| Chemin de fer Les Avants–Sonloup | |
| Type: | Funicular |
| Status: | in operation |
| Locale: | Vaud, Switzerland |
| Start: | Les Avants |
| End: | Sonloup |
| Stations: | 2 |
| Connectinglines: | Montreux–Zweisimmen |
| Owner: | Transports Montreux – Vevey Riviera (since 2001); Compagnie du chemin de fer Les Avants-Sonloup |
| Operator: | Transports Montreux – Vevey Riviera (short: MVR) |
| Stock: | 2 for 40 passengers each |
| Linelength: | 515sigfig=4NaNsigfig=4 |
| Tracks: | 1 with passing loop |
| Maxincline: | 54% |
| Electrification: | from opening |
| Speed: | 1.6m/s |
| Elevation: | 1841NaN1 above Les Avants |
| Map State: | uncollapsed |
| Website: | lesavantsfuni.ch |
The Les Avants–Sonloup funicular (French: Chemin de fer Les Avants–Sonloup) is a metre gauge funicular railway in the Swiss canton of Vaud. It links the railway station of Les Avants, on the Montreux–Lenk im Simmental line between Montreux and Montbovon, with an upper terminus at Sonloup.[1] [2]
The funicular, which was opened on 14 December 1912, runs at a right angle to the MOB line for a distance of 515sigfig=4NaNsigfig=4 and in doing so climbs at a 54% gradient to a height of 184sigfig=4NaNsigfig=4 above Les Avants.[1] [3] The line is still operated with the original Belle Epoque carriages.[4]
The peak season for tourists, is in the spring, when the narcissus and forget-me-not plants flower in the meadowlands near the summit.
The funicular has the following parameters:
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of stops | 2 |
| Configuration | Single track with passing loop |
| Track length | 515m (1,690feet) |
| Rise | |
| Maximum gradient | 54% |
| Track gauge | |
| Number of cars | 2 |
| Capacity | 40 passengers per car |
| Maximum speed | 1.6m/s |
| Travel time | 6 minutes |
The line is operated by Transports Montreux – Vevey Riviera, under the GoldenPass Services banner.[5]