The Hammetschwand lift is the highest outdoor lift in Europe

The Hammetschwand lift near the Swiss municipality of Ennetbürgen has been taking hikers up the Bürgenstock mountain since 1905.

They enjoy one of the most exclusive views in the country from above and walk in the footsteps of what is probably the most famous secret agent of all time.

In the Swiss canton of Nidwalden, near the small community of Ennetbürgen, lies one of the most unusual tourist attractions in the country. We’re talking about the Hammetschwand Lift, an outdoor elevator made of steel and glass that has been taking hikers up the Bürgenstock Mountain for more than 100 years. Be transported from the top for a spectacular view at a location that literally plays a starring role in one of the most popular spy films of all time.

According to the official website of the canton of Nidwalden, the Hammetschwand lift was built in 1905. The attraction is the highest outdoor lift in Europe. In just one minute, it carries its passengers almost 153 meters upwards and is itself at a dizzying height of 1132 meters above sea level. This makes it the undisputed highlight of a relatively short hiking trail known as the Bürgenstock Cliff Path.

Immortalized by Hollywood

Anyone who gets off just below the summit of the Bürgenstock can enjoy a unique view over Lake Lucerne and the city of Lucerne. However, this is only possible for a few months in summer, when the Bürgenstock rock path can be accessed without risk. The Hammetschwand lift is also only open during the summer months when the weather is good to guarantee safe use.

According to “Atlas Obscura”, this must have been even more adventurous in the past, because originally the Hammetschwand lift was only made of wood and sheet metal. In the course of its more than 100 years of existence, however, it has been renovated several times, and today visitors can expect a solid construction made of glass and steel. This was even immortalized in the legendary “James Bond” series: In 1967, original Bond Sean Connery fought a wild chase with his adversaries in the film “Goldfinger”, as reported by the official website of the municipality of Ennetbürgen.

Meeting place for the rich and beautiful

It was no coincidence that Hollywood came here. Because the Hammetschwand lift was originally built as an attraction for the legendary luxury hotel Bürgenstock Resort. Opened in 1873, the rich and beautiful of the film world frequented this place. According to Forbes magazine, Audrey Hepburn married in the hotel’s own chapel in 1954. Sophia Loren and her husband were also welcome guests in the 1960s.

Although the Bürgenstock resort and the Hammetschwand lift survived both world wars, they slowly lost their importance over time. It was not until 2007 that an investor consortium from Qatar breathed life back into the house. Nine years later, after a 560 million euro renovation, it reopened to (well-heeled) guests. Ever since then, Europe’s highest outdoor elevator has been in demand again. According to the “Luzerner Zeitung”, he completes up to 1000 trips a day in the high season.

Users on the Tripadvisor portal are also enthusiastic about the unusual attraction. “It was a strenuous hike to the lift, but it was worth every drop of sweat,” says one. A second says: “The lift is still very impressive today. How must it have been earlier? A third adds: “An absolute must if you visit the Bürgenstock. Definitely worth a trip.”