An ultra-glamorous cableway has opened in Zermatt, Switzerland. As if being the world’s highest cableway at 3,821 metres above sea level wasn’t enough, why not add 250,000 Swarovski Crystals.
Yep. Four of The Matterhorn glacier ride’s 25 gondolas are encrusted in twinkling Swarovski crystals.
They are designed to sparkle in the sunlight, capturing the light in an effect that will “amaze passengers and provide an unforgettable adrenaline rush”.
But wait, there’s more. Three minutes into the nine-minute journey to the highest mountain station in Europe, at 170 metres above the ground, the opaque glass floor will clear to offer a dramatic view down onto the glacier landscape.
This effect is made possible by an active laminated glass sheet which turns from milky white to transparent under the effect of an electric current.
Head of Marketing at Zermatt Bergbahnen Sandra Stockinger said The Crystal ride cabins will surprise guests with a completely new ride experience.
“Now, they will be able to marvel at the mountain world around Zermatt in a unique 360-degree panorama.”
Head of Marketing at Zermatt Bergbahnen Sandra Stockinger
The new cableway officially opened over the weekend after 2.5 years of construction.
Each gondola has 28 seats and will allow 2,000 passengers an hour to be transported up to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise on Klein Matterhorn.
Swiss Travel Pass holder can save 50% off Zermatt’s cable car rides up to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and the Gornergrat.
- READ: Cycle Switzerland for the ultimate slow-travel experience
- READ: Aussie travellers are showing more love for Switzerland