Palfriesbahn, Aerial lift in Canton St. Gallen, Switzerland
The Palfriesbahn is an aerial lift system in the Mels area that connects lower valleys with a high mountain region. The cable car operates two cabins that transport hikers and visitors between the two stations throughout the day.
The cable car was originally built in the 1940s as a military installation and served to move supplies during World War II. It was adapted for public use after the war and has provided access to the mountain region ever since.
The plateau retains visible signs of early Alpine settlement patterns established centuries ago by mountain communities. These settlements shaped how the landscape is organized and used today.
The lift operates regularly during warmer months with short transit times between stations. Visitors should prepare for changing mountain weather and wear sturdy footwear to safely explore the trails at the upper station.
Few visitors realize they are traveling on equipment that once served an entirely different military purpose and was carefully repurposed for tourist access. This transformation from wartime infrastructure to recreation facility tells an interesting story about post-war adaptation in the Alps.
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