The world’s steepest cable car opens in Switzerland

The cableway scales 2,543 feet in just four minutes.

By Amanda Teague Published January 3, 2025

The Schilthorn Cableway — Schilthorn

Switzerland, already renowned for its engineering marvels, has unveiled the world’s steepest cable car in the Bernese Alps. The Schilthorn Cableway, an architectural and technological feat, scales a staggering 775 meters (2,543 feet) in just four minutes, with an unprecedented gradient of 159.4%.

Designed to transport passengers to the iconic mountaintop revolving restaurant featured in the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, the new cableway promises not only beautiful views, but also an exhilarating ascent that is a journey in itself.

Recommended Videos

While the record-breaking status of the Schilthorn Cableway awaits official recognition from Guinness World Records, Switzerland’s history of engineering innovation lends credibility to the claim. This latest achievement follows in the footsteps of the Stoos funicular railway, which earned the title of the world’s steepest funicular in 2017 with a 110% gradient rise over 743 meters (2,438 feet).

The perfect Swiss vacation

The Schilthorn Cableway — Schilthorn

Dreaming of a Swiss adventure? The Schilthorn Cableway is your ticket to an unforgettable alpine experience. This record-breaking railway links the village of Stechelberg to the car-free mountain resort of Mürren, perched 1,650 meters (5,413 feet) above sea level.

Stechelberg, located at the gateway to the upper Lauterbrunnen valley, offers a charming starting point for this high-altitude journey. Once in Mürren, visitors can explore the iconic Piz Gloria, a revolving restaurant with panoramic 360-degree views.

For those craving a quieter escape, a short walk leads to the serene village of Gimmelwald. This hidden gem invites travelers to wander through its quaint shops and dine in cozy mountain restaurants, all accessible on foot.

Though the cableway has captured global attention, it’s temporarily closed for renovations after a brief opening period. But mark your calendars – the attraction is set to reopen in March 2025.

Topics

Destinations

Contributor

Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…

Travel

The Mayflower Hotel’s $100,000 package invites guests to party like it’s 1925

$100,000 buys you a night to remember

The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection

The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection, is marking a major milestone in 2025 – its 100th anniversary. Since its opening in 1925, the hotel has stood as a symbol of elegance and sophistication in Washington, DC. Dubbed “Washington’s Second-Best Address” by President Harry Truman and lovingly referred to as the Grande Dame of Washington, the Mayflower has been the site of countless historic moments and a home to world leaders, celebrities, and dignitaries.

To celebrate this century-long legacy, the hotel is offering a one-of-a-kind, $100,000 package that lets guests experience the grandeur of the Roaring Twenties in style. The package includes a bespoke event recreating the hotel’s lavish 1925 opening gala in the Grand Ballroom, offering a truly unique experience.
The hotel’s 100th anniversary offerings

Travel

New U.S. travel advisory issued for this top Caribbean destination

Turks and Caicos is under a Level 2 travel advisory

Grand Turk

In early March, the U.S. State Department issued an updated travel advisory for the Turks and Caicos Islands, a popular Caribbean destination known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. The new advisory includes a specific warning regarding the territory's strict laws against firearms and ammunition.

As a British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic, the Turks and Caicos Islands consist of eight major islands and is a popular destination for cruise ships. The updated advisory comes as a reminder for travelers to be aware of local regulations and to exercise caution when visiting the destination.
What to know about the new advisory

Travel

Not worth the hype? Study uncovers the most underwhelming cities for tourists

These cities are tourist letdowns

Sayulita, Cancun

While many cities around the world are celebrated for their tourist attractions, a recent study has uncovered that not all popular destinations live up to the expectations of travelers. Radical Storage analyzed over 97,409 visitor reviews across 100 of the world’s most-visited cities to identify the most underwhelming spots for tourists.

Inspired by the phenomenon known as ‘Paris syndrome,’ the extreme disappointment some visitors feel when their dream destination doesn’t meet expectations, the study reveals which cities left travelers feeling less than thrilled.