Metro Alpin

The Metro Alpin is a fully running underground funicular above Saas -Fee in the Swiss canton of Valais. Although it does not meet the classic definition of a metro in terms of a mass means of transport in urban areas, it is called by the tourism managers of the resort as " highest metro in the world." The operation is performed by the " Saas- Fee cableways AG ».

Opened on 19 December 1984 Railway runs from the station « Felskinn » ( 2980 m above sea level. M. ) on the edge of the Fee glacier to the station " Mittelallalin » ( 3456 m above sea level. M. ) in the north wall of 4027 meter high Allalinhorn. Construction began on September 1, 1981.

From Saas -Fee from the Metro Alpin can be reached directly with the Felskinn railway ( cable car ) or the Alpin Express (gondola) in 2 sections. It is primarily for ski and excursion tourism. Another attraction at the mountain station is the world's highest revolving restaurant, which offers a complete panoramic view of the four peaks of the Valais Alps within an hour. In addition, located on Mittelallalin the world 's largest ice grotto ( ice cave ).

The vehicles have a capacity of 115 passengers per hour in each direction can be transported 1500 people. The daily operating hours of the Metro Alpin renew each summer from month to month in 15 minutes or shorter in the fall to this quarter of an hour. The operation is normally set at the end of the winter season, during a few weeks in order to perform maintenance work.

The tunnel is 1749 meters long and overcomes a height difference of 476 meters. The single-track line has in the middle of an intersection. At the middle station " Hohlaub " is made on the first ascent in the morning for alpinists halt. A tube crossing can be reached directly as the Hohlaubgletscher. In the lower half of the tunnel tube, the inclination is 17 % to 48%, in the upper half of uniformly 33%. It is driven by stationary engines in the mountain station; these move the rope, where the two vehicles are attached. The track width is 1200 mm, the driving speed 36 km / h