Säntis cable car to close for 6 months from May

The Säntis cable car in eastern Switzerland is set to close for six months starting from May. The cable car is undergoing renovations and is expected to reopen in autumn 2026.

Säntis cable car renovations to begin May 2026

The Säntis cable car is a popular attraction in Switzerland for both tourists and residents, receiving around 400.000 visitors a year. The Schwebebahn runs from Schwägalp to the Mount Säntis summit in the Appenzell Alps.

The Säntis operator has announced that the cable car system will undergo a complete renovation. From May 2026, the cable car will be out of operation for six months, reports Watson. Visitors will not be able to access the Mount Säntis summit station or the facilities at the top, such as the restaurant.

Schwägalp will remain open and the Säntis summit will be accessible only on foot, for experienced hikers only! The renovated cable car is expected to be operational by late autumn 2026.

Some may also be sad to hear that the largest Swiss flag in the world will not be on display on the face of the Säntis mountain on Swiss National Day this year, as it requires workers to use the cable car.

Cable car renovations cost almost 23 million Swiss francs

The cable car system will be replaced with a brand new one, which promises “not only greater comfort for guests, but also improved wind stability.” The new cabins will be bigger, but accommodate the same number of people (up to 85 passengers), and the journey time will remain at around eight minutes.

While renovation work has already started, the cable car will continue operating as normal until May. The planned improvements are estimated to cost the company around 22,7 million Swiss francs.