Gurtenbahn funicular
The Gurtenbahn is a funicular railway. It combines Wabern near Bern with the straps.
The construction of the railway was completed in July 1899, but she could not drive because the electrical energy was missing. On September 12, it finally came to the commencement of operations until the end of the year, 33,500 people have been transported.
Specifications
Old Railway (1966-1999)
- Company: Gurtenbahn AG
- Valley station: 572.6 msl
- Mountain station: 833.1 msl
- Length: 1160.6 m (travel length)
- Difference in altitude: 260.5 m
- Pitch: 21.97 to 33 %
- Gauge: 1 meter
- Inclination car body: 26%
- Capacity per trolley: 100 people
New track ( since 1999)
- Company: Gurtenbahn AG
- Valley station: 572.6 msl
- Mountain station: 839.5 msl
- Length: 1059 m (travel length)
- Difference in altitude: 266.9 m
- Gradient: from 21.97 to 34.34 %
- Gauge: 1 meter
- Inclination car body: 30%
- Capacity per trolley: 120 people
History
On December 12, 1885, the first concession for the construction of a funicular railway to the belts was issued. This project was never realized.
Thus, a second concession for a funicular from Wabern was granted on the straps, on 22 December 1893 it was granted the Director of the Berner Tramway Company ( later urban transit Bern ). The concession was transferred on 17 December 1897, a federal decree to Fritz Marti from Winterthur, who founded the Electric Gurtenbahn on 15 October 1898. On December 27, 1898, the plans were approved and included the construction immediately. In early July 1899, the construction work had been completed, but since no electric power was still available, the train could not be opened.
On 7 and September 9, 1899 flat inspection of the system were carried out and issued an operating license. On September 12, 1899, the Railway started its operation. On January 1, 1926, the city of Bern acquired the possession straps and a majority of Gurtenbahn shares. Current Board member resigned closed. 1927 new statutes are adopted and the name changed in Gurtenbahn Bern AG.
1931, the cars are overhauled and renovated the base station. In 1932, a new drive was installed, which shortened the travel time from 9 to 7 minutes. In 1943, the purchase of new cars was decided.
In 1944, a fundamental renewal of the plants was tackled after 45 years of operation. So you replaced the old car with a capacity of 60 people by those made of light metal with a capacity of 100 people. The journey time could be reduced from 7 to 5 minutes. The base station has also been redesigned.
In 1949 the mountain station were also redesigned and celebrated its 50th anniversary. 1952 occurred on the straps, the ban for motor vehicles in force. 1960 was built on the straps together with young children's playground and the Liliputeisenbahn.
From 14 March to 21 May 1966, the plant was closed and was rebuilt. After an automated one-man operation was possible and at operating shock even a journey time of just 3 ½ minutes. In 1970, beside the station is a parking garage. In 1977, the first festival was held straps.
In 1999 the railway was rebuilt again. All stations have been renovated, replaced the drive and put new panoramic cars with a capacity of 120 persons in operation. On 1 July 1999, the converted railway could be reopened. Since July 8, 1999 individuals registered or bearer shares of the railway can acquire. On November 19, the opening of the park by the straps.