100 years of Austrian cable cars

How the Feuerkogel has connected our mountain world since 1926: For 100 years, cable cars in Austria have been bringing people to the mountains—and the mountains into people’s hearts. What began in 1926 with pioneering projects such as the Rax Cable Car and the Tyrolean Zugspitze Cable Car has evolved into a unique success story: Today, cable cars stand for safety, comfort, technical innovation, and unforgettable summit experiences—in both summer and winter.

One of the most historic sites of this development is the Feuerkogel—a key location for the Bergbahnen Dachstein Salzkammergut. Reason enough to use the “100 Years of Cable Cars” anniversary as an opportunity to look back, celebrate the present, and look toward the future.

In the mid-1920s, a new chapter began in the development of the Alps. For the first time, cable cars gave the general public access to high-Alpine regions—safely, comfortably, and regardless of physical fitness or climbing experience.

During this period, several major projects were launched that are considered pioneers in the Alps:

• Rax Cable Car (1926)

• Tyrolean Zugspitze Cable Car (1926)

• Schmittenhöhebahn (1927)

• Kanzelbahn Gerlitzen (1927)

• Pfänderbahn (1927)

• Feuerkogel Cable Car (1927) – and thus one of the earliest sites that continues to shape our region to this day

Technologically, reversible cable cars with large cabins dominated at the time—a completely new experience: Instead of laboriously climbing for hours, guests could reach the mountain summit in just a few minutes and enjoy the view of the Alpine landscape.

It is no coincidence that the Feuerkogel was first developed as early as 1927. Its scenic location, guaranteed snow, and excellent conditions for both summer and winter tourism made it an ideal site for a cable car from the very beginning.

As a result, the Feuerkogel became one of the places where the history of Austrian cable cars can be experienced firsthand:

• early development during the pioneering era (1920s)

• continuous advancement in technology and comfort

• transition from a mere means of transportation to an experience for families, athletes, and leisure seekers

For us at Bergbahnen Dachstein Salzkammergut, the legacy of those early years is both a commitment and an inspiration: We are continuing what began nearly 100 years ago—bringing people up the mountain safely, comfortably, and with a smile.

Cable cars have long been much more than mere means of transportation. They connect:

• People and mountains—year-round, across generations, and with minimal barriers

• Tradition and innovation—from historic aerial tramways to modern, comfortable systems

• Regions and economic value—as a driving force for tourism, recreation, and alpine infrastructure

Today, Austrian cable cars stand for:

• high safety and quality standards

• state-of-the-art technology and comfort

• summer and winter operations: hikers, cyclists, families, and skiers all benefit equally

• sustainable development and regional jobs

This trend is also evident at the Feuerkogel: What used to be reserved primarily for skiers is now a year-round experience for everyone who loves the mountains—with panoramic trails, places to relax, family-friendly activities, and athletic challenges.

Over the course of a century, cable cars have brought about lasting change in the Alpine regions. They:

• create jobs and secure livelihoods in tourism regions

• enable sustainable mobility in the Alpine region

• make the mountains accessible to older people, families with children, and those who are less physically fit

• promote awareness of nature, the environment, and mountain culture

The Austrian Cable Car Association coordinates this development at the national and European levels, strengthens quality, innovation, and recognition of the industry, and supports companies in training, continuing education, and public relations.

For destinations like the Feuerkogel, this means: We are part of a strong community and an industry that has been demonstrating how responsible mountain tourism works for 100 years.

100 years of cable cars aren’t just a chapter in the history of technology—they’re also a success story of the many people who work every day to ensure that the systems operate safely and reliably.

Today, the cable car industry offers diverse career paths for anyone passionate about technology, nature, and people. Cable car technician is a future-proof profession with varied responsibilities—especially in major tourist regions like the Salzkammergut and the Feuerkogel.

The cable cars of the future will be even more efficient, resource-friendly, and comfortable. Already today, Austrian cable car operators are focusing on:

• modern drive technology and energy efficiency

• optimized operational processes

• predictive maintenance and maximum safety

• smart integration of summer and winter offerings

For us at Bergbahnen Dachstein Salzkammergut, this means we take responsibility for the region, for our guests, and for nature. The Feuerkogel is not just a mountain with spectacular views—it’s a symbol of how tourism, technology, and environmental protection can go hand in hand.

When a cable car has been taking people up the mountain for nearly a century, an incomparable wealth of memories accumulates:

• the first ride on the cable car as a child

• the family ski day that becomes a tradition

• the sunrise hike at the summit

• the feeling when the view opens up and your gaze sweeps across the Salzkammergut

The Feuerkogel is part of this 100-year history—and at the same time the setting for many new chapters that are added every day.

Since 1926, cable cars in Austria have been connecting people, mountains, and generations. The Feuerkogel has been part of this development from the very beginning and remains one of the places where the fascination with cable car history is still very much alive today.

With the Bergbahnen Dachstein Salzkammergut, you’ll experience:

• a living tradition dating back to the early days of Alpine cable car development

• state-of-the-art technology and the highest safety standards

• authentic mountain experiences—from family outings to athletic adventures

We look forward to writing the next chapter of “Cable Cars on the Feuerkogel” together with you—for the next 100 years and beyond.