Switzerland, Cable Cars, & Trams
 

We will be in Wengen, Switzerland for a couple of days in mid July. Some of that time will be a day trip to the Jungfraujoch (sp?). I love cable cars and trams although they scare the bejeebers out of me. Are there any in the area that you would particularly recommend? Thanks
shrink

You will have wonderful time. There are two cable cars that immediately spring to mind. One is the cable car from Grindelwald up to First (the cable car station is in the middle of the town). It is a lovely trip, and the views from the top are great. You can also do several nice hikes from First, or simply sit on the outdoor terrace of the restaurant and admire the spectacular views. The other wonderful cable car is from Grund (within a few minutes walk of Grindelwald railway station) up to Mannelichen - this is the longest cable car trip in Europe they say (or maybe the world) and there is a wonderful walk from Mannelichen to Kleine Scheidegg (from where you can get the Jungfraujoch train, though by the time you would get there, you would only have a short time on the Top.) You could do both those cable car trips very comfortably in one day. From Wengen, you can actually take a funicular to Mannelichen, and then take the cable car down to Grund, but it's nicer going up.You could do both ways; In the morning, go Wengen to Mannelichen, cable car down to Grund, train one stop to Grindelwald (or walk), walk up the town, take the cable car to First, coffee in the restaurant/go for a walk, take the cable car down again, and go home via cable car to Mannelichen, and funicular back down to Wengen. If you are doing that, as well as Jungfrau, you better buy a Jungfraubahnen Pass - these trips are not cheap, and the Pass should save you some money. You will have a brilliant few days.

Some cable cars are large - for up to 80 people. I just closed my eyes and imagined I'm on a plane. Worked for me.

Thanks guys -- that really helps!
shrink

I just got back from that area the other day, though I stayed in Murren. I took the ride up to the Schilthorn, and also from Spechelberg (sp?) up to Murren. I have the same fears; but the views are amazing enough that I pried my white knuckles away from the handrails to take some amazing pictures. If all else fails, stare at the floor or close your eyes. It's WELL worth dealing with the fear and going on up. You won't regret it! Enjoy,
Robin

Just a bit of clarification. The "cable cars" described above (Grindelwald-First, Grund-Mannlichen) are what are usually referred to as "gondolas." As I recall the First gondola is a 6-passenger, and the Mannlichen is a 4-passenger. The true cable cars, or trams, in the area run from Stechelberg to Gimmelwald, Gimmelwald to Murren, Murren to Schilthorn (it's a great trip). I'm not sure what the exact capacity of those trams is, but it's approximately 100. From Wengen to Mannlichen is also a tram (100 passenger or so), not a funicular. The true funicular (i.e., sort of an outdoor elevator that hugs the cliff) runs from Lauterbrunnen to Grutschalp, from where a train takes you to Murren. Pretty much everything else is cog rail.

And as I always add when this topic comes up - try to rent the James Bond flick "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" before you go - it was largely filmed on location in Murren and at the Schilthorn and there are lost of scenes of 007 on the trams. And if you're really a glutton for punishment, also rent "The Eiger Sanction" for some good views of Kleine Scheidegg and the surrounding area.

Robin
How long does the ride up to the Schilthorn take? And I wont miss a ride due to fear. I just love the scenery too much.
shrink

It's about 17 minutes each way from Murren - add another 15 minutes if you're starting from Stechelberg. You stop at a small rock outcrop called Berg, which is about three-quarters of the way up, to change cars. There's an altimeter inside the car so you can track your progress.

My first trip up to the Schilthorn, during a ski vacation, was one of the most special experiences of my life. Murren was completely overcast and gray. We decided to go up anyway, and came out of the clouds into brilliant sunshine about halfway up (just like an airliner). We spent the whole day in the sun, skiing above the clouds, which looked like a blanket of cotton with the Eiger and other peaks poking up through them, then got back on the tram and descended back into the gloom. Pure magic.

ttt

Yes, I think from Murren up to the Schilthorn it was about 15 to 20 minutes. If you go before 9:25am there is a reduced "early bird" fee - I think it was 46sf versus 65sf, approximately. I would recommend going earlier rather than later. I took a 7:25am gondola up, and the views were spectacular. By the time I left at around 9:00, the mists had started to rise and the view from the top wasn't as good (though, on the way down, you break through the clouds and are back in the clear). Keep eyes peeled for mountain sheep and goats (our gondola operator was kind enough to point them out).