Since then, the new, comfortable 10-person cabins have been transporting guests to the starting points of the high-altitude hiking trails, the climbing forest, and the Söllis Kugelrennen (ball race), offering impressive panoramic views during the ride. Today, the new Söllereckbahn cable car was officially blessed by Pastor Maurus B. Mayer and Pastor Roland Sievers in the presence of Bavarian Deputy Prime Minister Hubert Aiwanger, State Councilor of the Oberallgäu district Indra Baier-Müller, and Mayor of Oberstdorf Klaus King. The planned ceremonial opening will continue to be postponed due to current COVID-19 restrictions and will be rescheduled for a later date.

Investment sets a precedent in the crisis
"Investing in a crisis requires courage and foresight. The cable cars have demonstrated this in an unprecedented way with the early construction of the Söllereck cable car, sending a clear message: They believe in tourism, even in times of global challenges. This sends a strong signal to Bavaria, as approximately 600,000 people earn their entire income from tourism, and across Germany, one in every 15 jobs is in tourism," said Bavarian Deputy Minister-President Hubert Aiwanger, expressing his conviction about the investment. Although the Söllereck cable car was completed in time for the winter season, it could not go into operation due to the Bavarian state government's coronavirus regulations. At the end of January 2021, it was able to demonstrate its capabilities for the first time in a test run: Under strict hygiene requirements, skiers from the German and Allgäu Ski Associations completed a successful training session on the Söllereck cable car. The Söllereck cable car has now been open to guests again for a good two months. "The start during the summer months is particularly important for the struggling tourism industry in the Allgäu region. The Söllereck is a central recreational mountain in the Allgäu, and the new Söllereckbahn cable car will once again make the region more attractive," says State Councilor Indra Baier-Müller confidently.

More comfort for family outings
Specifically, modern 10-passenger gondolas from LEITNER ropeways now transport visitors to the mountain adventure at approximately 1,400 meters. Without even having to cross the B19 federal highway, the experience begins directly at the parking lot where the new valley station is located. A clear advantage, especially for families with small children. In addition to the technological innovations, the Söllereckbahn, including the new cable car stations, is also a real eye-catcher from an architectural point of view. The green roofs blend harmoniously into the landscape, and large glass facades provide a view of the mountain panorama. "The fact that the Söllereckbahn is running today is thanks to the entire team involved, who, despite adversity, implemented such a complex project with precision. The entire construction phase went very well and quickly, which speaks volumes about the exceptional performance of each individual," said Henrik Volpert, CEO of Oberstdorfer Bergbahn AG, and Mayor Klaus King in unison. Volpert concluded: "Customer feedback so far shows that our drive and motivation have paid off. Visitors enjoy the increased comfort and the entertaining ride with fantastic views of the natural surroundings. We are confident that the Söllereckbahn will not only delight guests in the summer, but will also offer significant added value for skiers in the winter." More at www.ok-bergbahnen.com

About the Söllereckbahn
• Renovation of the valley, middle, and mountain stations, which blend harmoniously into the landscape
• Accessible 10-seater gondolas with access directly from the parking lot, without having to cross the main road (blue premium cabins for skiers and hikers, green Sölli cabin for ski school students in winter)
• Covered pedestrian bridge at the valley station
• Shortened waiting times

Pictured in the group photo are: (from left to right) Board of OBERSTDORF · KLEINWALSERTAL BERGBAHNEN Henrik Volpert, District Administrator Indra Baier-Müller, Mayor of Oberstdorf Klaus King, Minister of State Hubert Aiwanger, Member of the State Parliament Alexander Hold, Member of the European Parliament Ulrike Müller, Mayor of Kleinwalsertal Andi Haid, Mayor of Kempten Thomas Kiechle