Hammetschwand Lift
Nidwalden
The Hammetschwand Lift, located near Lake Lucerne in Switzerland, is renowned as the highest and fastest outdoor elevator in Europe. It connects a lower station inside the Bürgenstock mountain with an upper station at the Hammetschwand peak, spanning 153 meters vertically. Originally opened in 1905, it was the first elevator of its kind in Switzerland, built by Franz Josef Bucher and Josef Durrer, pioneers in hotel and railway development. The metal lattice tower stands 118 meters tall atop a 44-meter rock shaft, with portions of the elevator shaft inside the mountain and others exposed to the open air, offering spectacular panoramic views. Over the years, the lift has undergone several renovations, notably in 1935 and between 1991 and 1992, increasing its speed and modernizing its cabin while preserving its unique outdoor character. Today, the elevator ascends at 3.15 meters per second, reaching the summit in under a minute. Visitors can enjoy stunning vistas of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Alps from the upper station at 1,132 meters above sea level. The lift is also notable for its architectural elegance and its status as a Swiss cultural heritage site, attracting tourists seeking both thrilling experiences and scenic beauty.
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Tip: The best time to visit the Hammetschwand Lift is during the warmer months when the lift operates daily from 9:30 am to 6 pm, weather permitting. It is advisable to check the current operational status online before planning your visit. Tickets can be purchased in advance, and there are packages such as the 'Above the Clouds' offer that combine lift access with other experiences. Visitors should prepare for variable mountain weather and wear suitable clothing for outdoor conditions. The lift is wheelchair accessible, making it convenient for a wide range of visitors.
Interesting facts
- •The Hammetschwand Lift is the highest outdoor elevator in Europe, standing 118 meters tall on a 44-meter rock shaft.
- •It was the first outdoor lift of its kind in Switzerland when it opened in 1905.
- •The lift's speed has increased from 1 m/s originally to 3.15 m/s after its latest renovation, reducing the ascent time to under a minute.
- •The elevator cabin is specially designed with three-sided glass panels to protect passengers from weather while maximizing views.
- •The lift is located on an exclave of the canton of Lucerne, while the Bürgenstock plateau belongs to the canton of Nidwalden.
- •It has carried approximately 4 million passengers since its opening.
History
The Hammetschwand Lift was constructed between 1903 and 1905 as part of the luxury resort development at Bürgenstock, a favored retreat since the late 19th century.
Initially, the lift operated at a speed of 1 meter per second with a wooden and zinc-plated cabin.
In 1935, the lift was upgraded with a lighter metal cabin and its speed increased to 2.7 meters per second to maintain its status as Europe's fastest elevator.
Further renovations in 1959-1960 enhanced the tower and lift mechanism, boosting speed to 4 meters per second.
After 85 years of operation and millions of passengers, a comprehensive refurbishment was undertaken in 1991-1992 by Schindler Group, which installed a new panoramic glass cabin and adjusted the speed to 3.15 meters per second to emphasize the scenic experience.
The lift continues to operate under a federal concession for regular commercial passenger transport and is recognized as a nationally significant cultural property in Switzerland.
Place Guide
Lower Station and Cliff Walk (Felsenweg)
The journey begins at the cliff walk, an elevated path carved into the rock face of Bürgenstock mountain, offering spectacular views of Lake Lucerne. The lower station of the lift is embedded inside the mountain near this path, providing access to the elevator shaft.
Hammetschwand Lift Tower1905
A delicate metal lattice tower standing 118 meters tall, built on a 44-meter high rock shaft. The tower supports the elevator shaft, part of which is inside the mountain and part exposed to open air, giving passengers dramatic views during the ascent.
Upper Station at Hammetschwand Peak
Located at 1,132 meters above sea level, the upper station offers panoramic views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Alps. It serves as the final stop of the lift and a vantage point for visitors.
Contact
Phone: 041 612 60 00
