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Cable car · Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg
Schauinslandbahn
A cabin cable car about 3.6 km long, opened in 1930, that rises from the outskirts of Freiburg to the Schauinsland, a 1,284-metre mountain. At the top there are trails, an observation tower and views of the Black Forest and, on clear days, the Alps.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Schauinslandbahn
The Schauinslandbahn is Freiburg's cable car. Opened in 1930, it is about 3.6 km long and is considered the longest circulating-cabin cable car in Germany. The lower station is at 473 metres, near the Günterstal district, and the upper station at 1,219 metres, near the summit of Schauinsland. The trip takes around 15 minutes.
The Schauinsland, at 1,284 metres, is the mountain closest to Freiburg and its name means 'look at the countryside.' From the top you can see the Rhine plain, the Vosges in France, the southern Black Forest mountains and, on very clear days, the line of the Swiss Alps.
From the upper station marked trails depart, including the path to the observation tower on the summit and thematic trails about the mountain's former silver mining. In winter, the higher parts often have snow.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day, including the tram and bus ride, the ascent, the tower and a short walk.
Best time
Clear-sky days for the view. The cable car usually runs year-round but is closed for two annual inspections, normally in spring and in late autumn: check before you go.
How to get there
From Freiburg city centre, take tram 2 to the final stop at Günterstal and bus 21 to the lower station. The whole journey takes about 30 minutes.
Tip
Bring a jacket even in summer: at the top the temperature is considerably lower than in the centre. One option is to walk down a marked trail to Günterstal, taking about 3 hours.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Schauinslandbahn
Does the cable car operate year-round?
It usually runs year-round, with two annual shutdowns for maintenance, typically in spring and late autumn. Check before you go.
How do I get to the lower station?
Tram 2 to Günterstal and bus 21 to the cable car station, about 30 minutes from Freiburg city center.
Can you see the Alps?
On very clear days, yes, to the south. More commonly you can see the Rhine plain and the Vosges in France.