When one thinks of Switzerland, one imagines snow-capped mountains, chocolates, and luxury train rides. After all, these are just some of the things that Switzerland is famous for. However, did you know that this beautiful alpine country also features some of the best gondola rides you’ll ever experience?
Today, let’s take a look at some of the best cable car rides in Switzerland with the most breathtaking views. Trust me, you’ll feel an unexplainable urge to book a trip to Switzerland by the end of this article!
Table of Contents
1. Klein Matterhorn Cable Car
Route: Trockener Steg to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Duration: Around 10 minutes
Highlights: Mesmerizing views of glacial landscapes and views of the Italian border
Cost: Starting at CHF 120.00 (Includes entry to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise)
One of the most popular cable cars in Switzerland is undoubtedly the Klein Matterhorn Cable Car which transports passengers on a whimsical journey through the Swiss Alps. Located at 3,883m, the Klein Matterhorn is the highest cableway station in all of Europe, and it is here where visitors gain entry to the magical Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
To get to this Zermatt cable car ride, one can choose to hop on the Matterhorn Express to Trockener Steg. Alternatively, embark on a multi-gondola ride from Zermatt to Furi and then onwards to Trockener Steg.
Once there, you can admire colorful alpine blooms before experiencing one of the main highlights of one’s trip to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise — the final ascent from Trockener Steg itself!
While this Swtizerland cable car ride lasts only nine minutes, the journey from Trockener Steg offers the most breathtaking scenery, punctuated by snow-capped mountains and picturesque winter scenery (even during summer)! You can even upgrade your experience by riding on one of the four “Crystal Ride” cabins — glass-floored gondolas decked out with Swarovski crystals!
2. Titlis Rotair
Route: Stand (Engelberg) to Mount Titlis
Duration: Around 5 minutes
Highlights: A panoramic view of the Bernese Alps aboard the world’s first rotating cable car
Cost: Starting at CHF 69.00 (Includes cable car ride from Engelberg to Stand)
The Titlis Rotair holds a distinct record for being the world’s first-ever revolving gondola. Unsurprisingly, this, combined with the memorable journey towards the majestic Mount Titlis, makes this another one of the most famous cable cars in Switzerland.
The best way to describe this gondola ride in Switzerland is that it is “short and sweet”. While the ascent to the ridgeline across from the peak of Mount Titlis lasts only five minutes, the idyllic ride is filled with incredible panoramic views at 3,020m above sea level!
As the gondola rotates, you’ll be treated to views of enigmatic rock faces, scenic lakes, and the snow-capped peaks of the Bernese Alps. On clear days, even the distant town of Interlaken comes into view.
Once you reach the summit, be prepared to be awed by the beauty of the Titlis Glacier. Some of the more adventurous of you lot should try the adrenaline-filled Titlis Cliff Walk, which provides alluring alpine views, provided that you can drum up the courage to step forward!
Note: The Titlis Rotair services the route between Stand (the middle station) and the summit station of Mount Titlis. Getting from Engelberg to Stand requires a separate gondola ride which takes about 20 to 25 minutes.
3. Stanserhorn CabriO
Route: Stans in Lucerne to Stanserhorn
Duration: Around seven minutes
Highlights: Magnificent scenery across Lake Lucerne from atop an open-air deck
Cost: Starting at CHF 37.00 (One way)
The highlight of any trip to Stanserhorn, Switzerland is undoubtedly the cable car ride up to the mountain from Stans in Lucerne. After all, the Stanserhorn CabriO is arguably one of the most famous cable car rides in Switzerland, so much so in fact, you’ve probably already seen pictures of it on postcards without even knowing about it.
The first thing you’ll notice about the Stanserhorn CabriO is its signature open upper deck, from which you can enjoy incredible views across Lake Lucerne as you make your ascent to the peak of the mountain.
Just imagine the feeling of the refreshing alpine air gently caressing your face as you look around in wonder at the scenery before you! And yes, the open-air cable car is the first of its kind in the world.
Once you arrive at the peak, you can enjoy a meal at a revolving restaurant or sign up for a circular walk on the summit, where you can get up close and personal with the flora and fauna that call Mount Stanserhorn their home.
4. Eiger Express Cable Car
Route: Grindelwald to Eiger Glacier
Duration: Around 15 minutes
Highlights: Picturesque view of the Aletsch Glacier surrounded by majestic peaks
Cost: Starting at CHF 64.00
Any visit to Switzerland isn’t complete without a trip to the Bernese Alps. However, on your way to the peaks of the Bernese Alps, you’ll probably first passs through the lovely alpine town of Grindelwald, where some of the most iconic cable cars in Switzerland await.
One such gondola experience is the Eiger Express Cable Car, which takes you from the town of Grindelwald to the Eiger Glacier Station, located 2,320m above sea level.
Not only does the cable car reduce the time required to reach Jungfraujoch (a saddle connecting the Jungfrau and Mönch peaks overlooking both Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen) but it also offers whimsical views of the Aletsch Glacier along the way!
Side note: Grindelwald is an unmissable attraction in and of itself. It is a popular ski paradise thanks to its ample amount of snowfall, and a gateway to First, a minor peak on the slopes of the Schwarzhorn in the Bernese Oberland. And yes, to get there requires a different gondola ride from Grindelwald.
5. Grindelwald-Männlichen Gondola Cableway
Route: Grindelwald to Männlichen
Duration: Around 30 minutes
Highlights: Unobstructed views of the snow-capped peaks in the Bernese Alps
Cost: Starting at CHF 32.00 (One way)
Another gondola ride in Switzerland that departs from Grindelwald is the Grindelwald-Männlichen Gondola Cableway, which holds the record for being the longest cable car ride in Switzerland, boasting a 6km-long route over the Bernese Alps.
The Grindelwald-Männlichen Gondola Cableway is actually one of Switzerland’s older cable cars, having been built in 1978. As the name suggests, this Swiss gondola takes you from the alpine town of Grindelwald to the summit of Männlichenm, one of the most popular hiking destinations in Switzerland during the summer and spring months.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy scenic views of some of the Bernese Alps most iconic peaks, including the Eiger, the Monch, and the Jungfrau.
Alternatively, you can reach Männlichen via a separate cable car ride (with an open top balcony) from Wengen.
6. Glacier 3000 Cable Car
Route: Col Du Pillon to Glacier 3000
Duration: Around 15 minutes
Highlights: Spot the iconic Matterhorn on your leisurely ride up to the glacial peak
Cost: Starting at CHF 85.00 (Includes Peak Walk and other entrance fees)
First of all, no Glacier 3000 is in no way related to Iron Man’s famous “I love you 3,000” quote! Instead, it is one of the most beautiful glacial peaks in Switzerland, east of Lake Geneva and the lovely town of Montreux.
As with many of the famous peaks in Switzerland, a gondola is involved in your journey to the summit. The Glacier 3000 Cable Car starts at Col Du Pillon and continues upwards towards the Glacier 3000 peak.
As you might expect, the views as you ascend get more stunning with every passing minute. On clear days, you’ll even be able to spot the iconic Matterhorn and Mont Blanc!
Once you arrive at Glacier 3000, what awaits you is a plethora of fun activities. I highly recommend The Peak Walk by Tissot. Imagine walking across two mountain peaks on a suspension bridge amidst an ocean of clouds — the thrilling experience is made even better by the views.
You can also hop on the world’s highest rail toboggan run or enjoy a scenic stroll on the Peak Walk experience.
7. Pilatus Panorama Gondolas
Route: Kriens to Mount Pilatus
Duration: Around 20 minutes
Highlights: Panoramic views of Lake Lucerne and Mount Rigi
Cost: Starting at CHF 39.00 (One Way)
Mount Pilatus is arguably one of the most famous mountains to visit in Switzerland, known for its jagged peaks and amazing scenery over Lake Lucerne.
The Pilatus Panorama Gondolas are one of Switzerland’s most popular cable cars. Starting from Kriens, the cable car takes you up 2,100m above sea level right to the doorstep of Mount Pilatus Peak. Along the way, look out your window and you’ll see awe-inspiring views of Lake Lucerne and Mount Rigi glide past you!
Once you reach Mount Pilatus’s peak, you can enjoy a high-altitude meal at the restaurant or experience a paragliding adventure. If you have the stamina for it, you can even choose to hike your way back down to Kriens!
8. Schilthorn Cable Car
Route: Stechelberg to Schilthorn
Duration: Around 32 minutes
Highlights: Whimsical alpine scenery from aboard the famous James Bond cable car
Cost: Starting at CHF 42.80 (Includes fee for certain attractions)
Avid cinephiles may recognize the famous peak of The Schilthrosn. After all, this famous natural landmark had featured prominently in the 1969 James Bond film, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
Just like in the classic movie, you’ll need to board the Schilthorn cable car to reach the peak. This famous cable car starts at Stechelberg and passes through Grimmelwald and Mürren before arriving at the peak, where one can enjoy panoramic views of the Bernese Alps.
And as you might expect, the peak is full of attractions that pay homage to the famous fictional secret service agent! You’ll find a James Bond museum as well as a themed restaurant at the peak. Of course, if you’re not into the film, feel free to hike around the ridges to enjoy the natural beauty of Switzerland instead!
9. Weggis-Rigi Kaltbad Aerial Cable Car
Route: Weggis to Rigi Katlbad
Duration: Around 10 minutes
Highlights: Alluring views of Lake Lucerne from a comfy gondola cabin
Cost: Starting at CHF 36.00 (One Way)
Another one of the famous cable cars in Switzerland is the Weggis-Rigi Kaltbad Aerial Cable Car which transports visitors from the town of Weggis to Rigi Kaltbad, an ambient alpine resort located on the flanks of the famous Mount Rigi in the Swiss Alps.
As you make your way up during the 10-minute journey, remember to look back in the direction you came from. What awaits you will be a stunning vista featuring the idyllic Lake Lucerne and its vibrant town.
Meanwhile, beneath the gondola is a thick alpine forest. The Bernese Alps are visible in the distant skyline too.
Upon reaching Rigi Kaltbad, you can choose between adventurous exploration like hiking to Rigi Kulm (the peak) or paragliding, or a more relaxed itinerary involving a visit to the Rigi Kaltbad Mineral Spa. You can also enjoy fondue at the on-site restaurant at the resort.
10. Mount Corvatsch Cable Car
Route: Surlej to Mount Corvatsch
Duration: Around 20 minutes
Highlights: Expansive views of verdant valleys on a leisurely gondola ride
Cost: Starting at CHF 45.00 (One way)
If you ever find yourself in the lovely town of St. Moritz, do yourself a favor and make time for a short day trip to the underrated summit of Mount Corvatsch.
Despite not being as well-known as some of the other mountains in Switzerland, Mount Corvatsch offers some truly incredible views — on clear days, you can spot up to 1,000 alpine peaks!
Just like the mountain itself, the Mount Corvatsch Cable Car is one of the lesser-known cable cars in Switzerland. The 20-minute ride starts at the village of Surlej and passes through Murtèl, where the Biancograt Ridge hiking trail is found. Along your way to the peak, expect ambient views of St. Moritz and verdant hills during summer.
At the peak, don’t miss the chance to dine at the panoramic Restaurant 3303, which specializes in Ticino cuisine and home-distilled whiskey.
11. Mont Fort Cable Car
Route: Verbier to Mont Fort
Duration: Varies; four minutes for the final ascent
Highlights: Various kinds of scenery as you ascend to Mont Fort Peak on different gondolas
Cost: Starting at CHF 25.00
For those not in the know, Mont Fort, standing at 3,300m tall, is one of the most rustic mountains in Switzerland, known for its awe-inspiring natural scenery and enticing hiking trails.
The Mont Fort Cable Car is a full-fledged transport system with several different routes to the summit. You can find gondola rides from La Tzoumaz, Nendaz, and Verbier to Mont Fort, with the latter being just slightly more popular than the rest.
On the Verbier – Mont Fort line, you’ll hop on and off four different cable cars, each offering different views, with the final one taking you right to the edge of the summit, where a stone stairway leads you to the top.
At the peak, you’ll be able to spot plenty of Switzerland’s famous alpine peaks (such as the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc) from the panoramic viewing platform. One particularly mesmerizing experience is to catch the sunrise or sunset from the summit!
12. Buiräbähnli Safari (Farmer Cable Cars)
Route: Multiple stops throughout Engelberg Valley
Duration: Varies
Highlights: Unforgettable views of the Engelberg Valley from aboard a historical private cable car
Cost: Starting at CHF 47.00
Finally, we have the Buiräbähnli Safari, arguably the most unique cable car experience in Switzerland!
Located in the alpine foothills of Central Switzerland, the Buiräbähnli Safari is part of a network of around 40 mountain lifts that service the Engelberg Valley. Out of these 40 mountain lifts, around 26 of them are Buiräbähnli (cable cars for mountain farmers), privately owned cable cars that farmers in the region have used for hundreds of years to transport materials and crops.
You can ride on one of the historical cable cars and experience how mountain farmers go about their daily lives. As an added bonus, the stunning view of the Engelberg Valley below is on show in all its glory as you pass through the verdant hills!
While there are many routes on the Buiräbähnli Safari, some of the popular ones include Nechimatt-Diegisbalm and Mettlen-Rugisbalm.
Final thoughts
And there you have it: 12 of the best cable car rides in Switzerland that promise breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. Truly, Switzerland is blessed with just the most incredible alpine scenery!
If you’re looking for more scenic views, check out these luxury train rides in Switzerland and in the U.S.A.!
