The Lünerseebahn – worth a trip

One destination that we particularly like to recommend to our guests is Lake Lünersee in the Brandnertal valley. The crystal-clear water and unique views of the surrounding mountains delight children and adults alike. But even the journey to one of Vorarlberg's largest lakes is something special. Today we would like to introduce you to the Lünerseebahn cable car:

The history of the Lünersee cable car

Since its opening in 1959, the cable car has brought countless guests to the picturesque lake at an altitude of 1,970 meters. Initially, up to 30 people could be transported to the mountain station in the cabin. However, Lünersee established itself as such a popular destination that a new cabin for up to 50 people was purchased just a few years later. The cable car was in operation for 60 years until it was renovated in 2019.

Renovation of the cable car

The spectacular new construction work began in September 2019. The work involved in attaching the steel cables was particularly challenging. The two cables, each weighing 18 tons, had to be transported to the mountain station by helicopter. In this video, you can follow the complex work in detail. State-of-the-art technology and new standards were used for the new construction. Unlike the old cable car, the new one is not supported by two smaller pillars, but by a single 30-meter-high pillar. It took 600 helicopter flights just to construct the foundation for this pillar. Here you can see a time-lapse video of the impressive metal structure growing taller and taller.

Technical details

The Lünerseebahn is a classic aerial tramway that travels up and down a 783-meter-long suspension cable. The new cable car climbs over 400 meters in altitude and can carry up to 65 people at a time to Lünersee at 1,970 meters. The spectacular, partially glazed cabin floor provides spectacular views as you float over the Brandnertal valley. The new Lünerseebahn cable car was opened on August 8, 2020. This year's summer season begins on May 13, 2021.

Lünersee – The pearl of the Alps

Lünersee covers a total area of around 112 hectares and was awarded the title of "most beautiful place in Austria" in 2019. With the help of this live cam, you can see for yourself right away. The walk around Lünersee is the ideal hike for families, as the easy circular route takes between one and a half to two hours and is suitable for children of almost any age. Both the Douglasshütte, right next to the Lünerseebahn mountain station, and the Lünersee Alpe are located directly on the circular hiking trail and offer a welcome place to rest. If you have a little more time, why not include the turnoff to the Gafalljoch viewpoint in your hike? The view is well worth the extra hour on the trail! Here you will find more hiking routes around Lake Lünersee. on the varied hikes.

Activities around Lake Lünersee

In addition to relaxing hikes, there are other activities at Lünersee that can enhance a day trip to this natural gem. How about a climbing tour on the Saulakopf, for example? The Saula via ferrata is located in the immediate vicinity of the Lünerseebahn mountain station and impresses with an incredible view of the lake and the surrounding peaks. For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, a day of fishing on the lake is a great idea. Anglers and hobby fishermen can catch rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, and lake trout in Lake Lünersee. A day ticket from the Illwerke Sportfischverein (Illwerke Sport Fishing Association) costs just €25. You can even buy the ticket online in advance.

The Brandnertal

The picturesque Brandnertal valley stretches from Bürs near Bludenz to the Schesaplana massif, at the foot of which lies Lake Lünersee. The three villages of Brand, Bürserberg, and Bürs have a combined population of around 4,500. In addition to Lake Lünersee, the Bürser Gorge is also worth a visit. Starting from the center of Bürs, you can hike along the Alvier stream, which flows through the gorge, on a romantic trail through idyllic natural surroundings. The circular trail takes you back to your starting point after about two hours via the so-called "Kuhloch" (cow hole).

How to get to the Lünersee cable car? Getting there and parking

If you want to travel by public transport, you can take the L81 Postbus line directly from Bludenz train station to the Lünerseebahn valley station. From Montafon, you can reach the Lünerseebahn by car in about 45 minutes. From Bludenz, you can reach your destination in about 30 minutes via the towns of Bürs and Brand. You can conveniently park your car directly at the Lünerseebahn valley station.

Operation, prices, and opening hours

The Lünerseebahn is expected to be open from May 13 to October 26 in 2021. So as soon as the weather warms up and the alpine roses begin to bloom, nothing stands in the way of a trip to this picturesque lake. The cable car runs every 15 minutes from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. between the valley and mountain stations. A return trip costs €17.40 for adults, €16.60 for seniors, and €10.50 for children and young people aged 7-17. Children under the age of 7 travel free when accompanied by an adult. During the 2021 summer season, the specific opening hours will depend on the Covid-19 protective measures. You can find the latest information on the Lünersee website.

Photo 1: Golm Silvretta Lünersee Tourismus GmbH, Philipp Schilcher
Photo 2: Golm Silvretta Lünersee Tourismus GmbH, Patrick Säly