Braunwald Funicular Valley Station
Braunwald Funicular Valley Station
Highlight • Rest Area
Braunwald Funicular Valley Station
Hiking
4.5
(38)
Mountain biking
4.2
(21)
Road cycling
(4)
The Braunwaldbahn Valley Station, also known as Linthal Braunwaldbahn station, serves as the vital lower terminal for the historic Braunwald Funicular in the canton of Glarus, Switzerland. Situated at an elevation of 701 metres in the picturesque Linth river valley, this station is the primary gateway to the car-free mountain resort of Braunwald. It is a crucial transportation hub within the municipality of Glarus Süd, connecting visitors from across Switzerland and beyond to the tranquil Alpine environment of Braunwald.
Visitors consistently praise the convenience and efficiency of the Braunwaldbahn Valley Station as the starting point for their adventures. The funicular ride itself is a highlight, offering a swift and scenic ascent of approximately 600 metres in just seven minutes to the sunny, car-free plateau of Braunwald. Hikers and families particularly appreciate the easy accessibility by both car and public transport, making it a stress-free beginning to a mountain escape. The ability to transport bikes for free is also a significant bonus for cyclists.
Before heading up, it's helpful to know that the Braunwaldbahn Valley Station is well-equipped for travelers. Ample parking is available at reasonable daily rates for those arriving by car. For public transport users, the Linthal Braunwaldbahn railway station is seamlessly integrated, offering connections via the Zürich S-Bahn service S25 and St. Gallen S-Bahn service S6. Covered bike parking facilities are also provided, ensuring convenience for all types of visitors. This station is a key point for Braunwaldbahn Valley Station facilities information for visitors.
The Braunwaldbahn Valley Station is primarily a year-round destination, with the funicular operating to provide access to Braunwald's seasonal attractions. In warmer months, it's the starting point for numerous hiking trails, including the Braunwald Panoramic Trail, and offers access to stunning viewpoints of the Tödi and Ortstock peaks. Winter transforms Braunwald into a snowy paradise for skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing. The car-free nature of Braunwald makes it particularly appealing for family-friendly activities, offering a peaceful retreat from urban life.
Once you arrive at the Braunwaldbahn Valley Station, the funicular whisks you away to a world of Alpine charm. The journey itself provides a "short but thrilling lift" up the mountain, setting the tone for the unique experience awaiting in Braunwald. The resort is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere, where transportation is often by horse-drawn carriage, and children can enjoy pony rides, a forest ropes course, and a water playground.
Exploring the diverse routes and planning your visit is made easy with resources like komoot. Whether you're looking for challenging hikes, leisurely family walks, or simply a scenic ride to enjoy the stunning Glarus Alps, there are options for every adventurer. Discover various Braunwaldbahn Valley Station trails and routes, ensuring you make the most of your time in this beautiful Swiss region.
Tips
March 19, 2023
Hiking
The Braunwald funicular is the only connection to Braunwald. The funicular climbs 600 meters in altitude in 7 minutes and takes you to the car-free sun terrace in Braunwald. You can easily reach the Linthal valley station by car or public transport (Linthal-Braunwaldbahn train station).
Text / source: Braunwald-Funicular Railway AG
braunwald.ch/de/map/detail/braunwald-standseilbahn-0b116a0d-60d2-405c-844b-cbba3faf23e0.html
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October 6, 2025
Hiking
Source: Braunwald-Standseilbahn AG - braunwald.ch - DE share.google/PBpnbbdFPqwHcWihJ
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June 14, 2020
Mountain biking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Braunwald Funicular Valley Station
4.7
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980m
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Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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5.0
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Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Details
Informations
Elevation 700 m
Weather
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Friday 8 May
18°C
4°C
33 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the parking options and costs at Braunwaldbahn Valley Station?
Ample parking is available directly at the Braunwaldbahn Valley Station (Linthal Braunwaldbahn station). The cost is reasonable, typically CHF 5 per day. This makes it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
How can I reach Braunwaldbahn Valley Station using public transport?
The Braunwaldbahn Valley Station is seamlessly integrated with the Linthal Braunwaldbahn railway station. You can reach it via the hourly Zürich S-Bahn service S25, which runs between Zurich and Linthal. During off-peak hours, the S6 service of St. Gallen S-Bahn also serves the station, providing excellent connectivity.
Is the Braunwaldbahn funicular dog-friendly?
While the provided information doesn't explicitly state policies for dogs on the funicular, car-free Braunwald is generally known for its outdoor activities. It's advisable to check the official Braunwaldbahn website or contact them directly for current regulations regarding pets on the funicular and in the resort.
Are there any family-friendly activities available directly at the Valley Station or immediately accessible via the funicular?
The Valley Station itself is primarily a transport hub. However, once you take the funicular up to Braunwald, a wealth of family-friendly activities awaits. These include pony rides, a forest ropes course, a water playground, and a ski resort in winter. The car-free environment of Braunwald is particularly appealing for families.
What facilities are available at the Braunwaldbahn Valley Station for cyclists?
The Valley Station is well-equipped for cyclists, offering covered bike parking facilities. A significant bonus for cyclists is that bikes can be transported on the funicular for free; you only pay for the person. This makes it an excellent starting point for cycling adventures in the region.
Are there any cafes, restaurants, or accommodation options near the Braunwaldbahn Valley Station in Linthal?
While the Valley Station itself focuses on transport, the nearby village of Linthal would be the place to look for amenities. For a wider range of options, the car-free resort of Braunwald, accessible by the funicular, offers various cafes, restaurants, and accommodation, including the 'Fairytale Hotel' (Märchenhotel Braunwald).
What is the history of the Braunwaldbahn funicular?
The Braunwaldbahn funicular has a rich history, having opened on August 6, 1907. Initially, it operated only during the summer, but year-round service began in 1928. It has undergone significant modernizations over the decades, including replacements of its drive system, cars, and tracks, with a major overhaul in 1997 and a comprehensive renovation in 2023 to comply with accessibility requirements.
Is the Braunwaldbahn Valley Station and funicular wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Braunwaldbahn funicular underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2023 specifically to comply with accessibility requirements. This included the addition of movable gap bridges and other improvements to ensure better access for all visitors.
How long does the funicular ride take and what is the altitude difference?
The funicular ride from the Braunwaldbahn Valley Station to the car-free resort of Braunwald is a quick and scenic journey. It takes approximately 7 minutes to ascend, overcoming an altitude difference of about 600 meters (1,985 ft) to reach Braunwald at 1,254 meters above sea level.
What kind of hiking trails can be accessed from Braunwald after taking the funicular?
From Braunwald, you can access a variety of hiking trails suitable for different skill levels. Options include the scenic Braunwald Panoramic Trail, which offers extensive views of the Tödi and Ortstock peaks, as well as numerous other routes for leisurely family walks or more challenging hikes. In winter, snowshoeing trails are also available.