For those seeking soaring peaks, breathtaking vistas, and a sense of adventure, Switzerland is the place to be. With a network of over 1,700 cable cars, funiculars, and chairlifts, exploring the Alpine country from above has never been more accessible or more thrilling. Here’s our selection of the best cable car trips you must experience in Switzerland.
1. Mount Titlis Revolving Cable Car
Ascend to a spectacular world of ice and snow with the Rotair revolving cable car at Mount Titlis. This unique rotating gondola offers a 360-degree panoramic view of deep crevasses, massive ice boulders, and vast snowfields as it climbs to the peak at 3,000 meters above sea level.
The ride is just the beginning, with a multitude of winter activities and stunning views awaiting at the summit.
2. Schilthorn Piz Gloria
A homage to James Bond, the Schilthorn Piz Gloria cable car takes you to the location of the classic movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” At nearly 3,000 meters, the summit offers panoramic views of over 200 mountain peaks and a unique Bond-themed experience.
3. Glacier 3000
The Glacier 3000 cable car whisks you up to an altitude of 3,000 meters in the heart of the Vaudois Alps. The only glacier area in the region accessible by cable car, it offers a myriad of activities including dog sledding, glacier walks, and the Peak Walk – a suspension bridge linking two mountain peaks.
4. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
This cable car in Zermatt takes you to the highest cable car station in Europe, standing at an impressive 3,883 meters. Enjoy sweeping views of 14 glaciers and 38 alpine giants, and explore the mystical ice palace beneath the surface of the glacier.
5. Mt. Pilatus Golden Round Trip
This round trip from Lucerne combines a boat ride, a cogwheel railway, and a panoramic gondola and aerial cableway trip to Mount Pilatus, offering an incredible variety of views and experiences. At 2,132 meters above sea level, Mt. Pilatus offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and central Switzerland.
6. Stanserhorn Cabrio
The Stanserhorn Cabrio is the world’s first double-decker open-top cable car. The journey to the 1,900-meter peak offers fresh Alpine air and a thrilling 360-degree panorama of ten lakes, the Swiss Mittelland, and views as far as Germany and France.
7. Harder Kulm
The funicular ride to Harder Kulm, Interlaken’s local mountain, offers stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. At the summit, the Two Lakes Bridge provides a perfect photo opportunity with the view of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz below.
Switzerland’s cable cars provide an unparalleled perspective of its stunning landscapes. From snow-covered peaks to alpine meadows and crystal-clear lakes, these rides take you to the heart of Swiss natural beauty, providing experiences that will linger in your memory long after your trip is over.
Caroline Webster is a proud Texan and a retired school teacher who discovered a passion for Switzerland upon her retirement.
She now spends her time traversing the Swiss rail network with her husband, James, delighting in the picturesque landscapes, rich culture, and historical depth of the Swiss Confederation.
From the panoramic views of the Glacier Express route to the cobblestoned streets of quaint Swiss towns, Caroline embraces her annual adventures, often sharing them with her five beloved grandchildren.
Her travels have shown her that the journey is just as important as the destination, and she looks forward to many more adventures in her golden years.