Stoosbahn
The Stoosbahn, also known as the Schwyz–Stoos funicular or Standseilbahn Schwyz–Stoos, is a funicular railway in the Swiss canton of Schwyz. It connects the Hintere Schlattli in the municipalities of Muotatal, Morschach, and Schwyz with the village and mountain resort of Stoos, above Morschach. On a length of 1.7 kilometres (1.1 mi), it overcomes a height difference of 744 metres (2,441 ft). It opened on 15 December 2017 and replaces the older Schwyz-Stoos funicular, operating since 1933 on a different route. The carriages are barrel-shaped and rotate to maintain a level floor surface for passengers. Construction took five years and cost 52 million Swiss francs.[1][2][3]
Stoosbahn | |
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Overview | |
Other name(s) | Stoos Funicular |
Native name | Standseilbahn Schwyz - Stoos |
Status | in operation |
Owner | Stoosbahnen AG |
Locale | Stoos |
Termini |
|
Stations | 2 |
Website | stoos-muotatal |
Service | |
Type | Commuter funicular |
Services | 1 |
Operator(s) | Stoosbahnen AG |
Rolling stock | 2 for 136 passengers each |
History | |
Commenced | 2012 |
Opened | 15 December 2017 |
Completed | 2017 |
Technical | |
Line length | 1,740 metres (5,710 ft) |
Number of tracks | 1 |
Character | Commuter and touristic funicular |
Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
Old gauge | 1,200 mm (3 ft 11+1⁄4 in) the original line |
Electrification | from opening |
Operating speed | 10 metres per second (33 ft/s) |
Highest elevation | 1,306 metres (4,285 ft) |
Maximum incline | 110% (47.73°) |
The new line has a maximum gradient of 110% (47.7°) and is the steepest funicular railway in Switzerland and Europe, superseding the Gelmerbahn. It has been widely claimed to be the steepest in the world,[1][2] and although the Katoomba Scenic Railway in Australia is steeper, with a maximum gradient of 122%, it uses a winch system[4] and is, therefore, an incline lift and not a funicular railway.[5]
References
- "Switzerland funicular: World's steepest railway opens". BBC News. 17 December 2017.
- Willsher, Kim (15 December 2017). "World's steepest funicular rail line to open in Switzerland". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
- "DSS - Drahtseilbahn Schwyz Stoos". Funimag. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
- "Scenic World". Archived from the original on 6 March 2019.
- "Schwyz Stoos Funicular Set to Open in December". Gondola Project. 31 August 2017.