Funiculaire Les Avants-Sonloup

Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut - On July 8th, 1910 the idea for the funicular was born. Working at a frantic pace, civil workers completed the funicular in just 5 months. The track runs for 531 meters at an impressive slope of 54.5%. To make all this possible three works of art were constructed: a brick viaduct with eleven arches, two steel bridges to cross the Sonloup road, and a small culvert arch over the bobsled run. From the beginning, electric traction was chosen for the funicular and on December 14th, 1910, the first passengers took their seats in the 50 person capacity cars. With an hourly capacity of 500 people in each direction, the red funicular soon became an integral part of life in Les Avants. Renovated in 2012, the funicular is now an iconic symbol for the entire region.