Predigtstuhlbahn

The Predigtstuhlbahn is a historic cable car located in the Bavarian Alps near the town of Bad Reichenhall in Germany. It is recognized as one of the oldest existing cogwheel railways in the world, having been inaugurated in 1928. The railway was designed to facilitate access to the Predigtstuhl mountain, offering visitors a means to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding alpine landscape.

Constructed to improve tourism in the region, the Predigtstuhlbahn features a rack-and-pinion system that ensures stability and safety at higher altitudes. The cable car operates on a steep incline, ascending approximately 1,400 meters (4,593 feet) to reach the summit of the Predigtstuhl, which stands at 1,674 meters (5,490 feet) above sea level. The journey provides breathtaking vistas of the Bavarian Alps and the Salzkammergut region.

The station at the base houses a historical station building, while the summit station offers panoramic observation decks and facilities for visitors. Over the decades, the Predigtstuhlbahn has undergone renovations and modernizations to maintain safety standards while preserving its historical character.

Today, the Predigtstuhlbahn remains a popular tourist attraction, accessible throughout the year for sightseeing, hiking, and winter sports. Its engineering significance and scenic routes make it a notable example of early mountain railway innovation in Germany. The cable car continues to serve as both a functional transportation system and a symbol of alpine tourism heritage.