Moderate
4.0
(7)
23
hikers
Route of amazement Malanser Älpli
02:26
7.81km
280m
Hiking
Impressive vantage points, clear streams and gentle alpine meadows lie on this beautiful route around the Malanser Älpli. Beautiful nature and a lot of peace await you on this high plateau above Malans.
With the Älplibahn it goes up to the starting point of the tour. Whether you arrive at the gondola station at the beginning of your hike or at the end in the rustic Bergbeizli is entirely up to you. The view from the terrace into the wide Rhine Valley is definitely terrific.
From Älpli you climb up to Chrüzbode and continue to Obersäss, which marks the highest point of your hike. In Altsäss is a fantastic viewpoint from which you can admire the water courses in the depth. After a short break you turn around here and go back to Obersäss.
Then you keep right and choose the meadow path that leads you past an untouched moor. The dreamlike landscape below the Ruchenberg seems to have sprung from a picture book. Blooming meadows, behind which rocky peaks are visible, characterize the picture.
Walk over the ridges to the south. Again and again, rippling streams cross your path and you can fill up your drinking bottle with fresh springs.
In the center, which consists of two rustic buildings made of stone and wood, there is a bench with a wonderful view. Here you can take a deserved break and let the landscape work on you. Then you hike over a slight slope back to the Älplibahn.
by Heidiland
Last updated: August 5, 2024
Waypoints
A
Älplibahn Mountain Station
Highlight • Rest Area
Älpli Bahn BS, Malans
The history of the Älplibahn Malans
1. The military needs a railway
The Älplibahn was built during the Second World War to supply the troops stationed on the border with supplies. While a road was being built from the Austrian side to near the border in 1938, the Swiss border guards had to carry ammunition and supplies in an arduous climb from Jenins to the mountain front.
For this reason, the then section commander, Captain Christian Janggen, applied for the construction of a cable car in 1939.
2. The municipality of Malans is involved
After the military pledged a financial contribution of around 90% of the construction costs and the municipality of Malans also agreed to a cable car for transporting wood and people in August 1939, the preparatory work could begin.
In view of the military urgency, the Malans forestry group, which had plenty of experience with wooden cable cars, was immediately released from its other active service obligations and assigned to build the first material cable car.
3. A temporary solution
A forest clearing was immediately cleared. In 1940, the first goods could be transported to Älpli using a temporary transport system with two intermediate stations.
4. First licensed cable car in Graubünden
The project for the new Älplibahn was calculated by Prof. Stüssi from the ETH in Zurich. It finally went into operation in the autumn of 1941. For safety reasons, however, only military transport could be carried out at first.
After additional reconstruction work, it was opened for civilian traffic in September 1945. It was the first licensed cable car in the canton of Graubünden, and with a track length of 3.5 km, it was one of the longest in Switzerland. To this day, it is the railway that climbs the most meters in altitude without stopping.
5. What next
As a tourist railway, the system became a popular excursion destination until operations had to be stopped in 1973 due to urgently needed renovations. Due to the low transport capacity of 16 people per hour, operating income was too low to amortize the high investment costs. After no solution for financing was found, demolition was considered in 1980.
6. Establishment of a cooperative and association
At the end of 1980, the Älplibahn Association was founded, and shortly afterwards the Älplibahn cooperative. The aim of this was to raise the necessary capital to renovate the old system. Thanks to spontaneous help from large sections of the population, shares worth 550,000 francs were subscribed within six months.
7. Reconstruction
The military helped with the reconstruction, and even major railway companies supported the little sister. After the municipality had handed over the cable car to the cooperative, the ropes were replaced, a new drive installed and a modern safety system installed. During the renovation, the system components were dimensioned in such a way that the capacity could later be doubled to 32 people per hour.
8. Over 6000 hours of voluntary work
In addition to the electromechanical renovations, a lot of construction work also had to be done. In 1980 and 1981, up to 40 volunteers were on duty on Saturdays.
Until the cable car was reopened in July 1982, well over 6000 hours of voluntary work were carried out. There was no shortage of work in the following years either, as masts had to be renovated and the mountain station had to be secured with a protective roof and avalanche barriers.
9. Operated by volunteers
Demand on weekends grew ever greater, so that the existing capacity was soon no longer sufficient. In 1989, the cable car was expanded to a double-cable car. To ensure that operations continue, numerous volunteer machine operators and a group for construction and maintenance work are still on duty today. Over 200 volunteers take care of the physical well-being in the mountain station's pub.
10. A large Älplibahn community
This has led to the creation of a large Älplibahn community in which like-minded people of all ages have found and continue to find meaningful leisure activities. Thanks to the broad support of 550 cooperative members and 800 club members, funding is also secured. Passion, commitment and enthusiasm will ensure that the Älplibahn Malans lives on for a long time to come!
Source: Älplibahn Malans
aelplibahn.ch
The history of the Älplibahn Malans
1. The military needs a railway
The Älplibahn was built during the Second World War to supply the troops stationed on the border with supplies. While a road was being built from the Austrian side to near the border in 1938, the Swiss border guards had to carry ammunition and supplies in an arduous climb from Jenins to the mountain front.
For this reason, the then section commander, Captain Christian Janggen, applied for the construction of a cable car in 1939.
2. The municipality of Malans is involved
After the military pledged a financial contribution of around 90% of the construction costs and the municipality of Malans also agreed to a cable car for transporting wood and people in August 1939, the preparatory work could begin.
In view of the military urgency, the Malans forestry group, which had plenty of experience with wooden cable cars, was immediately released from its other active service obligations and assigned to build the first material cable car.
3. A temporary solution
A forest clearing was immediately cleared. In 1940, the first goods could be transported to Älpli using a temporary transport system with two intermediate stations.
4. First licensed cable car in Graubünden
The project for the new Älplibahn was calculated by Prof. Stüssi from the ETH in Zurich. It finally went into operation in the autumn of 1941. For safety reasons, however, only military transport could be carried out at first.
After additional reconstruction work, it was opened for civilian traffic in September 1945. It was the first licensed cable car in the canton of Graubünden, and with a track length of 3.5 km, it was one of the longest in Switzerland. To this day, it is the railway that climbs the most meters in altitude without stopping.
5. What next
As a tourist railway, the system became a popular excursion destination until operations had to be stopped in 1973 due to urgently needed renovations. Due to the low transport capacity of 16 people per hour, operating income was too low to amortize the high investment costs. After no solution for financing was found, demolition was considered in 1980.
6. Establishment of a cooperative and association
At the end of 1980, the Älplibahn Association was founded, and shortly afterwards the Älplibahn cooperative. The aim of this was to raise the necessary capital to renovate the old system. Thanks to spontaneous help from large sections of the population, shares worth 550,000 francs were subscribed within six months.
7. Reconstruction
The military helped with the reconstruction, and even major railway companies supported the little sister. After the municipality had handed over the cable car to the cooperative, the ropes were replaced, a new drive installed and a modern safety system installed. During the renovation, the system components were dimensioned in such a way that the capacity could later be doubled to 32 people per hour.
8. Over 6000 hours of voluntary work
In addition to the electromechanical renovations, a lot of construction work also had to be done. In 1980 and 1981, up to 40 volunteers were on duty on Saturdays.
Until the cable car was reopened in July 1982, well over 6000 hours of voluntary work were carried out. There was no shortage of work in the following years either, as masts had to be renovated and the mountain station had to be secured with a protective roof and avalanche barriers.
9. Operated by volunteers
Demand on weekends grew ever greater, so that the existing capacity was soon no longer sufficient. In 1989, the cable car was expanded to a double-cable car. To ensure that operations continue, numerous volunteer machine operators and a group for construction and maintenance work are still on duty today. Over 200 volunteers take care of the physical well-being in the mountain station's pub.
10. A large Älplibahn community
This has led to the creation of a large Älplibahn community in which like-minded people of all ages have found and continue to find meaningful leisure activities. Thanks to the broad support of 550 cooperative members and 800 club members, funding is also secured. Passion, commitment and enthusiasm will ensure that the Älplibahn Malans lives on for a long time to come!
Source: Älplibahn Malans
aelplibahn.ch
Translated by Google •
Tip by
1
2.62 km
Obersäss Viewpoint
Highlight • Viewpoint
Fantastic viewpoint at almost 2,000 meters altitude in Obersäss. This impressive panorama is mostly on its own, only a few hikers or mountain bikers come here.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2
6.74 km
Mittelsäss Mountain Huts
Highlight • Mountain Hut
A scenery as if from a picture book: Quaint buildings with floral decoration and imposing peaks in the background. A great place to take a break and enjoy the view.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
B
7.81 km
Älplibahn Mountain Station
Highlight • Rest Area
Älpli Bahn BS, Malans
The history of the Älplibahn Malans
1. The military needs a railway
The Älplibahn was built during the Second World War to supply the troops stationed on the border with supplies. While a road was being built from the Austrian side to near the border in 1938, the Swiss border guards had to carry ammunition and supplies in an arduous climb from Jenins to the mountain front.
For this reason, the then section commander, Captain Christian Janggen, applied for the construction of a cable car in 1939.
2. The municipality of Malans is involved
After the military pledged a financial contribution of around 90% of the construction costs and the municipality of Malans also agreed to a cable car for transporting wood and people in August 1939, the preparatory work could begin.
In view of the military urgency, the Malans forestry group, which had plenty of experience with wooden cable cars, was immediately released from its other active service obligations and assigned to build the first material cable car.
3. A temporary solution
A forest clearing was immediately cleared. In 1940, the first goods could be transported to Älpli using a temporary transport system with two intermediate stations.
4. First licensed cable car in Graubünden
The project for the new Älplibahn was calculated by Prof. Stüssi from the ETH in Zurich. It finally went into operation in the autumn of 1941. For safety reasons, however, only military transport could be carried out at first.
After additional reconstruction work, it was opened for civilian traffic in September 1945. It was the first licensed cable car in the canton of Graubünden, and with a track length of 3.5 km, it was one of the longest in Switzerland. To this day, it is the railway that climbs the most meters in altitude without stopping.
5. What next
As a tourist railway, the system became a popular excursion destination until operations had to be stopped in 1973 due to urgently needed renovations. Due to the low transport capacity of 16 people per hour, operating income was too low to amortize the high investment costs. After no solution for financing was found, demolition was considered in 1980.
6. Establishment of a cooperative and association
At the end of 1980, the Älplibahn Association was founded, and shortly afterwards the Älplibahn cooperative. The aim of this was to raise the necessary capital to renovate the old system. Thanks to spontaneous help from large sections of the population, shares worth 550,000 francs were subscribed within six months.
7. Reconstruction
The military helped with the reconstruction, and even major railway companies supported the little sister. After the municipality had handed over the cable car to the cooperative, the ropes were replaced, a new drive installed and a modern safety system installed. During the renovation, the system components were dimensioned in such a way that the capacity could later be doubled to 32 people per hour.
8. Over 6000 hours of voluntary work
In addition to the electromechanical renovations, a lot of construction work also had to be done. In 1980 and 1981, up to 40 volunteers were on duty on Saturdays.
Until the cable car was reopened in July 1982, well over 6000 hours of voluntary work were carried out. There was no shortage of work in the following years either, as masts had to be renovated and the mountain station had to be secured with a protective roof and avalanche barriers.
9. Operated by volunteers
Demand on weekends grew ever greater, so that the existing capacity was soon no longer sufficient. In 1989, the cable car was expanded to a double-cable car. To ensure that operations continue, numerous volunteer machine operators and a group for construction and maintenance work are still on duty today. Over 200 volunteers take care of the physical well-being in the mountain station's pub.
10. A large Älplibahn community
This has led to the creation of a large Älplibahn community in which like-minded people of all ages have found and continue to find meaningful leisure activities. Thanks to the broad support of 550 cooperative members and 800 club members, funding is also secured. Passion, commitment and enthusiasm will ensure that the Älplibahn Malans lives on for a long time to come!
Source: Älplibahn Malans
aelplibahn.ch
The history of the Älplibahn Malans
1. The military needs a railway
The Älplibahn was built during the Second World War to supply the troops stationed on the border with supplies. While a road was being built from the Austrian side to near the border in 1938, the Swiss border guards had to carry ammunition and supplies in an arduous climb from Jenins to the mountain front.
For this reason, the then section commander, Captain Christian Janggen, applied for the construction of a cable car in 1939.
2. The municipality of Malans is involved
After the military pledged a financial contribution of around 90% of the construction costs and the municipality of Malans also agreed to a cable car for transporting wood and people in August 1939, the preparatory work could begin.
In view of the military urgency, the Malans forestry group, which had plenty of experience with wooden cable cars, was immediately released from its other active service obligations and assigned to build the first material cable car.
3. A temporary solution
A forest clearing was immediately cleared. In 1940, the first goods could be transported to Älpli using a temporary transport system with two intermediate stations.
4. First licensed cable car in Graubünden
The project for the new Älplibahn was calculated by Prof. Stüssi from the ETH in Zurich. It finally went into operation in the autumn of 1941. For safety reasons, however, only military transport could be carried out at first.
After additional reconstruction work, it was opened for civilian traffic in September 1945. It was the first licensed cable car in the canton of Graubünden, and with a track length of 3.5 km, it was one of the longest in Switzerland. To this day, it is the railway that climbs the most meters in altitude without stopping.
5. What next
As a tourist railway, the system became a popular excursion destination until operations had to be stopped in 1973 due to urgently needed renovations. Due to the low transport capacity of 16 people per hour, operating income was too low to amortize the high investment costs. After no solution for financing was found, demolition was considered in 1980.
6. Establishment of a cooperative and association
At the end of 1980, the Älplibahn Association was founded, and shortly afterwards the Älplibahn cooperative. The aim of this was to raise the necessary capital to renovate the old system. Thanks to spontaneous help from large sections of the population, shares worth 550,000 francs were subscribed within six months.
7. Reconstruction
The military helped with the reconstruction, and even major railway companies supported the little sister. After the municipality had handed over the cable car to the cooperative, the ropes were replaced, a new drive installed and a modern safety system installed. During the renovation, the system components were dimensioned in such a way that the capacity could later be doubled to 32 people per hour.
8. Over 6000 hours of voluntary work
In addition to the electromechanical renovations, a lot of construction work also had to be done. In 1980 and 1981, up to 40 volunteers were on duty on Saturdays.
Until the cable car was reopened in July 1982, well over 6000 hours of voluntary work were carried out. There was no shortage of work in the following years either, as masts had to be renovated and the mountain station had to be secured with a protective roof and avalanche barriers.
9. Operated by volunteers
Demand on weekends grew ever greater, so that the existing capacity was soon no longer sufficient. In 1989, the cable car was expanded to a double-cable car. To ensure that operations continue, numerous volunteer machine operators and a group for construction and maintenance work are still on duty today. Over 200 volunteers take care of the physical well-being in the mountain station's pub.
10. A large Älplibahn community
This has led to the creation of a large Älplibahn community in which like-minded people of all ages have found and continue to find meaningful leisure activities. Thanks to the broad support of 550 cooperative members and 800 club members, funding is also secured. Passion, commitment and enthusiasm will ensure that the Älplibahn Malans lives on for a long time to come!
Source: Älplibahn Malans
aelplibahn.ch
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
5.76 km
1.66 km
357 m
Surfaces
4.67 km
2.04 km
766 m
303 m
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Elevation
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Highest point (2,000 m)
Lowest point (1,780 m)
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Weather
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Wednesday 20 May
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Comments
September 7, 2019
Impressive vantage points, clear streams and gentle alpine meadows lie on this beautiful route around the Malanser Älpli. Beautiful nature and a lot of peace await you on this high plateau above Malans.
With the Älplibahn it goes up to the starting point of the tour. Whether you arrive at the gondola
Translated by Google •
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