In order to make the best possible use of the time during the coronavirus-related shutdown, the start of the complete renovation of the historic Nebelhornbahn cable car was brought forward by six months in April 2020. Today, unfortunately due to Covid-19, the official opening of the cable car took place in a small circle, in the presence of Prime Minister Markus Söder, State Minister Klaus Holetschek, State Councilor of the Oberallgäu district Indra Baier-Müller, Mayor of Oberstdorf Klaus King, Chairman of the Supervisory Board Michael Lucke, and the two board members Henrik Volpert and Johannes Krieg. It was blessed by Bishop Bertram Meier of Augsburg and Regional Bishop Axel Piper.

Foresight demonstrated in the crisis
"In less than a year, the local mountain railways have completed a mammoth project. An achievement that fully reflects their corporate values. They acted with the necessary foresight and courage during the crisis, thereby demonstrating their responsibility towards tourism and the region," said Minister President Söder, with State Minister Holetschek adding: "During a global crisis, they were put to the test and faced many new challenges. Consider, for example, the changed delivery times for building materials. But today we see that they mastered these hurdles with flying colors."

The Nebelhornbahn has been operating for guests since May 22, 2021, significantly changing the way guests travel up the mountain. "There has been a ride to the Nebelhorn for over 90 years, and for over 40 years, the yellow, wide-capacity cabins have transported mountain visitors to the summit. Now a new era is dawning: Modern 10-person cabins will transport our guests comfortably and with the best views up to an altitude of 2,224 meters. This is already changing the start of their mountain experience and creating new moments," says Supervisory Board Chairman Michael Lucke, delighted with the now realized vision of a long-cherished project. "To realize a project of this magnitude, you need not only a clear project plan but also a strong team, reliable construction companies and suppliers, and the trust of investors and authorities – for this, we would like to express our sincere thanks," say the two board members, Henrik Volpert and Johannes Krieg, in unison.

Innovative technology meets natural architecture
With the new Nebelhorn cable car, the manufacturer LEITNER ropeways, together with local mountain railways, is setting new technological standards. The comprehensive redevelopment of the two-cable system with 2S technology is celebrating its premiere at the Allgäu's highest mountain railway. It combines innovations that create significant added value: "With the new cable car, we are at the cutting edge of technology. This means that with the new 10-person gondola lift, we were able to bridge the long spans of the old cable car without having to erect more supports. "Furthermore, with the new Pininfarina cabins, we can provide guests with a huge improvement in quality," explains Johannes Krieg. "We are also gradually getting to grips with the noise issues and are confident that we will meet the official requirements," says Martin Leitner, CEO of Leitner AG. In addition to the technology, the architecture is a new experience for visitors. The valley station in particular has changed significantly. "With its natural wooden construction, impressive glass elements, and curved lines, it is the gateway to the Nebelhorn world," concludes Henrik Volpert. More at www.ok-bergbahnen.com

The highlights 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 gondola lift in the Pininfarina look from LEITNER ropeways
• Private seat and panoramic view for every guest
• Bi-cable technology with 2S technology:
o Lower maintenance requirements and longer service life
o More compact and space-saving stations
o Fewer towers due to longer spans
o Less susceptible to wind

In the group photo are: (from left to right)
Vice President of the State Parliament Alexander Hold, Board Member Johannes Krieg, Chairman of the Supervisory Board Michael Lucke, Mayor Klaus King, Minister-President Dr. Markus Söder, Board Member Henrik Volpert, Mechthilde Wittmann, Eric Beiswenger, Thomas Kreuzer, District Administrator Indra Baier-Müller