Perhaps one of the most impressive and at the same time ephemeral means of transportation are the cable cars and gondolas. These ski lifts allow you, in a very short time, to ascend to the top and enjoy the breathtaking scenery around you. Pharaonic constructions that delight tourists with their most spectacular cable cars and gondolas, giving access to summits of unquestionable beauty without any effort being necessary.
Precisely the first cable car built in the world was created in Spain, in 1906, with the intention that wealthy people did not have to make great efforts to climb to the tops of the mountains. Have you ever dreamed of being able to fly and soar through the skies like a bird? Well, we give you the option of being able to do something similar and contemplate the wonderful panorama from the highest peaks by means of cable cars.
To select the most impressive cable cars and gondolas in the world, we have considered several key criteria. Firstly, the views they offer: those that cross iconic natural landscapes, such as mountains, glaciers or coasts, standing out for their ability to showcase unforgettable panoramas. We have also valued technical innovation, including unique systems such as rotating cabins, glass floor or height and distance records. Finally, we have taken into account their cultural and historical impact, favoring those ropeways that connect destinations of great touristic, historical or functional relevance, such as urban centers, monuments or national parks that also contribute significantly to the reduction of the CO₂ footprint, offering a sustainable alternative to other means of transportation in sensitive and touristic environments. These criteria guarantee a selection that combines engineering, sustainability, beauty and unique experience.
Are you ready? Then get ready to climb to the heights, because here are the most spectacular cable cars and gondolas in the world.
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La Saulire Cable Car (France)
The La Saulire Cable Car, located in the prestigious ski resort of Courchevel, France, is a landmark facility that connects the base of the resort to the summit of La Saulire, at an altitude of 2,740 meters. Originally opened in 1952, this cable car has seen several significant renovations over the decades to improve its capacity and modernize its facilities.
In 1984, a notable upgrade was carried out that allowed the ropeway to carry up to 160 passengers per cabin, setting a world record at the time. However, in September 2021, during an extreme load test prior to the winter season, both cabins suffered considerable damage when they collided with the terminal stations. This incident put the ropeway out of service for several seasons, affecting essential connectivity between Courchevel and the world’s largest ski area Les Trois Vallées.
Following an investment of approximately 10 million euros, the La Saulire Cable Car reopened on December 12, 2024, featuring completely renovated cabins equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and sound technology. The new, fully glazed cabins offer an unparalleled panoramic experience, allowing passengers to enjoy 360-degree views of the Vanoise glaciers and the majestic Mont Blanc massif. In addition, these cabins have been designed to be modular, adapting to the different seasons. During the winter, they are equipped with ski racks, while in the summer, central benches are installed to provide more comfortable transportation for hikers and mountain bikers.
The reopening of the La Saulire Cable Car not only re-establishes a vital connection within Les Trois Vallées, but also reaffirms its position as a symbol of technical and tourist excellence in the French Alps. In addition, this cable car provides access to some of Courchevel’s most emblematic slopes, such as the famous Combe de la Saulire ski run.
Aiguille du Midi cable car (France)
The aerial tramway, inaugurated in 1955, was an engineering feat for its time, given the rugged terrain, extreme weather conditions and the need to transport tons of materials at high altitude. Even today, its maintenance requires titanic efforts due to wind, snow and extreme cold conditions. No one said it would be easy, but this engineering feat was well worth it. The Aiguille du Midi cable car in France offers breathtaking views. The cable car reaches 3,842 meters and from there, you can see the Swiss, Italian and French Alps, as well as a view of Mont-Blanc, the colossus of Europe that will not be easy to forget.
The route starts at the base of Chamonix (1,035 meters) and is done in two stages. The first is the section: Chamonix – Plan de l’Aiguille at 2,310 meters. It is an ideal place to enjoy the views and explore. From here, you can start a hike to Montenvers, home of the famous Mer de Glace glacier, an ice giant 7 kilometers long and 200 meters deep.
Then, you can tackle the second section: Plan de l’Aiguille – Aiguille du Midi which ascends almost vertically (it’s brutal) to the top of the Aiguille du Midi, crossing steep landscapes and glaciers. This section is impressive for its steepness and uninterrupted views of the Mont Blanc massif. At the top, at 3,842 meters, visitors can enjoy panoramic platforms that offer 360-degree views of the Alps, including iconic peaks such as the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa, as well as the “Step into the Void”. A thrilling suspended glass attraction that allows visitors to “float” above the void. And as you can imagine, if you are a mountaineer or you like to walk on one of the roofs of Europe, from this second section you will have easy access to the high mountain since from here climbing and hiking routes depart to Mont Blanc and other emblematic points of the Alps.
A classic of the Alps that we could not fail to include in this selection of the most spectacular cable cars in the world not suitable for people with vertigo.
Brest Cable Car (France)
Among the most remarkable projects by the Swiss manufacturer Bartholet is the Brest Cable Car. This colossal cable car stands out as an undisputed benchmark for its technical ingenuity and its impact on the urban landscape. Opened in 2016, this cable car – the first of its kind in an urban setting in France – stands out for incorporating a system unique in the world: the vertical crossing of cabins, a solution developed specifically by Bartholet that enables something unprecedented: the cabins overlap rather than crossing sideways, thanks to a single, enormous 80-metre-high tower. Added to this innovation is the considerable complexity of the installation, as the line crosses the River Penfeld in a port and military environment, subject to strict clearance and safety requirements to ensure safe navigation.
The line, which is approximately 420 metres long, crosses the River Penfeld at a height of around 60 metres, in a port environment subject to significant operational constraints. With two high-capacity cabins, each holding up to 60 passengers, the system can carry around 1,200 people per hour, serving both everyday transport needs and acting as a tourist attraction. Beyond the engineering, the cable car has accompanied the transformation of the former Ateliers des Capucins, establishing itself as a symbol of new urban mobility. Furthermore, as it is fully integrated into the public transport network – tram and bus – the cable car has helped to relieve congestion on other modes of transport, whilst becoming a symbol of Brest’s urban transformation and a significant case study in the evolution of cable transport in urban settings.
Mount Titlis gondola lift (Switzerland)
Engelberg, Switzerland, is home to the Mount Titlis gondola lift, an engineering masterpiece that combines innovation and alpine beauty. Known as the Titlis Rotair, this cable car, inaugurated in 1992, is world famous for being the first to feature rotating cabins that offer 360-degree panoramic views during the ascent. From its base in Engelberg to the top of Mount Titlis, 3,020 meters above sea level, the system covers a total length of 4.2 kilometers and crosses glaciers, snow-capped peaks and deep valleys. On its final stretch, the cabins turn smoothly on their axis, ensuring that every passenger enjoys the breathtaking views regardless of their position inside the cabin, as the cable car ascends 1,746 meters in a journey of approximately five minutes.
La construcción de este teleférico enfrentó retos técnicos monumentales debido a las condiciones extremas del terreno alpino. La instalación de las torres en terrenos glaciares inestables requirió técnicas avanzadas de perforación y estabilización, mientras que las bajas temperaturas, los fuertes vientos y la acumulación de nieve complicaron significativamente el transporte de materiales y las labores de construcción. Para garantizar la seguridad y operatividad del teleférico, incluso en condiciones adversas, se diseñaron sistemas redundantes que minimizan los riesgos asociados a tormentas y formación de hielo en los cables, convirtiéndolo en un referente en innovación y seguridad en alta montaña.
Al llegar a la cima del Monte Titlis, los visitantes tienen la oportunidad de explorar una de las regiones más espectaculares de los Alpes suizos. Entre las atracciones principales se encuentra el Titlis Cliff Walk, un puente colgante a 3,041 metros de altitud que se erige como el más alto de Europa y ofrece vistas vertiginosas del glaciar y las montañas circundantes. También es posible visitar la cueva de hielo, un túnel excavado dentro del glaciar que permite adentrarse en un mundo de hielo eterno. Durante todo el año, el Monte Titlis se convierte en un paraíso para los entusiastas del esquí, el snowboard y el senderismo, atrayendo tanto a aventureros como a turistas en busca de paisajes inolvidables.
Bondinho of Sugar Loaf Mountain (Brazil)
Would you like to be able to see the entire Guanabara Bay at Copacabana Beach from the top? Well, you can do it from the Bondinho cable car in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This back-and-forth cable car with cabins that move between fixed stations, inaugurated in 1912, connects Praia Vermelha with the Urca neighborhood. Its cabins can carry up to 65 passengers, crazy isn’t it? You can climb to the top of the “Sugar Loaf” or if you prefer, you can stop at the viewpoints of Morro de Urca.
In addition to the rhythm of the samba, you can contemplate Flamengo beach, the most emblematic buildings of Rio de Janeiro, Christ the Redeemer and the city of Niterói. It is one of the oldest cable car systems in the world and crosses a distance of 1,400 meters with a maximum altitude of 396 meters. Renovated several times, it offers spectacular views of Guanabara Bay, Christ the Redeemer and Copacabana Beach. Its tropical and urban setting creates a unique experience, combining nature and city.
Table Mountain Cable Car (South Africa)
If you visit South Africa, you’ll probably be breathless if you climb to the top of Table Mountain in Cape Town. This rotating back-and-forth cable car offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, Robben Island and the Cape Peninsula. Since 1929, this cable car has connected the base of Cape Town to the top of Table Mountain, at an altitude of 1,067 meters. Modernized in 1997 with rotating cabins, it offers views of the city, the Atlantic Ocean and Robben Island. Table Mountain is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and we have included it in our selection of the most beautiful mountains in the world and its environment includes a rich biodiversity with endemic species.
This mountain formation, with its iconic flat top that resembles a giant table, is a universally recognized symbol of South Africa. Its rich biodiversity includes more than 2,200 plant species, many of which are endemic to the fynbos biome, one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. In addition, the mountain offers spectacular views of the city, the Atlantic Ocean and Robben Island, and is a place where nature intertwines with history and culture, attracting millions of visitors each year. Its combination of beauty, uniqueness and ecological value makes it a natural wonder worthy of worldwide recognition. In addition, the cable car faces the constant challenge of operating in an area of strong winds, which makes it an engineering feat.
Ngong Ping 360 gondola lift (Hong Kong)
The Ngong Ping 360 gondola is located on Lantau Island, the largest island in Hong Kong, a place known for its mix of natural landscapes, cultural traditions and modern infrastructure. This bi-cable gondola connects Tung Chung, an urban area, with Ngong Ping, a cultural village that is home to iconic attractions such as the Tian Tan Buddha, one of the largest open-air bronze Buddhas in the world, and the Po Lin Monastery.
It runs 5.7 kilometers from Tung Chung to the cultural village of Ngong Ping, crossing mountains, the South China Sea and the iconic Tian Tan Buddha. It was opened in 2006 and is famous for its glass-floored cabins (not suitable for people suffering from acrophobia) that offer spectacular views of the surroundings at an altitude of 580 meters. The installation was complex due to the mountainous terrain and the need to minimize environmental impact in a region with protected biodiversity.
Masada Cable Car (Israel)
This aerial tramway ascends from 257 meters below sea level to the top of the Masada fortress, 33 meters above sea level. It is one of the lowest cable cars in the world and connects visitors to a historic site of great archaeological and cultural importance. Installed in 1971, the project had to overcome the challenges of operating in a desert environment with high temperatures and frequent sandstorms. In 1998, the ropeway was completely renovated to improve its capacity and efficiency. Today, it can transport up to 1,200 people per hour, each cabin accommodating 80 passengers. But it doesn’t end there. The fortress of Masada is an archaeological site of great historical significance, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. Located in the Judean Desert near the Dead Sea, Masada was originally built by Herod the Great between 37 and 31 BC as a safe haven against possible revolt or invasion. The fortress included palaces, storehouses, a synagogue and an advanced water collection system, adapted to the desert climate.
Masada is best known for the siege that took place during the First Jewish-Roman War (66-73 A.D.), when a group of nearly 1,000 Jewish zealots resisted the siege of Roman troops for months. According to the historian Flavius Josephus, faced with imminent capture, the defenders preferred to commit collective suicide rather than fall into the hands of the enemy. This act turned Masada into a symbol of resistance and freedom in Jewish history. Now that you have an idea of the historic site that can be reached by cable car, let’s move on to more technical details. The Masada Cableway was built in 1971 to facilitate access to the top of the fortress, which was previously only reachable via the arduous “Snake Trail”, a zigzagging path that climbs the mountain. The cable car is one of the few infrastructures of its kind in the world that operates below sea level, given that the Dead Sea is located at the lowest point on Earth.
Mi Teleférico (Bolivia)
Mi Teleférico, located in Bolivia, is a masterpiece of modern engineering that combines efficient transportation, sustainability and breathtaking views. This cable car network, the most extensive in the world, connects the cities of La Paz and El Alto, which are located in one of the highest urban regions on the planet, with altitudes exceeding 4,000 meters above sea level. It is composed of multiple lines of detachable monocable gondolas. Since its inauguration in 2014, the system has transformed urban mobility, significantly reducing travel times and offering an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional transportation. The construction of “Mi Teleférico” was carried out by the Austrian company Doppelmayr, a reference in cable transportation systems. This project represented the largest contract in Doppelmayr’s history, with the construction of ten cable car lines over a period of six years, which was a monumental feat for the entire team involved.
Today, with 11 operational lines and an extension of more than 33 kilometers, Mi Teleférico is not only an engineering feat, but also a revolutionary solution to Bolivia’s geographic challenges. It connects mountainous and urban areas that previously required long hours of travel on winding roads. The cabins, designed to operate at extreme altitudes, feature pressurized systems that ensure passenger comfort, even in low atmospheric pressure conditions. In addition, they are equipped with state-of-the-art technology that ensures efficient and safe operation, even in adverse weather conditions.
The network is not only functional, but has also become a unique tourist attraction. From the cabins, passengers can enjoy spectacular views of the Andes and Illimani, the majestic snow-capped mountain that stands as a symbol of La Paz. The lines travel through colorful neighborhoods, local markets and vibrant cityscapes, offering an experience that combines culture and nature.
Mi Teleférico also stands out for its positive environmental impact, as it uses electric energy for its operation, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions compared to traditional vehicles. This commitment to sustainability has made the network a model for urban transportation worldwide.
In addition to its efficiency and beauty, Mi Teleférico has transformed the lives of thousands of Bolivians, providing accessible, safe and affordable transportation. It is a symbol of modernization in a challenging environment, connecting people and redefining the concept of urban mobility in one of the highest cities on the planet. This system is not only a technological marvel, but also an inspiring example of how innovation can improve the quality of life and harmonize with the natural environment.
Banff Gondola (Canada)
The Banff Gondola, located in the heart of Banff National Park, Alberta, is one of Canada’s most iconic attractions and a gateway to the incomparable beauty of the Rocky Mountains. This gondola, inaugurated in 1959, ascends Mount Sulphur, reaching an altitude of 2,281 meters. Its 1.6 kilometer route offers impressive views of alpine forests, snow-capped peaks and the meandering Bow River, one of the jewels of the park. It was built by the Swiss company Von Roll, which specializes in cable transport systems. In 2015, the upper gondola terminal underwent a significant $26 million renovation, carried out by PCL Constructors Canada Inc , to enhance the visitor experience and modernize the facilities.
The journey begins at the base of Mount Sulphur and culminates at an upper station with a panoramic observation platform, from where you can see landscapes that encompass the Bow Valley, Banff National Park and, on clear days, even the distant Kananaskis Range. At the top, there is also an interactive exhibit on the geological and cultural history of the area, designed to enrich the visitor experience.
Construction of the Banff Gondola was a technical challenge, given the mountainous terrain and strict regulations to minimize environmental impact in the park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To ensure sustainability, materials were used that blend in with the surroundings and technologies were implemented to preserve the area’s wildlife.
Today, the gondola has modern and ecological cabins that offer comfortable and efficient transportation. Once at the top, visitors can hike a wooden trail that leads to the Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site, a former atmospheric research station that is a Canadian historic landmark.
Skyway Monte Bianco (Italy)
The Skyway Monte Bianco, inaugurated in 2015, is an engineering masterpiece that connects Courmayeur to Pointe Helbronner, 3,466 meters above sea level, traversing the majestic Mont Blanc massif. This cable car, renowned for its rotating cabins offering 360-degree panoramic views of the Alps and surrounding glaciers, was designed by the Italian firm Dimensione Ingenierie, which also supervised its construction. The construction of the Monte Bianco Skyway, which took place between 2011 and 2015, represented a significant technical challenge due to the extreme conditions of the glacial terrain and alpine climate. The project, costing approximately €110 million, involved the total reconstruction of the Punta Helbronner station and the installation of advanced systems to minimize environmental impact, including solar panels and highly efficient insulation to approach a near-zero energy building.
The cabins, with capacity for 80 passengers, rotate slowly during the ascent, allowing visitors to enjoy unparalleled views of the Aosta Valley, Mont Blanc and other emblematic peaks such as the Matterhorn and Mont Rose. The route is divided into two sections: the first connects Courmayeur with the intermediate station of Pavillon du Mont Fréty at 2,173 meters, while the second section takes passengers to Punta Helbronner. The Monte Bianco Skyway not only facilitates access to the high alpine peaks, but has also become a top tourist attraction, offering a unique experience that combines technological innovation and respect for the natural environment.
Genting Skyway
The Genting Skyway, inaugurated in 1997, is a monocable gondola located in Malaysia that connects the city of Gohtong Jaya with the Genting Highlands resort in Pahang. This 3.38-kilometer-long gondola system offers passengers an approximately 15-minute ride over the lush Malaysian rainforest, providing unparalleled panoramic views. The cabins, which can accommodate up to 8 people, reach a maximum speed of 21.6 km/h, making it one of the fastest cable cars in the world.
The Genting Skyway not only provides access to an area renowned for its bars, nightclubs and casinos, but has also become a tourist attraction in its own right, allowing visitors to experience the majesty of the rainforest from a unique perspective.
The Genting Skyway was designed and built by the Italian company Leitner Ropeways, which specializes in cable transportation systems. This ropeway connects the city of Gohtong Jaya with the Genting Highlands resort in Pahang, Malaysia. In its first ten years of operation, it carried more than 50 million passengers. Subsequently, Leitner Ropeways was responsible for upgrading the ropeway’s electric drive system, overcoming several technical challenges to improve its efficiency and reliability.
Peak 2 Peak (British Columbia, Canada)
The Peak 2 Peak cable car is the longest unsupported section in the world. Your 4.5-kilometer ride is undisturbed, running comfortably on a tricable system between the massive Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. It will also offer 360º views of volcanic peaks and ancient glaciers until you reach the top, where you can embark on one of the hiking trails in the area, some of which run between towering snow walls! Undoubtedly one of the most spectacular cable cars in the world . It was inaugurated in 2008 setting two world records: the longest unsupported section, with 3,024 meters, and the highest height above the ground, reaching 436 meters.
The total ride is 4.4 kilometers, completed in approximately 11 minutes, offering 360-degree panoramic views of volcanic peaks, ancient glaciers and the spectacular surrounding alpine landscape. This tri-cable (3S) ropeway connects the peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains in British Columbia, Canada, setting world records for its unsupported span of 3,024 meters and a maximum height above the ground of 436 meters. The design and construction of Peak 2 Peak represented a significant technical challenge, successfully overcome by Doppelmayr Garaventa, cementing its reputation in cableway engineering. Upon reaching the summit, visitors can embark on various hiking trails, some of which run between imposing snow walls, providing a unique experience on one of the most impressive cable cars in the world.
Chicamocha Cable Car (Colombia)
The Chicamocha Cable Car, inaugurated on January 24, 2009, is one of the main attractions of the Chicamocha National Park (Panachi), located in the department of Santander, Colombia. This 6.3-kilometer cable car system is one of the longest of its kind in the world, allowing visitors to cross the imposing Chicamocha Canyon and enjoy spectacular panoramic views.
The gondola ride has three stations: the La Mesa de los Santos station, the intermediate station on the Chicamocha River and the Panachi station, located in the park. During the ride, passengers can appreciate the majesty of the canyon, considered one of the deepest in the world, as well as the natural and scenic wealth of the region. An outstanding feature of the Chicamocha Telecabina is its pet-friendly policy. Visitors may enter the park and use the cable car accompanied by their pets, always under their responsibility. For the transfer of pets in the cable car, it is necessary to purchase an additional ticket with an additional cost (in 2024 it was $10,500 COP).
Mérida Cable Car
The Mérida Cable Car, also known as “Mukumbarí”, is an outstanding engineering work located in the city of Mérida, Venezuela. This cable transportation system is recognized for being the highest and second longest in the world, reaching a maximum altitude of 4,765 meters above sea level at the Pico Espejo station.
The total route covers 12.5 kilometers, divided into four sections that connect the city of Mérida with the Sierra Nevada National Park in the Venezuelan Andes. Originally inaugurated in 1960, the cable car was closed in 2008 for a complete renovation and reopened to the public in October 2016.
Each cabin has a capacity for 60 passengers and moves at an average speed of 5 meters per second, allowing visitors to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Andean landscapes during the ascent. Given the high altitude reached, it is essential that visitors take precautions to prevent altitude sickness. A gradual ascent is recommended, allowing the body to adapt to the decrease in oxygen. Staying well hydrated, avoiding alcohol consumption and not making intense physical efforts in the first hours of arrival are effective measures to minimize the symptoms associated with altitude sickness.
The Mérida Cable Car not only offers a unique experience by connecting visitors with the majestic peaks of the Venezuelan Andes, but also represents a symbol of engineering and tourism in Venezuela, providing access to natural landscapes of incomparable beauty.
Teide Cable Car
The Teide Cable Car, located in the Canary Islands, Spain, is an outstanding engineering work that provides access to the highest peak of the country. The idea for its construction arose in 1929, when the lawyer Andrés de Arroyo y González de Chávez, inspired by the German funiculars of the Zugspitze region, proposed the creation of a similar system on Teide. The project was developed by civil engineer José Ochoa Benjumea in 1930, after studies in Switzerland, the Austrian Tyrol and Germany.
Construction of the cable car began in 1962 and was completed in 1971, the year of its inauguration. The company in charge of its construction was Teleférico del Pico de Teide, S.A., a Canary Island company created in 1959 with the aim of developing a system of access to Teide by means of guided transport. From the beginning, it was established that the company should be a Canary Island company and in the hands of all Canary Islanders, which led thousands of islanders to subscribe shares to support the project.
The cable car has a base station at an altitude of 2,356 meters and a top station, known as La Rambleta, located at 3,555 meters. The route, which takes approximately 8 minutes, allows visitors to fly over a unique volcanic landscape, observing craters and rivers of lava that form an impressive array of colors and shapes. From La Rambleta, visitors can embark on various walking routes that offer unparalleled panoramic views, consolidating the Teide Cable Car as one of the most spectacular attractions in the world.
In 2024, the Teide Cable Car implemented an innovative propulsion system powered by photovoltaic solar energy, making it the first cable car in the world to be 100% solar-powered. This advance positions Tenerife as a sustainable tourist destination committed to protecting the environment.
Mount Hua Cable Car (Shanxi, China)
Mount Hua, known as Hua Shan, is one of the five sacred mountains of Taoism in China, located in Shaanxi Province. This mountain is characterized by its five peaks, which resemble the petals of a lotus flower, with the North Peak being one of the most accessible to visitors. To facilitate access to this peak, two gondolas have been installed: one leading to the North Peak and the other to the West Peak. The gondola to the North Peak ascends to an altitude of approximately 1,614 meters, offering passengers breathtaking views of the rugged mountain scenery and Taoist temples that dot the region.
This mode of transportation allows visitors to experience the majesty of Mount Hua without the need to undertake the arduous hiking trails that historically were the only way to reach the summit. The cable car to the West Peak, opened in 2013, provides an alternative, scenic route, facilitating access to the highest peaks and offering a different perspective of the mountain. Both cable cars have been instrumental in increasing tourism in the area, allowing more people to explore the natural beauty and cultural significance of Mount Hua. However, it is important to note that while the cable cars make access easier, many of the routes at the summit are still challenging and require caution.
For the adventurous, Mount Hua offers some of the most exciting and dangerous hiking trails in the world, such as the famous “Plank Walk in the Sky”, a narrow plank walkway attached to vertical cliffs. This trail, known for its danger, attracts thrill seekers from all over the world.
Whirlpool Aero Car (Niagara, Canada)
The Whirlpool Aero Car is a cable car that will allow you to contemplate the beauty of the Niagara River in Ontario, Canada. You will be able to admire and fly over its famous whirlpools and rapids. This historic cable car was designed by the Spaniard Leonardo Torres y Quevedo in 1916, and has been in operation ever since, hence its circus-like atmosphere. Plus, it’s open-air! The breathtaking views it offers rank it among the most spectacular cable cars in the world.
Stanserhorn Cable Car (Switzerland)
Opened in 2012, this cable car in the Lucerne region revolutionised cable transport by becoming the world’s first open-top cable car. The system features double-decker cabins, with the upper deck completely open to the elements.Passengers can climb an internal spiral staircase to the roof of the cabin and travel with the wind in their faces at an altitude of 1,900 metres. To ensure this experience is safe, the suspension cables are not at the top but on either side of the structure, offering a completely unobstructed 360-degree view of the lakes and peaks of the Swiss Alps.
Tianmen Cable Car in Zhangjiajie (China)
Located in Hunan province, this colossal structure holds the title of one of the world’s longest high-altitude passenger cable cars, with a total length of 7,455 metres and gradients reaching 38 degrees. The journey takes around 30 minutes and begins in the centre of Zhangjiajie city, rising dramatically above farmland before climbing vertical rock faces to the summit of Mount Tianmen.From the cabins, you can enjoy a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the famous 99-bend road and the karst formations that inspired the floating mountains in the film Avatar.
Ha Long Queen Cable Car (Vietnam)
Crossing the legendary Ha Long Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – this cable car made its way straight into the Guinness Book of Records following its opening. It boasts the world’s largest double-decker passenger cabin, with an astonishing capacity of 230 people per journey (veritable floating buses).What’s more, the system features the tallest concrete support tower on the planet, standing at 188.8 metres. The journey offers an unforgettable panoramic view of the thousands of limestone islands and the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.
Do you know of any cable cars or gondolas that should be part of this list? We would love to hear your recommendations. There are many corners of the world with amazing ropeways that we may not have discovered yet, and you could help us enrich this selection. If you have had a unique experience on a ropeway that offers spectacular views, technical challenges or a special connection with its environment, share it with us in the contact section !
