Wurzeralmbahn, Funicular in Spital am Pyhrn, Austria

The Wurzeralmbahn is a funicular railway from the Pyhrnpass Straße near Spital am Pyhrn up to the Wurzeralm. Its 2,937-metre inclined track crosses several bridges and three tunnels, climbing 622 metres at gradients of up to 30 percent. Two cars, each holding 140 people, run between the valley station and the upper station at 1,426 metres.

The funicular opened on 15 July 1978, built by Waagner-Biró, replacing a four-person gondola circuit that had run since 1962. Its original cars held 110 passengers. Voestalpine rebuilt it in 1995 with 165-person cars, making it Europe's fastest free-standing funicular at 14 m/s. A 2020 overhaul led by Leitner ropeways brought new 140-person cabins from Carvatech.

The funicular is run by Hinterstoder-Wurzeralm Bergbahnen AG. At the top station, three huts stand close by: Wiederlechnerhütte, Naturfreundehaus and Linzer Haus. The Frauenkarlift climbs from there toward the Frauenkar summit at 1,870 m, while a second lift serves the Gammeringsattel at 1,605 m.

The railway runs from June through October and carries you into higher elevations for hiking. Bring sturdy shoes since the mountain terrain can be slippery underfoot.

The line crosses several bridges and passes through three tunnels on its 2,892-metre horizontal run, climbing 622 metres at an average gradient of 21.5 percent and a maximum of 30 percent. Its two cars each hold 140 people, giving a capacity of 1,450 passengers per hour.