Laber Ropeway Oberammergau

If everything around you is in turmoil: perfectly optimized and planned in all details, it seems as if time stood still above Mount Laber. The cabins of the Laber´s ropeway cozily climb the 1.684 meters to the summit. With a little stopover halfway, so that its guests may exit right there. The system of the ropeway dates back to 1957. Back then, this system was an absolute novelty. And pretty much nothing has changed ever since.

 

The first ride 60 years ago


It´s been 60 years since Laber´s ropeway opened its doors. Back then, Konrad Adenauer was Germany´s Chancellor, the first mountaineers climbed the Broad Peak, driving a car had not yet been taken for granted, there was no iPhone and no one had ever heard of such a thing like the internet. 2019 was still way ahead in the future. Taken everything into consideration, the world moved a bit slower back in those days. A fraction of this time, a little piece of nostalgia has been maintained in the Laber Ropeway´s cabins. After all, the cabins are still the same, they were never replaced. And for a reason: to maintain the nostalgic ropeway´s charm.

 

 

Deceleration is a rather modern term. Yet, in the old ropeway´s cabins this comes rather naturally. Unhurriedly, it moves up the 2.2 kilometers to the Laber´s top. The ride takes 10 minutes. While contemporary ropeways might only need a tenth of the time, this is exactly what´s so special about this historical relict. The scenery, white and blue sky, an imposing mountain – the scenic Ammertal shows off all its majestic glory to the ropeway´s guests.

 

Charming at any season


Mount Laber is an intriguing destination for outdoor sports enthusiasts in every one of the four seasons. At its feet lie the village of Ettal, the Graswang as well as the Loisach Valley. While the Laber doesn´t even range among Bavaria´s tallest mountains, yet, the views it provides are truly unique. From the summit, you can take a look at the Wetterstein mountain range. In a Northern and Eastern direction, there is a wide plain including some beautiful lakes such as the Staffelsee, Ammersee and Starnberger See. On sunny days, you might even be able to get a sneak peek into Munich. South of the mountain station, you get a great look, all the way from the Chiemgauer Berge, Karwendel, Estergebirge and Wetterstein (all mountains or mountain ranges) to the Allgäuer Alps, beyond which the Austrian summits pop up.

 

Laber Bergbahn

 

Only for experienced skiers!


During winter season, the infamous and non-prepared ski-piste “Nordhang” attracts many skiers who want to go all-in. It´s the only descent from Mount Laber and generally considered as being the steepest one in all of Germany. Beginners certainly shouldn´t give it a try, while experienced skiers should have a profound knowledge of avalanches and the right equipment.

During spring, summer and fall, Mount Laber is especially popular among paragliders. On good days with a solid thermal condition, the area is filled with paragliding addicts. Quite evidently, considering the scenic views. Some even managed to go all the way to Lago Maggiore.

 

 

Of course, Mount Laber is also a place of pilgrimage for hikers. There are a lot of tracks leading upwards and every single one of them is unique. Beginners and intermediates are sure to find their perfect route.

 

‘Gmiatlich’ (bavarian for cozy)


Even though Laber´s ropeway is rather old, it is not outdated. Technologically, it is regularly maintained. After all, the creed is that of safety first in order to bring the increasing bulk of guests to the summit. The fact that this venue becomes ever more popular is much to the delight of operations manager Andreas Weber. He´s been asked quite a few times if there were any plans to replace the old ropeway with a modern, a more high-tech version. “That really rung my bell”, laughs Weber. In his opinion, the ‘gmiatliche’ (cozy, unhurried) atmosphere at Mount Laber needs to continue. In our opinion, that´s a great approach!

 

For opening hours and current information just click on the logo below:

 

 

 

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Fotos: © Anton Brey