Grindelwald’s 70M Franc Cableway Upgrade Sparks Fierce Local Backlash

A planned 70 million Swiss franc upgrade to Grindelwald’s First cableway has sparked controversy among residents. The project promises faster news travel and increased capacity but faces strong opposition from locals, conservationists and property owners.

The new route, set to cut journey times from 25 to 15 minutes, would run directly from Grindelwald railway station via Bort to First, with a branch to Schreckfeld. Yet critics argue it will disrupt wildlife, lower property values and alter the village’s character permanently.

The existing First cableway, operated by Jungfrau Railways, is nearing the end of its lifespan. Its current license expires in 2034, and many components will soon need replacing. The company’s proposed solution—a 70 million franc overhaul—would more than double hourly passenger news capacity to the summit.

Proponents claim the new system will ease congestion on Grindelwald’s narrow streets by letting visitors board directly at the train station. Jungfrau Railways insists the upgrade is essential for profitability, as the cableway relies heavily on international tourist news groups. Without them, the company warns, the service cannot remain viable.

Opposition, however, is growing. Former municipal president Dres Studer has distributed flyers urging residents to resist the plans. Hunters have raised concerns, while conservationists object to the route cutting through a protected wildlife quiet zone. Property owners along the revised path fear their land values will drop, and some have vowed to take legal action. The IG Pro Grindelwald Dorf group has threatened court proceedings if the project goes ahead without compromise.

A community assembly vote on amending settlement regulations to approve the new route is expected, though no date has been set. The outcome will determine whether the cableway’s future lies in modernisation—or in further dispute.

The cableway’s fate now rests on Grindelwald’s residents and the upcoming assembly vote. If approved, the upgrade would transform access to First, boosting tourism but potentially reshaping the village’s landscape.

For opponents, the fight is about more than transport—it’s about protecting property, wildlife and the quiet news of Grindelwald itself. Legal challenges could still delay or derail the project, even if the vote passes.