The historic Nebelhorn cable car embarked on its maiden voyage on a balmy summer day in June 1930 and is still considered one of the longest passenger cable cars in the world. Over 90 years later, a new chapter begins for this stalwart of German cable cars – its official and well-deserved retirement. Starting next season, a new 10-person gondola lift will transport outdoor enthusiasts to the mountain bliss of the Nebelhorn. The project is being realized with an investment of approximately 55 million euros.
3. Plenty of Space and Greater Comfort
Construction work on the Nebelhorn in Oberstdorf began in the summer of 2019. The modernization of the gondola lift includes barrier-free access, a new valley and mid-station, and an expanded summit station. Comfort is paramount. Seating for every passenger ensures a scenic ride, while the new mid-station eliminates the need to change lifts – thanks to reduced waiting times, passengers can continue comfortably towards the summit. The Seealpe station will continue to welcome passengers for boarding and alighting, making excursions to the Seealpe.
The overall project "Optimization of Scheidtobel Fellhorn" integrates measures from the areas of lift and facility construction, as well as slope construction and snowmaking. Here is a brief overview of the planned measures and the associated permitting processes:
An information meeting with the government of Swabia (RvS), the State Office for the Environment (LfU) and the lower nature conservation authority (UNB).
During this information session, the regional associations were informed about the current status of the survey of the forest birch mouse population and the planned further procedure in the context of "new reservoir construction".
During the preliminary planning for the construction of a new reservoir, a population of birch mice was discovered in the Scheidtobel area.
At this coordination meeting with the district office, the options for further action were on the agenda:
- Examination of 10 alternative locations
- Consultation with an expert on birch mice
In May 2019, the first scoping meeting to prepare the building permit application took place: the project was presented to the district office (LRA) with all relevant associations.
A scoping meeting is a discussion between the client – in this case, the Oberstdorf Kleinwalsertal cable car company – the responsible permitting authority, and the relevant specialist agencies to determine the scope and type of documents to be submitted.
