Gütschbahn funicular, Water-powered funicular in Lucerne, Switzerland
The Gütschbahn funicular connects Baselstrasse with the upper station near Château Gütsch hotel, ascending 90 meters through a twin-track configuration over 170 meters.
Inaugurated in 1884, the funicular operated continuously until 2008, underwent a complete reconstruction, and resumed service in September 2015 under Verkehrsbetriebe Luzern management.
The upper station provides access to the Château Gütsch hotel, constructed between 1881 and 1883 following architectural elements similar to European castles.
Operating daily from 4:30 AM to 1:15 AM, the funicular accepts zone 10 bus tickets and travel passes, with each cabin accommodating eight passengers.
The Gütschbahn stands as Switzerland's oldest four-rail installation still in operation, with only ten similar parallel-track systems remaining worldwide.
Location: Lucerne
Official opening: August 22, 1884
GPS coordinates: 47.05163,8.29605
Latest update: September 27, 2025 15:21
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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