Access to Switzerland's mountain peaks is becoming increasingly expensive. The price of a trip has risen by a good third in recent years, according to reporting by the Swiss German weekly SonntagsZeitung.
This content was published on
1 minute
Español
es
El acceso a las cumbres suizas, cada vez más costoso
Since 2015, prices have climbed most steeply for trips to Gornergrat, one of the best places to see Switzerland’s famous Matterhorn peak near the resort of Zermatt, Diavolezza in the Canton of Grisons, and the Säntis summit overlooking Lake Lucerne.
Of the 21 lift companies contacted by the newspaper, only one – the Stanserhorn in canton Nidwalden overlooking Lake Lucerne – said it had not raised its prices since 2015. Two-thirds of the ski lift companies, however, had pushed up prices by more than a third over the same period.
One reason for the jump in prices is the high number of owners of half-fare and GA travelcards. These popular subscriptions offer travel on the Swiss Federal Railways and various means of local transport at a discounted rate. Another is railway and cable car operators seeking a return on investments after upgrading their offer, according to operators quoted in the newspaper.
“Twelve years ago, 45% of our guests had one of the two subscriptions, this year it’s already 70%,” says Martin Ebneter, manager of the Hoher Kasten revolving restaurant and cable car, which had to raise prices by 21% percent in the past eight years to stay afloat.
Popular Stories
More
Workplace Switzerland
What lies ahead for Switzerland: an economic outlook for 2025
Have you heard something about Swiss diplomacy that you’d like us to fact check?
Not all information circulating about Switzerland’s foreign relations is accurate or well understood. Tell us what you'd like us to fact check or clarify.
Swiss insurer Helvetia says 500 jobs affected by cost-cutting
This content was published on
Some 500 jobs, including 200 to 250 in Switzerland, are affected by the new operational efficiency measures recently announced by insurer Helvetia.
This content was published on
Significantly fewer new cars were sold in Switzerland in 2024 than the previous year as demand for electric cars and plug-in hybrids declined.
Three Swiss brands among world’s 100 most valuable firms
This content was published on
Three Swiss firms made it into the 2024 top 100 most valuable companies in the world, despite Roche, Nestlé and Novartis falling down the rankings.
This content was published on
Swiss singer Bernie Constantin, who made a name for himself with the 1980s songs 'Switzerland Reggae' and 'Lola Berlingo' has died aged 77.
Jungfrau Railways takes over a million guests to the Jungfraujoch
This content was published on
In 2024, the Jungfrau Railway Group transported more than a million passengers to the Jungfraujoch for the second year in a row.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Appenzell proposes to limit mass tourism
This content was published on
Appenzell Inner Rhodes, with its spectacular mountains and trails, is extremely popular with tourists – too popular, say local Swiss politicians.
Climate crisis and tourists threaten rock ptarmigan in Swiss Alps
This content was published on
The rock ptarmigan is at risk due to shrinking Alpine habitat and the growth in mountain tourism, a Swiss conservation group warns.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.