Gelmerbahn, Funicular railway in Bern, Switzerland
The Gelmer Funicular connects Handegg station to Gelmersee lake, ascending 448 meters through the Swiss Alps with a steep 106% gradient slope.
Built in 1926 for the construction and maintenance of a hydroelectric reservoir, this transport system remained exclusively for industrial use until its public opening in 2001.
The funicular represents Swiss engineering excellence, providing access to alpine landscapes while maintaining the regional commitment to sustainable energy production.
Operating from June to October during daylight hours, the funicular carries 24 passengers per car, requiring advance reservations due to high demand.
Unlike traditional funiculars with counterbalancing cars, the Gelmerbahn uses a single-car winch system to navigate its extreme incline.
Location: Bern
Official opening: 1926
GPS coordinates: 46.61361,8.30861
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:16
Funiculars have transported passengers up mountains and hills in cities worldwide for over a century. This collection covers 25 installations across five continents, from the Como-Brunate railway in Lombardy to the Fløibanen in Bergen, Norway. Some handle substantial elevation changes, such as the Niesenbahn in Switzerland with 710 meters (2,329 feet) of vertical ascent, while others cover shorter distances through urban neighborhoods like the Bica funicular in Lisbon or the ascensores in Valparaiso. The systems range from heritage operations like the Great Orme Tramway in Wales, opened in 1902, to modern installations such as the Stanserhorn CabriO in Switzerland with its double-decker open-top design. Several serve primarily as tourist attractions, including the Peak Tram in Hong Kong and the Montmartre funicular in Paris, while others remain essential transport links for residents and visitors, such as the Wellington Cable Car in New Zealand and the Heidelberger Bergbahn in Germany. Each offers access to viewpoints, historic districts or mountain facilities that would otherwise require lengthy walks or drives.
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