Funival Funicular
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Funival Funicular

4.5
·246 reviews·Tignes, France

Experience breathtaking alpine vistas and prime ski access via this thrilling, steep funicular. A gateway to adventure.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early Morning

Beat the crowds and get front row seats

CrowdLow
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Funival Funicular

Funival Funicular

Best Time

Early Morning

Beat the crowds and get front row seats

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience breathtaking alpine vistas and prime ski access via this thrilling, steep funicular. A gateway to adventure.

4.5
(246 reviews)

"Quick way up to Grand Mott restaurant & great views, oh yeah & ski down. Amazing!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Ahead & Arrive Early

Secure tickets in advance and aim for the first ride to snag front-row seats and avoid queues .

⚠️ Check Operating Dates

The funicular has seasonal closures; verify its operational status before your trip .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Mountain Views

Panoramic Mountain Views

Top of the Funicular

Experience breathtaking, up-close views of the surrounding mountains and alpine landscapes. A truly unforgettable vista.

Access to Ski Slopes

Access to Ski Slopes

Base and Top Stations

The funicular provides efficient access to prime ski areas, making it a gateway to excellent snow conditions.

Glacier Visit & Lunch

Glacier Visit & Lunch

Top Station

Ride to the glacier for a unique experience and enjoy a quick, excellent lunch with stunning surroundings.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

Secure your tickets for the Funival Funicular ahead of time, especially during peak seasons, to avoid long queues and ensure your spot. Arrive early for the first rides to guarantee a front-row seat.TikTok

Check Operational Status

The Funival Funicular may not operate year-round, often closing during winter months. Always check the official website for current operating dates and times before planning your visit.TikTok

Best Times

When
Early Morning
Why
Beat the crowds and get front row seats
Crowd
Low
When
Summer
Why
Enjoy scenic hikes and glacier access
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This open funicular in📍#Bern #Switzerland 🇨🇭 is the steepest in Europe, offering incredible views of the mountains up close⛰️ 🎥IG: @amir_asani13 #beautifuldestinations #traveltok #traveltiktok #switzerlandwonderland #switzerland_vacations #bernswitzerland
@visit
580.9K likes • 7.9M views

🎯 Book Ahead & Arrive Early

Secure tickets in advance and aim for the first ride to snag front-row seats and avoid queues.TikTok

⚠️ Check Operating Dates

The funicular has seasonal closures; verify its operational status before your trip.TikTok

In Switzerland, Gelmerbahn is an open passenger funicular that offers a 12 minute ride up and down the mountain. Infamously sped up on social media, the steepest incline of the ride is 106 percent, which makes it look like a mountain coaster. Even though the ride is not as fast as a rollercoaster, you still get the excitement of traveling up to 1850 meters while surrounded by the beautiful mounta...
@michelle.exploring
225.9K likes • 3.4M views
Getting on the slopes is easy at Hotel La Tovière in Val d’Isère, with the Funival funicular just 200m away and the La Daille gondola only 140m. You’ll love how effortless it is to get into the action. This is the kind of skiing convenience you’ll want to return to year after year. The forecast is looking great, with a dusting of snow this weekend and low temperatures – perfect skiing weather! Wh...
neilsonholidays
184 likes • 12.5K views

💧 Prepare for Water

In summer, expect to get wet! It's more like a log flume; sit behind the driver if you want to stay dry.Reddit

💰 Consider Alternatives

For budget travelers, explore free escalators or elevators if available, like in Budapest.TikTok

Just rode the Stoosbahn — the world’s steepest funicular railway! 🚠 With a gradient of up to 110%, it climbs nearly 744 metres in under 5 minutes. Switzerland, you just keep getting better! Managed to get the cheapest room I could find which was still around £120 a night but for an extra 20CHf I can use the incredible spa at the wellness hotel… well worth it! Looking forward to the ridge tomorro...
@samrculley
106.8K likes • 1.5M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Ahead & Arrive Early

Secure tickets in advance and aim for the first ride to snag front-row seats and avoid queues.TikTok

⚠️ Check Operating Dates

The funicular has seasonal closures; verify its operational status before your trip.TikTok

💧 Prepare for Water

In summer, expect to get wet! It's more like a log flume; sit behind the driver if you want to stay dry.Reddit

💰 Consider Alternatives

For budget travelers, explore free escalators or elevators if available, like in Budapest.TikTok

📸 Capture the Views

The steep incline offers unique photo opportunities, especially from the front row.TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.5
(246 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors often praise the Funival Funicular for its efficient transport to excellent ski slopes and its breathtaking mountain views. The unique, steep ride is a memorable experience. However, some find the carriages to be dated and in need of modernization, and summer rides can unexpectedly involve getting soaked.

"Quick way up to Grand mott restaurant & great views, oh yeah & ski down. Amazing, you can go in the top cable car if it's open"

adrian pritchard

"Loved riding the Funicular to the top to visit the glacier and have a quick (excellent) lunch"

Dr. Marcell Greeff

"For the amount of money they make it’s looking very shabby in the carriages. It doesn’t look like anything has been touched up in years.

A warning in summer that you will get wet would be nice as well, it’s more of a log flume than a funi. Water dripping through the lights and whooshing through the doors, some unfortunate people got soaked. luckily I heard the running water and noticed the wet seats on entering so we hid behind the driver. It was running late all day at least 11 min. Which meant a 40 min wait. It’s a quick way to get to the top but yeah seen better days."

Helen G (Make Love Not Landfill)

What People Like

Incredible mountain views
Access to best snow
Steep, thrilling ride

What People Dislike

Dated carriages
Unexpectedly wet rides

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Funival Funicular is typically located at the base of a ski resort, serving as a primary access point to higher slopes and attractions. Specific directions will depend on your starting point within the resort area. Many visitors arrive via the resort's main transport links.Instagram

Parking availability varies by resort. It's advisable to check the resort's official website for information on parking facilities, fees, and shuttle services to the funicular station.

In some locations, like Porto, funiculars can be accessed using public transport passes.TikTok For resorts, check if local buses or trains connect to the funicular's base station.

The ride itself is quite quick, often under 5 minutes, climbing significant vertical meters. However, wait times can extend your total travel time.TikTok

While designed for efficient transport, accessibility for individuals with mobility issues should be confirmed with the specific operator. Some funiculars are more basic in design.TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary significantly by location and season. It's recommended to check the official website for the most up-to-date pricing. Some travelers suggest booking online to potentially save money or skip lines.TikTok

Tickets can usually be purchased at the funicular's ticket office. For popular attractions, booking online in advance is highly recommended to avoid disappointment and long waits.TikTok

Discounts may be available for children, seniors, or group bookings. Some resorts offer package deals that include funicular access. Check the operator's website for details.

Operating hours are seasonal and can change. They typically run during the ski season and summer months. Always verify the current schedule on their official website.TikTok

In ski resorts, your ski pass often includes access to the funicular as it's a key part of accessing the slopes.Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The Stoosbahn in Switzerland is recognized as the world's steepest funicular railway, with a gradient of up to 110%.TikTok The Gelmerbahn is also noted for its steep incline.TikTok

At the top, you can enjoy panoramic mountain views, access hiking trails like the Stoos Ridge Trail,TikTok visit glaciers, and dine at restaurants.Reddit

Yes, the steep incline provides an exciting experience, especially for those who enjoy heights and dramatic ascents. Some describe it as feeling like a mountain coaster.TikTok

Dress in layers suitable for mountain weather. Comfortable walking shoes are essential if you plan to hike at the top.TikTok

Absolutely! The steep climb and stunning scenery offer fantastic photo opportunities. Aim for a front-row seat for the best shots.TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, many funiculars lead to restaurants or cafes at the summit, offering a chance to enjoy a meal with spectacular views.Reddit

Expect typical mountain cuisine, often including hearty local dishes. Some places offer quick lunches perfect for a break during a hike or ski day.Reddit

Dining at popular tourist spots, especially at high altitudes, can be pricier than at the base. Budget accordingly.Reddit

While not explicitly forbidden, it's generally expected that visitors will patronize the on-site dining facilities. Picnics might be possible in designated areas, but check local regulations.

Options can be limited at high-altitude restaurants. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurant or check their menu online beforehand if you have specific dietary needs.

📸 📸 Photography

The front row of the funicular offers unparalleled views during the ascent.TikTok The summit also provides panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.TikTok

Early morning light often provides softer, more dramatic lighting for landscape shots. Late afternoon can also offer beautiful golden hour hues.

Drone usage is often restricted in national parks and sensitive natural areas. Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before flying a drone.

For expansive views, use a wide-angle lens. Consider using a polarizing filter to enhance sky and landscape colors. Adjust aperture for desired depth of field.

Yes, you can take photos inside the carriages. However, be mindful of other passengers and avoid obstructing their views or experience.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Riding a funicular can be an exciting adventure for children, offering unique views and a sense of thrill. The steep ascent is often a highlight, making it feel like a special journey.TikTok However, parents should be aware that some funiculars, particularly in summer, can be quite wet, akin to a log flume experience.Reddit Consider bringing a change of clothes or waterproof gear for the kids. Booking tickets in advance and arriving early can help minimize wait times, which is always a plus when traveling with children.TikTok Ensure the funicular's destination offers activities suitable for kids, such as easy walking trails or scenic spots for a picnic.

⛷️ Skiers & Snowboarders

For winter sports enthusiasts, the Funival Funicular often serves as a crucial gateway to prime ski slopes and excellent snow conditions.Instagram It efficiently transports skiers and snowboarders to higher altitudes, allowing quick access to challenging runs and backcountry areas. Many resorts integrate funicular access into their ski passes, making it a seamless part of the day's activities. The convenience of reaching the best snow areas quickly is a major advantage for those looking to maximize their time on the mountain.Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The dramatic inclines and stunning alpine scenery make funiculars a photographer's dream. Securing a spot in the front row is highly recommended for unobstructed, panoramic shots during the ascent.TikTok The changing perspectives as you climb offer dynamic compositions. Consider visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting. Be prepared for potential water spray in summer, which can add an interesting element to your photos if captured creatively, or be a nuisance if unprepared.Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Thrill of Steep Inclines

The Funival Funicular, and others like it such as the Stoosbahn TikTok and Gelmerbahn TikTok in Switzerland, are renowned for their extreme gradients. The Stoosbahn boasts the title of the world's steepest funicular, reaching an astonishing 110% incline. This engineering marvel allows passengers to ascend nearly 744 meters in under five minutes, creating a sensation that some compare to a mountain coaster.TikTok The steepness is not just a novelty; it's a practical solution for accessing high-altitude areas where traditional railways would be impossible to build.

Riding these steep funiculars offers a unique perspective on the landscape. The rapid ascent provides dramatic, ever-changing views of the valleys below and the towering peaks above. For photographers, the front row is prime real estate, offering unobstructed panoramas.TikTok However, this thrilling ride can also come with a splash! Some summer funiculars, like the one described in reviews, can feel more like a log flume, with water unexpectedly drenching passengers.Reddit It's a good idea to be prepared for this possibility, especially during warmer months.

Beyond the immediate thrill, these funiculars serve as vital links for both tourists and locals. They provide access to ski resorts,Instagram hiking trails,TikTok and scenic viewpoints, making otherwise inaccessible areas reachable. While the experience is exciting, some reviews mention that the carriages can appear dated and in need of refurbishment, suggesting that while the engineering is impressive, maintenance might lag behind.Reddit

Planning Your Visit: Beyond the Ride

When planning a trip to experience a funicular like the Funival, consider the time of year. While ski resorts are popular in winter, summer offers opportunities for hiking and enjoying the alpine scenery without the snow gear.TikTok However, be aware that summer operations might involve unexpected water features.Reddit Booking tickets in advance is a recurring tip across various funicular experiences,TikTok especially for popular ones like the Gelmerbahn or HK Peak Tram,TikTok to avoid lengthy queues. Arriving early for the first departures can also secure you the best vantage points.TikTok

For budget-conscious travelers, it's worth noting that not all funiculars are essential. In places like Budapest, travelers suggest skipping the paid funicular to Buda Castle and opting for free escalators or elevators that offer similar views and access.TikTok This advice highlights the importance of researching alternatives specific to your destination. Always check the official website for operating hours, as many funiculars have seasonal closures, particularly during the winter months.TikTok

Finally, consider what you want to do at the destination. Many funiculars are gateways to further activities like skiing,Instagram hiking,TikTok or simply enjoying a meal with a view.Reddit Researching the attractions at the top will help you make the most of your journey. Remember that while the ride is the main event, the experiences waiting for you at the summit are often the true reward.