18 Dec 2017 World's steepest railway opens as tourist attraction in Switzerland BYTom Anstey
The record-breaking CHF52m (US$53m, €45m, £40m) railway took 14 years to build
The world’s steepest funicular railway has opened in Schwyz, Switzerland, doubling as a new tourist attraction and a way for locals to reach the car-free Alpine village of Stoos.
Using specially constructed cylindrical carriages designed to tilt and adjust to the 110 per cent gradient of the mountain track, the Stoos Bahn railway runs over 1,720m (5,640ft) from the valley floor to the Fronalpstock mountain plateau at 1,300m (4,300ft).
Rising 743m (2,440ft) on its four-minute journey, the train’s four cabins can carry 136 people at a time, reaching speeds of up to 10 metres per second (36kmph).
“This technical marvel turns a journey into an experience,” said the railway’s operator.
“In the summer, the mountain village is a destination for varied family outings and offers versatile mountain sports. In the winter, 35km (21.7m) of fun on the slopes can be experienced between Fronalpstock and Klingenstock.”
The record-breaking CHF52m (US$53m, €45m, £40m) railway took 14 years to build. Close to Lake Lucerne, the Stoos Bahn beats the previous record holder – the Gelmerbahn – a funicular railway, also in Switzerland, which reaches a gradient of 106 per cent on its ascent to the Gelmersee lake.
Switzerland’s president, Doris Leuthard, inaugurated the new line on 15 December. It replaces the Schwyz-Stoos cable car, which had been in operation since 1933.
23 Apr 2024
Six Senses Kyoto opens its doors today, marking the eco-luxury hotel and spa operator’s entry into Japan and a new addition to its urban collection.
.... more>>
23 Apr 2024
With the launch of its 49th John Reed, RSG Group is looking for more opportunities for its high-end brand in the US and Europe. Cosmopolitan cities
.... more>>
23 Apr 2024
PureGym saw revenues rise by 15 per cent in 2023, with the company announcing plans to develop 200 new clubs in the next three to four years.
.... more>>
23 Apr 2024
The UAE’s first-ever Dior Spa has officially launched at The Lana, Dubai – the Dorchester Collection’s debut property in the Middle East. Bathed in
.... more>>
