Heatwaves Boost Swiss Mountain Railway Tourism

(MENAFN- Swissinfo) The ongoing heatwave has brought Swiss mountain railways a substantial increase in revenue this summer. Local visitors in particular have been flocking to the cooler heights, leading to a marked rise in visitor numbers. Select your language

Generated with artificial intelligence. Listening: Heatwaves boost Swiss mountain railway tourism This content was published on August 5, 2026 - 11:18 3 minutes Keystone-SDA

Deutsch de Wegen Hitzewellen: Bergbahnen legen im Sommer deutlich zu Original Read more: Wegen Hitzewellen: Bergbahnen legen im Sommer deutli Русский ru Жара увеличила посещаемость швейцарских горных канатных дорог Read more: Жара увеличила посещаемость швейцарских горных канатных

An analysis of visitor figures from over 140 member companies showed a 7% increase in first-time visits across Switzerland from the start of the season to the end of July compared with the previous year, said the industry association Seilbahnen Schweiz (SBS). Compared to the five year average, the increase was as high as 29%.

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SBS cited the exceptionally high temperatures and the prolonged dry spell in July as the main reasons for this positive trend. Many people had sought relief from the heat in the mountains.

However, the trend varied considerably from region to region. The Bernese Oberland recorded the strongest growth, with a 24% increase compared with the previous year. According to SBS, this was largely due to the Schilthornbahn operating at full capacity, having been restricted the previous year due to construction work.

Graubünden also saw a significant increase of 11%.

Other regions, by contrast, saw a decline. Central Switzerland and canton Valais each recorded a 2% fall in visitor numbers, whilst eastern Switzerland saw a 3% drop.

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