The history of the cable car in Werfen
The history of Eisriesenwelt and the cable car - operated by Eisriesenwelt GmbH & Comp. KG - can be roughly divided into three sections.
1953 to 1961: The first cable car to Eisriesenwelt
The history of Austria's steepest cable car began in 1953 with the founding of the cable car company. The first decisive steps towards realising the project were taken in 1953/54, when the surveyor Franz Koppenwallner carried out the terrain surveys under extreme weather conditions.
In 1954, the GIRAK brothers took over the planning of the cable car. On 1 October 1954, the operators received the official concession and building permit, which marked the official start of the project. In the same year, the contract for the construction of the cable car was awarded to the companies AG Simmering-Graz-Pauker and Pohlig Wien. Construction also began in 1954, and the work had to be carried out under the difficult conditions of the alpine terrain and weather. After all, at that time there were no aids such as helicopters to transport heavy and bulky components into the impassable terrain.
An important milestone was reached on 2 July 1955 when the cable car cabins were delivered. After further intensive construction work, the Ministry of Transport granted the official concession to operate the cable car on 5 May 1955. Just three months later, on 8 August 1955, the cable car received its operating permit and began operating.
The cable car quickly developed into an indispensable means of transport for the numerous visitors to the Eisriesenwelt. However, on 9 October 1961, the entire passenger cable car system suffered a serious setback when it was almost completely destroyed by a major fire. This incident marked a dramatic end to the first years of the cable car, but despite the destruction, it was soon to be rebuilt in order to continue its operation and allow visitors to access the impressive ice cave.
1962 to 2013: Reconstruction & continuous development
After the devastating fire in 1961, which destroyed the cable car system (mountain station + ropes + cabin), the cable car was put back into operation at the start of the 1962 season. This rapid reconstruction was proof of the enormous commitment and determination of the operators. In the following years, from 1962 to 1964, the mountain station building was rebuilt and extended to cope with the increasing number of visitors.
The 1970s: progress at the highest level
The 1970s brought significant technical improvements:
- 1970: Installation of a new drive by the VOEST company
- 1974: Comprehensive modernisation of the electrical engineering
- 1974: Start of planning for a general conversion of the cable car
- 1977/78: Reconstruction of the cable car by the company de Pretis from Villach
- Replacing supports 1 and 2
- Raising the drive to a higher rope level
- Renovation of the bottom station
- Installation of new track and haul ropes
- Modernisation of the lift equipment
- Increasing the capacity of the gondolas from eight to 15 passengers
- Use of trolleys with suspension rope brakes for the first time to increase safety
1980s to the 2010s: Steady development of the cable car
In 1988, the installation of an emergency drive and the approval of the second copying unit led to an increase in travel speed to seven metres per second and a capacity of 15 passengers per cabin - previously there was a maximum of 12 passengers per cabin.
Further modernisation work was carried out in the 1990s. In 1992, the entrance to the valley station was roofed over and between 1993 and 1997, a 5kV line was laid to the mountain station, allowing the diesel engines to be replaced by electric motors. In 1994, the barriers were replaced by sliding gates to facilitate access to the gondolas.
In 2005, the signalling system was replaced, and in 2007, another renovation was carried out by the company ELIN. 2011 and 2012 saw a complete renewal of the drive systems and electrical engineering by the companies Steurer and Siemens.
2013 to date: General conversion, modernisation & capacity expansion
In 2013, planning began for a comprehensive general overhaul of the cable car to Eisriesenwelt in order to meet the increasing requirements and modern technical standards. The company Steurer was commissioned as general contractor, supported by the company Siemens (later spun off and taken over by the company Frey) and the company Carvatech as subcontractor.
The actual conversion work began in 2014 and included a large number of renovations. The vehicles, including cabins, hangers and running gear with suspension rope brakes, as well as the carriage electrics were completely replaced. A significant innovation was the installation of a redundant signalling connection for the cable carriages using WLAN for the first time in Austria, which significantly increased safety and reliability. In addition, the suspension cables and the haul rope were renewed, support 1 was replaced at its previous location and support 2 (entrance support in front of the mountain station) was reinforced. Further improvements included the renewal of the rope shoe supports in the valley and supports as well as the renewal of the carriage deflectors in the station area. The vehicle capacity was increased from 15 to 18 passengers in order to transport more visitors per journey.
After a slight delay of ten days, the modernised cable car was put back into operation on 9 May 2015. The following year, 2016, the concession for the cable car was extended until 2055, ensuring long-term operational safety.
Werfen passenger cable car and its significance for tourism
The Werfen passenger cable car plays a central role in tourism in the region, transporting around 170,000 visitors to the Eisriesenwelt every year. Without the cable car, access to the ice cave would be far more difficult and time-consuming, as visitors used to have to tackle the steep path on foot. The cable car not only makes visiting the cave more comfortable, but also safer and quicker. The modern cable car makes it possible for more people to experience the Eisriesenwelt and thus contributes significantly to the region's tourist appeal. It also creates economic benefits for local businesses, including the catering and hotel industries, and secures jobs. The investment in the cable car demonstrates the importance of the sustainable development of tourism in Werfen and the surrounding areas - the general refurbishment cost around 2 million euros.
The (easy) way to the Eisriesenwelt
Thanks in part to the convenience of Austria's steepest cable car, today only around 1,000 of the 170,000 annual visitors walk the 500 metres up to Dr. Friedrich Oedl Haus.
The walk from the valley station to the Eisriesenwelt and the return journey are already included in the admission price for the Eisriesenwelt. Secure your tickets to the largest ice cave in the world conveniently online now: