Standseilbahn Lochezen Explained

Standseilbahn Lochezen
Type:industrial funicular (inclined lift)
Status:In operation
Operator:See Kies AG (in 2001); Cement- und Kalkfabrik Unterterzen A.G. (1956-1995)
Stock:1
Linelength:240m (790feet)
Tracks:1
Maxincline:89%
Electrification:from opening
Map State:uncollapsed

Standseilbahn Lochezen is an inclined lift at Lochezen on Walensee, Switzerland. It was built in 1956 to provide access from the lake shore at 425 m to the limestone quarry at 575 m. With a length of ca. 200 m, the lift climbs a difference of elevation of 150 m at an incline of 89%. The open platform is pulled by a winch above the upper station.

The quarry was exploited by Cement- und Kalkfabrik Unterterzen A.G. in 1956, later by See Kies AG. After closure of the quarry, the site was used for testing by Geobrugg AG.

In 2011, the installation was included as a funicular of regional interest in the Swiss heritage registry of cableways, Schweizer Seilbahninventar, for its mostly original state and importance to the site for which it was built.

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