The funicular began operating in 1883, creating an important link between different language communities in the region. This transportation system allowed settlements to become more connected with one another.
The funicular passes through active wine-growing areas where local producers continue their work, and visitors can see the terraced vineyards that shape the landscape. The route serves as a practical link for those wanting to explore these working agricultural communities.
The funicular operates daily with regular trips between the two settlements. Wear comfortable shoes for the journey and any hiking you might do afterward, and be prepared for wind along the exposed route.
During the ride, passengers enjoy direct views of Lake Biel while crossing between German-speaking and French-speaking territories. This linguistic boundary is still felt in daily life today and makes the journey culturally distinctive.
Location: Bern
Official opening: August 19, 1883
Part of: Aare Seeland mobil
GPS coordinates: 47.08820,7.13220
Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:00
Power station and weir
4.7 km
Schlossberg Castle
4.4 km
Ehemaliges Thormanngut
3.6 km
Court Ligerz
548 m
Festi ruin
125 m
Museum of viticulture on Lake Biel
547 m
Temple Neuf
4.1 km
Heidenwegturm
3.6 km
Left shore of Lake Biel
1.2 km
Eglise Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, La Neuveville
4.1 km
Twannbachschlucht
1.5 km
Residential building for power plant employees (1914)
4.8 km
Reformed white church
3.8 km
Reformed church
357 m
Reformed church
2.9 km
La Neuveville town walls
4.2 km
Town hall
4 km
Priory St. Peter's Island
2.2 km
Reformed church
2.2 km
Fontaines des Bannerets
4.1 km
School building (1863)
3.3 km
House of Bern
4.2 km
House Gaberel
511 m
House Aarberg
495 m
Dragons House
4.1 km
So called Rousseau-Pavillon
2 km
Fraubrunnen house
2.1 km
Town hall
5.1 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes