Braunwald Funicular
Glarus
The Braunwald Funicular, known locally as the Braunwaldbahn, is a meter-gauge cable railway located in the canton of Glarus, Switzerland. It links the valley village of Linthal at 674 meters elevation to the car-free mountain resort of Braunwald at 1,254 meters, providing vital transport for residents and tourists. Opened in 1907, the funicular was originally built entirely with private funds to support tourism and goods transport. Over the decades, it underwent several modernizations, including speed upgrades and new rolling stock to improve passenger capacity and comfort. The line spans 1,367 meters with a maximum gradient of 68%, and a travel time of approximately 4.5 minutes at a speed of 6 meters per second. The funicular is equipped with advanced safety features such as video surveillance and automatic obstacle detection. Braunwald itself is a picturesque car-free resort village perched on a terrace in the Glarus Alps, surrounded by notable peaks like Ortstock and Bös Fulen. The funicular not only serves tourists visiting the ski slopes and hiking trails but also provides essential public transport connectivity, integrated into the regional Ostwind fare network. Its operation supports the village's unique status as a peaceful alpine retreat accessible only by rail.
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Tip: Visitors should consider purchasing combined tickets that include the funicular and connecting trains for convenience. The funicular operates year-round, but the best times to visit Braunwald are during the summer hiking season and winter ski months. Booking tickets in advance during peak holiday periods is recommended to avoid waiting times. Parking is available at Linthal Braunwaldbahn station, facilitating easy access to the funicular. Local taxi services provide transport within Braunwald, and gondola lifts offer further access to surrounding mountain areas. Discounts may be available for regional travel passes and group bookings.
Interesting facts
- •The Braunwald Funicular transports between 400,000 and 500,000 passengers annually, along with approximately 6,000 tons of goods.
- •It is one of the few car-free Swiss resorts accessible only by funicular railway.
- •The funicular uses modern safety systems including video surveillance and automatic obstacle detection to ensure passenger safety.
- •The maximum gradient of the line is 68%, making it one of the steepest funiculars in Switzerland.
- •The funicular is integrated into the Ostwind regional fare network, allowing seamless public transport connections.
History
The Braunwald Funicular was inaugurated on August 6, 1907, after being entirely privately financed to boost tourism and goods transport to Braunwald.
Initially operating only in summer, it switched to year-round service in 1928 when the local tourist association acquired majority ownership.
Significant upgrades were made in 1932 to double the speed, reducing travel time from 20 to 10 minutes.
In 1939, wooden cars were replaced with lightweight metal ones.
Further modernization in the 1960s included new stations, drive systems, and cars increasing speed to 3.5 m/s.
The funicular's valley station was relocated in 1981 to connect directly with the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) line, opening the Linthal Braunwaldbahn stop in 1982.
A comprehensive renovation in 1997 introduced new tracks and rolling stock, enhancing safety and capacity.
Place Guide
Lower Station at Linthal Braunwaldbahn1981
The valley station connects directly to the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) network, featuring parking facilities and a convenient interchange for regional trains. It includes a unique roll track for transferring oil barrels and is the starting point of the funicular line.
Funicular Cars1997
The funicular operates two cars with a capacity of 114 passengers each or 95 passengers plus 1.5 tons of freight. The cars are equipped with hydraulic dampers and spiral springs for smooth rides and large windows for panoramic views. Since 2007, the cars have a distinctive white and red livery.
Upper Station at Braunwald1964 (rebuilt), 1997 (modernized)
The mountain station at Braunwald serves as the gateway to the car-free resort village. It provides access to local taxi services and further cable lifts connecting to ski slopes and hiking trails. The station facilities were rebuilt in the 1960s and modernized during the 1997 renovation.
