WIR 02/2020 [EN]

International Projects
23
Space miracle: D-Line gondola lift
8-MGD Bürgeralpe Express | Mariazell, Styria (AUT)
Mariazeller Bürgeralpe Seilbahnbetriebs GmbH
+ WEDDING CABIN
(themed cabin, entirely
in white)
1,382 m 370 m 837 PPH (final phase: 1,200) 5.0 m/s 6.0 min 21 8-passenger cabins + 1
12/2019 D-Line
The Bürgeralpe Express is a custom-built
gondola lift from the center of the popular
Austrian pilgrimage destination Mariazell up
to its equally popular local mountain.
After 90 years of dependable service, the time
had come in fall 2018 to send one of Austria’s
oldest ropeways into retirement. In place
of the 24-passenger reversible aerial tramway
Mariazell–Bürgeralpe, a new 8-passenger
D-Line gondola lift now carries visitors up to
Mariazell’s local peak. During the trip, guests
get to enjoy a spectacular view of the adjacent
basilica of this historic place of pilgrimage.
D-Line makes it possible
A special feature requiring custom solutions
for the construction of the Bürgeralpe Express
was the limited space available at the bottom
station in the center of Mariazell. Thanks to
excellent planning and the possibilities provided
by the very finely structured modular
design concept of the D-Line, the new continuous-movement
ropeway could be precisely
tailored to requirements. Access to the bottom
station was moved to the second floor, which
had a positive impact on the alignment as well
as ensuring optimal passenger flow. The new
building structure preserves the harmony of
the townscape.
Ropeway as economic driver for the region
The modern installation from Doppelmayr/
Garaventa can carry up to 800 passengers an
hour and operates all year round. Passengers
have no problem taking their sports equipment
with them: skis and snowboards in the winter
and bikes in the summer. The ropeway is of
major importance as an economic driver for
the Mariazeller Land region and safeguards
many jobs. The unusual financing model for
the new lift was also a factor contributing to
its exceptional appearance. This included local
private sponsors, who have taken advantage
of using the cabins for advertising – creating
an individual and varied design.
The Bürgeralpe Express is the centerpiece of
the tourism drive by the Mariazeller Land region.
Johann Kleinhofer, Managing Director, Mariazeller
Bürgeralpe Seilbahnbetriebs GmbH