Mattelift, Public elevator at Münster platform, Switzerland
Mattelift is a public elevator that connects the upper Münster platform with the lower Matte district, spanning a vertical distance of about 31 meters. A conductor operates the lift and assists passengers during their journey between the two levels.
The lift began operating in 1897 as a practical solution for residents traveling between the cathedral zone and the craft district below. It solved the challenge of moving between two neighborhoods separated by a significant height difference.
The name comes from the Mattequartier, the lower district it serves, not from any river. The lift is run by a conductor who sells the ticket, and since 2022 the Swiss Generalabonnement and Swiss Travel Pass are valid. Near the valley station, the Mattetreppe, a wooden stairway from the 14th century, climbs 183 steps up to the rear of Bern Minster.
The lift is easily reached from the Münster area on foot and carries passengers steadily between the two districts. It offers a convenient option for those who prefer not to walk down stairs or who want to avoid rough weather while changing levels.
A distinctive feature is that lift conductors manually operate the elevator, a role that for many decades was held only by men. In 2020, the first woman was hired to fill this traditionally male position.
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