Älplibahn, Cable car in Malans, Switzerland
The Älplibahn is a cable car in Malans that connects the vineyards to a mountain station at 1,802 meters (5,912 feet). The journey offers views across the Chur Rhine Valley and surrounding Alpine peaks.
The system was built by the military in 1941 to create an important transportation link in the region. This cable car became a practical solution for accessing the higher elevation areas.
The cable car is operated by local residents through a community association, reflecting Swiss traditions of collective management. This form of local stewardship shapes how the installation functions today.
The cable car carries eight passengers per trip with a limited capacity of about 32 people per hour. Arriving early is recommended, especially if you plan to visit during peak times.
This is the smallest mountain cable car in the Graubünden region and covers the entire elevation change without intermediate stops. This rare design makes it a noteworthy technical achievement for its era.
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