Railway Info

Everything about the Waldibahn – History, technology and operations

Waldibahn
24/7 Operation

Our Service

We provide our customers with a 24-hour service. Ride at any time with our state-of-the-art cable car.

Media Reports

VTK

VTK/UCT Report

July 2024

Technical report on the Waldibahn by the Swiss Transport Association.

📄 Open PDF

Technical Data

1923
Year built
777 m.ü.M.
Valley station
1050 m.ü.M.
Middle station
1221 m.ü.M.
Mountain station
444 m
Elevation difference
1015 m
Length
45 m
Max. ground distance
21 mm
Carrying cable Ø
12 mm
Haul cable Ø
10.1 mm
Signal cable
60 %
Max. gradient
2
Supports
4 pers. / 320 kg
Payload
3.4 m/s
Travel speed
6 min
Travel time

The History of the Railway

1923

First Installation

Gotthard Selm managed the Rinderbühl alpine pasture. A motor-driven cable car was installed – at the time still with a simple wooden crate as the carrier, without a cabin.

1950

First Cabins

Installation of two two-person cabins. The railway was expanded for passenger transport.

1960er

Peak Era of Skiing & Hiking

Discovery of the Rinderbühl ski and hiking area. The railway experiences its peak phase.

1970

Modernization

New drive system according to the state of the art. Installation of four-person cabins.

1989

General Overhaul

Comprehensive general overhaul by R. Niederberger & Söhne AG Dallenwil: valley station, drive and control systems were renewed.

2024

BILLPass System

Introduction of the modern BILLPass payment system. Tickets can be conveniently purchased via smartphone, Twint or credit card.

Special feature: The Waldibahn operates 24h daily via the token/BILLPass system, while the gondola only runs until 5 PM. For the chalet village on Rotiflue, the railway is the only connection to the outside world thanks to the intermediate station.