Metro Alpin
The Metro Alpin is a completely underground funicular above Saas-Fee in the Swiss canton of Valais . Although it does not correspond to the classic definition of a subway in the sense of a means of mass transport in an urban area, it is referred to as the “highest subway in the world” by those responsible for tourism at the resort. The operation is carried out by the «Saastal Bergbahnen AG».
Route
The cable car, which opened on December 19, 1984, runs from the “Felskinn” station (2980 m above sea level ) on the edge of the Fee Glacier to the “ Mittelallalin ” station (3456 m above sea level ) on the northern slope of the 4027 m high Allalinhorn . Construction began on September 1, 1981.
From Saas-Fee the Metro Alpin can be reached directly with the Felskinnbahn (aerial cableway) or the AlpinExpress ( gondola lift ) in 2 sections. It is mainly used for ski and excursion tourism. Another attraction at the mountain station is the world's highest revolving restaurant , which allows a complete panoramic view of the four-thousand-meter peaks of the Valais Alps within an hour . In addition, Mittelallalin is home to the world's largest ice pavilion (ice grotto).
The vehicles have a capacity of 115 passengers and 1500 people per hour can be transported in each direction. The daily operating times of the Metro Alpin are extended by 15 minutes from month to month towards summer and are shortened again by these 15 minutes in autumn. Operations are usually shut down for a few weeks at the end of the winter season to allow maintenance.
The tunnel is 1749 meters long and overcomes a height difference of 476 meters. The single-track line has an intersection in the middle. At the middle station “Hohlaub” there is a stop for alpinists on the first ascent in the morning. Crossing a tube you can directly reach the Hohlaub glacier . In the lower half of the tunnel, the incline is 17% to 48%, in the upper half an even 33%. It is driven by stationary motors in the mountain station; these move the rope to which the two vehicles are attached. The track width is 1200 mm, the driving speed is 36 km / h.
See also
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Skiing, wellness & hiking - Saas-Fee / Saastal, Switzerland. Retrieved March 17, 2017 (Swiss Standard German).
Coordinates: 46 ° 3 ′ 27 " N , 7 ° 54 ′ 18" E ; CH1903: 636100 / 100775