To make the best possible use of the time during the official shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, Nebelhornbahn-AG has brought forward the construction of the new Nebelhornbahn cable car by almost six months. A twin-cable gondola lift with modern 10-passenger cabins from LEITNER ropeways is scheduled to replace the old large-capacity aerial tramway by Easter 2021. Nebelhornbahn AG is investing around €55 million in the extensive renovation of the Nebelhornbahn cable car, thus improving the quality and service for guests.

Motivation, the driving force behind this major project
Nebelhorn AG has a vision: In less than a year, the Nebelhornbahn cable car will shine in new splendor. Therefore, there is great motivation to bring forward the construction work during the enforced shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic and thus gain time. "Yes, we are in the midst of a crisis. But we are not burying our heads in the sand; instead, we see the situation as a great opportunity to advance a long-cherished and unique project. The financing was already in place some time ago, and now we have the opportunity to start and complete construction earlier than planned," says a motivated Henrik Volpert, CEO of Nebelhornbahn-AG.

New comfort experience and architectural eye-catcher
The modern gondola lift, together with the architecture of the valley, middle, and top stations, will transform the Nebelhorn into an outstanding overall experience and set new, impressive standards in the region. "With the 10-person cabins from LEITNER ropeways, we guarantee significantly more comfort. Every visitor receives their own seat with a panoramic view in the barrier-free Symphony 10 cabins with the Pininfarina design. Furthermore, waiting times will be significantly reduced, as there is no longer any need to change trains at the middle station to reach the Höfatsblick top station," explains Johannes Krieg, CEO of Nebelhornbahn-AG. The middle station will continue to be an inviting place for a trip to the Seealpe in the future. In addition to the cable car itself, the architecture of the valley station is a centerpiece and a true eye-catcher. With its natural wooden construction, impressive glass elements, and curved lines, it will become the gateway to the natural arena. "Since 1930, visitors to the Nebelhorn have been taking the cable car to the high alpine terrain. The fact that what was once the longest passenger cable car is now being developed into a state-of-the-art gondola lift earlier than planned is an enrichment for the region and an increase in quality for our guests," says Johannes Krieg confidently. "We see the advantage of the construction as another decisive advantage: After the crisis, we can start the 2021 summer season stronger than before – hopefully without any aftermath of the coronavirus – and offer our guests a unique experience on the highest cable car in the Allgäu," says Henrik Volpert confidently.

Highlights of the new construction of Germany's second-highest mountain railway:

• New valley, middle, and mountain stations in natural wood construction with impressive glass elements
• No more transfers required to reach the Höfatsblick mountain station
• Shorter waiting times
• Accessible Symphony 10-passenger gondolas in the Pininfarina look from LEITNER ropeways
• Private seat and panoramic view for every guest
• Bi-cable technology with 2S technology:
> Less noise thanks to spring-mounted traction rope pulleys and plastic pulleys
> Reduced maintenance and longer service life
> More compact and space-saving stations

Despite construction work on the Nebelhorn and Söllereck cable cars, guests still have a great range of options available:

Even though the Nebelhorn and Söllereck cable cars will remain closed this summer due to construction work, guests in Oberstdorf will still have many open attractions available. At Söllereck, the Allgäu Coaster, the climbing forest, and the playgrounds at the valley and mountain stations are expected to open from May 25th. Rides at Fellhorn and Kanzelwand are expected to begin on May 30th.

Pictured in the press photo "New Nebelhornbahn Construction" are:
from left to right, Supervisory Board member Norbert Schürmann, Board members Henrik Volpert and Johannes Krieg, Supervisory Board Chairman Laurent Mies, employee representatives Andreas Vogt and Joachim Freudig, Technical Director Alfred Spötzl, and Supervisory Board member Heinrich Beerenwinkel.
Not pictured: Supervisory Board member Michael Luke