Swisstainable: Sustainable commitment Zugerberg Railway

1. the Zugerberg Railway - small but mighty

Although Zug's local mountain is small, it can still hold its own with the big ones. Every year, the Zugerberg Railway transports over 300,000 guests up the mountain and back down to the city.

In the spring of 1907, the Zugerberg Railway's first journey was celebrated with festivities at the Schönfelser Kurhaus. The first few years were difficult. The number of passengers traveling to the Zugerberg was lower than expected.
The "Golden Twenties" brought ideal figures. Zugerberg hotels became increasingly popular with tourists from near and far. Shortly after the 75th anniversary of the Zugerberg Railway, the railroad was extensively modernized and renovated. In 2009, the Zugerberg Railway was rebuilt again: it is wheelchair accessible, various modifications to the valley and mountain stations and a new panoramic carriage allow stepless access to the Zugberg.

In 2022, new routes were built and the lift is now state of the art. Below are the most important facts about the Zugerberg Railway.

2 Sustainability measures for the Zugerberg Railway

The Zugerberg Railway is classified as Level III - leading by the Swisstainable program. Don't know what this level means? No problem - you can find all the information here. Christoph Sidler, Head of Technology at the Zugerberg Railway, presents its most important sustainability measures below:

The Zugerberg Railway, which is wheelchair-accessible, has been transporting people to this leisure oasis for over a hundred years. The funicular with its two carriages is powered by electricity. The electricity is generated from 100% renewable energy (100% Swiss hydropower). In addition, the energy generated by the descent is fed back into the grid. The best way to get to the Zugerberg Railway is by public transport, bus from Zug railroad station. Parking spaces are limited both at the valley station and on the Zugerberg. The Zugerberg Railway also has ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 certifications.

3. local recreation area Zugerberg

The beauty is so close: the Zugerberg with its natural beauty is a popular local recreation area for the people of Zug. It also attracts people from all over the region. The Zugerberg Railway is also the public transport link for local residents and the Montana Institute on the Zugerberg.

The moorland has been included in the inventory of moorland landscapes of special beauty and national importance and is a leisure paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Want to explore the moor? Here is the link to the moorland hike.

Active sportspeople and families also get their money's worth: In winter, families enjoy the small ski lift, the cross-country ski trails or the rapid descent on a sledge. In summer, the Zugerberg attracts bike enthusiasts who whizz down the Zugerberg Trail. There is plenty on offer for the little ones: Adventure trail, adventure playground, barbecue areas, Santa Claus etc. You can find all the information about activities on the Zugerberg here.

4. My most important findings from the visit

The Zugerberg Railway implemented many sustainability measures very early on and can be proud of the level III - leading it has achieved. I was very impressed by the following measures:

1. 100% renewable energy is used
2. Inclusion of all people (wheelchair access, space for bikes, etc.)
3. ISO certifications ensure continuous optimization

New here? Here you can find other exciting articles on the topic of sustainable travel:

• Swisstainable: Discover sustainable experiences in Zug.
• Swisstainable: Sustainable travel doesn't have to be expensive.
• Swisstainable: Sustainable commitment Zugersee Schifffahrt
• Swisstainable: Sustainable commitment Theater Casino Zug
• Swisstainable: Sustainable commitment Hotel APART AG, Rotkreuz

Joel De Buren, 2024