In summer, the Fellhornbahn I large gondola normally takes guests to the Schlappoldsee station. During winter ski season, the Fellhornbahn II, an 8-seater gondola, operates in parallel. Always at the cutting edge of the art, the Fellhorn truly lives up to its name. This summer season, at least initially, the small gondola lift operated as an exception to the mid-station at 1,779 m. This was due to the modernization work on the Fellhornbahn I, which began on March 31, 2025.
On Friday, August 8, 2025, the upgraded aerial tramway, featuring new cabins with floor-to-ceiling Plexiglas panels that offer impressive panoramic views, will open its summer season.
Over half a century in business
Over 50 years ago, the Fellhorn was already known as Oberstdorf's "Flower Mountain." In 1972, not only amateur skiers but also winter sports enthusiasts had every reason to rejoice: The large cable car went into operation, making trips to the Fellhorn possible for all visitors, both summer and winter. Initially, Germany's largest cable car transported up to 720 people per hour to the Schlappoldsee station, which also featured four surface lifts for skiing. The next section to the summit was completed a year later. Today, during peak winter times, when both cable cars operate in parallel, up to 3,000 passengers per hour are transported to the snowy mountain world. In addition to the "Fellhornbahn II" small cable car, a powerful snowmaking system and modern chairlifts were added over the years, gradually replacing the surface lifts.
Now it gets technical
A lot has happened in the field of cable car technology in half a century. So it's no wonder that the cable car control technology on the old Fellhornbahn is also showing its age. This outdated technology was one of the main reasons for the modernization. Furthermore, after more than 50 years, the cable car cabins are gradually reaching the end of their lifespan. Ultimately, however, it is also the cable car regulations that made a renovation of the "old lady" essential.
Here are the technical measures at a glance:
• Replacement of both large cabins
• Replacement of the electric main drive and the diesel-hydraulic emergency drive
• New hydraulic and controlled service and safety brakes
• Overhaul of the gearboxes for the main and emergency drives
• New cable car control system
• Replacement of the cable guides on the supports
• Installation of automatic sliding gates on the platforms for cabin exits
• Special inspection for cable work: tensioning of the four suspension cables
• Special inspections of the running gear and suspension arms
• Special inspections of the drive wheels
A New Shine for the "surroundings"
As part of the technical overhaul of the Fellhornbahn, the platforms (platforms) at the valley and mountain stations also received a new look. The platforms were not only visually modernized, but also promise improved quality for passengers and better occupational safety for employees. These are the main changes:
• Renovation of the platforms at the valley and mountain stations
• Redesign of the railings and walkways on the platforms
• Visual redesign of the platforms
• Occupational safety measures in accordance with current regulations: walkways, railings, platforms, stairs
• Infrastructure measures: Redesign of office and supervisory areas, partial renewal of the building's electrical systems, heating, and thermal insulation
• Fire protection measures as part of the modernization
The Fellhornbahn construction logbook and further information on all other quality improvement measures at OBERSTDORF · KLEINWALSERTAL BERGBAHNEN can be found on the website at
https://www.ok-bergbahnen.com/unternehmen/qualitaetsmassnahmen/
