Zugerberg Funicular Explained

Zugerbergbahn
Other Name:Standseilbahn Schönegg-Zugerberg
Status:In operation
End:Zugerberg
Stations:2
Routes:2566 (earlier: 1562)
Owner:Zugerbergbahn AG (current name); Zuger Bergbahn und Bus AG, Zuger Berg- und Strassenbahn AG
Operator:Zugerbergbahn AG
Stock:2 for 80 passengers each
Tracklength:1280m (4,200feet)
Maxincline:34%
Electrification:from opening
Elevation M:927
Coordinates:47.1479°N 8.5263°W
Website:zbb.ch

The Zugerbergbahn is a funicular railway in the southern-eastern suburbs of the Swiss city of Zug, in the canton of Zug. The line links the Zug suburb of Schönegg with the Zugerberg mountain overlooking the city and Lake Zug. The line has a length of 1280 m and a difference of elevation of 366 m.

It is operated by the company Zugerbergbahn AG.[1] [2]

History

The line opened in the spring of 1907, and was owned and operated by the Zuger Berg- und Strassenbahn AG (ZBB). This company also operated a connecting electric tramway that linked Schönegg with Zug railway station. In 1959, the ZBB replaced its tram service with a bus service, and this was transferred to the bus company in 1999. At the same time, the ZBB adopted the name Zugerbergbahn AG.[3] [4]

The cars were first replaced in 1931, whilst the lower and upper stations were rebuilt in 1950-52 and 1970/71 respectively. The railway was comprehensively modernized and renovated in 1984, when a third generation of cars was installed. Further renovation work carried out in 2009, when new fourth generation panoramic cars were installed and the line adapted for use by wheelchair users.

Operation

The line operates every 30 minutes from 06:00 (07:00 on Saturdays and Sundays) to 23:00. It has the following parameters:[5] [6]

FeatureValue
Number of cars2
Number of stops2 (at terminals)
ConfigurationSingle track with passing loop
Track length1280m (4,200feet)
Rise
Maximum gradient47%
Track gauge
Capacity80 passengers per car
Maximum speed4m/s
Travel time6 minutes

Bus service 11 of the Zugerland Verkehrsbetriebe connects the lower station of the funicular with the centre of Zug and Zug railway station, with buses connecting with all scheduled funicular services.

See also

References

  1. Web site: Funiculars of Switzerland . Funimag . 2011-10-12.
  2. Web site: Overview map . Zugerbergbahn AG . 2013-07-07.
  3. Web site: Learn interesting information about the history of Zugerberg Bahn . Zugerbergbahn AG . 2013-07-07.
  4. Book: Eisenbahnatlas Schweiz . 2012 . Verlag Schweers+Wall GmbH . 978-3-89494-130-7 . 22–23.
  5. Web site: Technical specifications and interesting details at a glance . Zugerbergbahn AG . 2013-07-07.
  6. Web site: 365 days of Zugerberg . Zugerbergbahn AG . 2013-07-07.

External links