Heat Wave and Drought: Mountain Railways in the Swiss Alps Record More Guests

Bernese Oberland Benefits from the Schilthorn Cable Car

The Bernese Oberland is highlighted positively. The strong figures in this region are attributed by the cable car association primarily to the Schilthorn cable car. Following construction work, it is now fully operational again and is accordingly taking on many guests. The association explains: "Das liegt laut dem Seilbahnverband vor allem an der Schilthornbahn, die nach Bauarbeiten inzwischen wieder voll in Betrieb ist".

An increase in guest numbers is also being recorded in the Lucerne Alps. Heat-related shifts toward higher-altitude excursion destinations play a role here. Many hiking areas and viewpoints are recording more visitors than in the comparable period of the previous year, according to industry figures.

Feed Shortage on the Alpine Pastures

However, the drought has not only affected tourism, but also agriculture in the mountains. According to industry representatives, there is a feed shortage on the alpine pastures because the grass on the grazing areas is barely growing back due to the ongoing drought. Farmers must partially resort to purchased feed.

The federal government is monitoring the situation and is in contact with the cantons. Possible aid measures for affected mountain farming operations are being discussed, for example with regard to the purchase of feed or the water supply on the alpine pastures. Concrete decisions on this are still pending.

Federal Government Considers Support Measures

For the mountain railways, the heat wave is a double-edged sword: On the one hand, the search for cooler places attracts more guests to higher altitudes; on the other hand, individual facilities suffer from restrictions due to climate change. These include melting glaciers and an increasing risk of rockfall.

The Cable Car Association wants to continue to monitor the development and expects that the situation may change in the coming weeks depending on the weather. School holidays in various cantons are also likely to influence the frequencies again.

Overall, it is evident that the effects of the climate on summer tourism in Switzerland vary greatly from region to region. While some regions are benefiting from the trend toward cooler excursion destinations, others have to reckon with losses or additional costs for adjustments to the new conditions.