Gurten Funicular

Gurtenbahn
Overview
Type Funicular
Coordinates 46°55′26″N 7°26′35″E / 46.923831°N 7.443023°E / 46.923831; 7.443023Coordinates: 46°55′26″N 7°26′35″E / 46.923831°N 7.443023°E / 46.923831; 7.443023
Stations 3
Operation
Opened 1899
Owner Gurtenbahn AG
Operator(s) Gurtenbahn AG
Technical
Track length 1,058 metres (3,471 ft)
Track gauge 1,000 mm (3 ft 3 3⁄8 in)
Maximum incline 34%

The Gurtenbahn is a funicular railway in the southern suburbs of the Swiss capital city of Bern. The line is owned and operated by the Gurtenbahn AG company.[1][2]

The line links Wabern, in the municipality of Köniz, with the summit of the Gurten mountain, which overlooks the city of Bern. Wabern can be reached from the city centre by tram, train or car.[1][2]

History

The summit of the line, with upper station to left

The first concession for a line up the Gurten was granted in 1885 but never realized. A second concession was granted in 1893 and the line opened in 1899. In 1931 and 1932 the cars were overhauled and a new drive installed. In 1944 new cars were supplied and the lower station redesigned, with the upper station following in 1949. In 1966 the plant was renewed again.[1][3]

In 1999 the line was completely rebuilt. All the stations were renovated, the drive was replaced, and new panorama carriages were put into operation.[1]

Operation

The passing loop and intermediate station

The line is operated by the Gurtenbahn company.It has the following parameters:[1][4]

Number of cars 2
Number of stops 3 (at terminals and passing loop)
Configuration Single track with passing loop
Track length 1,058 metres (3,471 ft)
Rise 267 metres (876 ft)
gradient 34%
Track gauge 1,000 mm (3 ft 3 3⁄8 in)
Capacity 120 passengers per car
Maximum speed 8 metres per second (26.2 ft/s)
Travel time 5 minutes

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "GB - Gurten Bahn". Funimag. Retrieved 2011-10-12.
  2. 1 2 "Gurtenpark - Welcome". Gurtenpark Bern. Retrieved 2011-10-26.
  3. ↑ Aerni, Agathon (1989). Der Gurten und seine Bahn. Die Erschliessung des Berner Hausberges. Bern: Verlag Stämpfli.
  4. ↑ "Wabern - Gurten". Gangloff Switzerland. Retrieved 2011-10-27.


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