Cable cars on the Ochsenkopf

Ed. Züblin AG, Directorate East, Bayreuth Division, realized a technically demanding infrastructure project with the new construction of the cable cars on the Ochsenkopf in the Fichtelgebirge.

New construction of the cable cars on the Ochsenkopf

The modern 10-passenger gondola lifts replace the old chairlifts and stand for precision, accessibility and sustainable construction quality. The project comprised the north lift with three stations and the south lift with two stations, realized in two construction phases with a total construction time of two years - including the planning and demolition of the old lifts.

With the completion of the new cable car facilities on the Ochsenkopf in December 2024, one of the region's most important infrastructure projects has been successfully completed. The new gondola lifts replace the more than fifty-year-old double chairlifts and now offer modern, comfortable and barrier-free transportation to the second-highest peak in the Fichtelgebirge. Ed. Züblin AG, Directorate East, Bayreuth Division, was responsible for the complete general contractor services - from the foundations to the construction of the bottom, middle and top stations, right through to the shell and finishing of all areas of the installation.

The challenge of mountainous terrain - precision at every meter

Building a cable car in alpine terrain places the highest demands on planning, logistics and execution. The approximately 2.3-kilometre-long route with its support foundations required millimetre-precise work. Considerable differences in altitude and difficult geological conditions had to be overcome between the valley and mountain stations. The concrete foundations of the supports had to be precisely aligned - with a maximum tolerance of two centimetres over the entire length of the route. Despite the sometimes inaccessible location and changeable weather conditions, the team was able to complete the work precisely and within the planned time frame. Temporary construction site logistics were set up in the mountain terrain for the transportation of materials and machinery in order to protect the natural areas as much as possible.

Modern technology and sustainable construction

The new 10-passenger gondola lifts offer state-of-the-art conveyor technology and maximum comfort. They are completely barrier-free so that people with wheelchairs, baby carriages or bicycles can also board without any problems.

In addition to the new cable car technology, the valley, middle and mountain stations were also built in contemporary architecture. Here, ZÜBLIN placed particular emphasis on sustainable construction, energy efficiency and high-quality materials. The buildings were designed to blend harmoniously into the surrounding landscape of the Fichtelgebirge and at the same time meet the requirements of year-round operation - in both summer and winter.

Modern construction machinery and precise surveying technology were used for the construction. Close coordination with all the trades and suppliers involved ensured a smooth construction process. Ecological aspects - such as minimizing interventions in the terrain and controlled re-vegetation - were also consistently implemented.

Picture of a cable car station with wooden cladding

ZÜBLIN expertise from Bayreuth

The Ochsenkopf project is a prime example of the efficiency and experience of the ZÜBLIN Bayreuth division in structural engineering and complex infrastructure projects. Thanks to the combination of technical expertise, precise execution planning and efficient construction site management, the project was completed on schedule despite the challenging conditions.

The new cable car construction not only strengthens the tourist appeal of the Fichtelgebirge, but also shows how innovative construction processes and sustainable technology can go hand in hand. With the new cable cars, ZÜBLIN has made an important contribution to the modernization of the regional infrastructure and to the future viability of tourism in Upper Franconia.

Subdivision:

East

Unit:

Bayreuth

Service:

Commercial and industrial construction