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The world’s steepest cogwheel railway goes up the Pilatus

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Up to Mount Pilatus with the steepest cogwheel railway in the world

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Up to Mount Pilatus with the steepest cogwheel railway in the world

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A masterpiece from the 19th century

The steepest cogwheel railway in the world, with a gradient of 48% and a length of 4'618 metres, links Alpnachstad with Pilatus Kulm at an altitude of 2'132 m.

The engineer Eduard Locher developed its very particular ingenious rack-and-pinion solution: he dealt with the gradient by using two horizontally rotating cogwheels. The first trip took place in 1889. The masterpiece was also presented at the World’s Fair in Paris that same year.

Technical specifications

Opening
4 June 1889 (steam-driven propulsion)
Reopening
15 May 1937 (electrical propulsion)
Operating season
May to November
Altitude difference
1,635 m
Track length
4,618 m
Travel time
Ascent 30 min., descent 40 min.
Gradient
Maximum 48%, average 38%
 

Location and contact

Pilatus-Bahnen AG
Brünigstrasse 2
6053 Alpnachstad
+41 (0)41 329 13 13
www.pilatus.ch
Location fully accessible/usable
Wheelchair-accessible WC available
Designated disabled parking bays available

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