Swiss officials showed up in force last week for the opening of the country’s newest engineering wonder: the world’s steepest funicular, with grades as high as 110%.
In fact, to keep passengers seated on the level over the 1.7km length of the route, engineers had to create special barrel-shaped seating compartments that rotate to keep the passengers comfortable no matter what point of the trip they’re on.
The new route connects the isolated village of Stoos, 744 metres above the base station, which is in the valley below and reachable by road year-round. There are steeper grades elsewhere, but none on a classic funicular, in which two cars connected by a cable balance each other, passing in the middle. The weight of the descending car greatly reduces the energy needed for operation.
If you’re up for the ride, here’s a video of the trip from the top, looking out through the front window of the car. Be sure you’re hanging on tight before you click PLAY!
