höghöjdsbanor

höghöjdsbanor are rail or tram lines situated at high elevations, typically above 2000 metres above sea level. The term is commonly used in Scandinavia and the Alpine region to describe mountain railways that serve both tourism and local transport. Because of their altitude they face specific engineering and operational challenges. Steep gradients often require rack‑and‑pinion or specially designed adhesion systems. Weather conditions such as snow, low temperatures and wind demand robust braking, heating and signalling. Owing to the fragile mountain environment, construction and maintenance must minimise ecological disturbance, prompting the use of tunnelled sections and environmentally friendly tunnel boring technologies.

Notable examples include the Jungfraubahn in Switzerland, which climbs from 2 204 m to 3 454 m, and the Jungfrau‑Schilthorn‑Alpamatt lines in the Bernese Alps, among the highest rack‑railways in the world. In Norway Rjukanbanen rises to 1 613 m; its iron bridge and cable‑car sections remain an engineering icon. In Sweden the Skånska Länens Järnvägs Museum exhibits an early 20th‑century high‑elevation railway used for logging, rarely operable today. These lines are integral to regional economies, providing access for residents and boosting the tourism sector with scenic routes, ski resorts and research stations.

Modern höghöjdsbanor often incorporate renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectric‑powered traction, to reduce emissions. Seasonal closures in southern areas are frequent due to heavy snow, whereas in Sierra Nevada the rail network operates year‑round, thanks to advanced snow management. Augmented by digital signalling and real‑time monitoring, these lines illustrate how engineering adapts to extreme altitudes while preserving the natural landscape.