After a severe accident in October 2021, in which one of the cabins of the old cable car fell, a new cable car is now being built to Ještěd in Liberec. The design for the new cabin, created by Czech designer Anna Marešová, was recently selected by the city of Liberec.

As she explained in an interview with Radio Prague International, the cabin design incorporates elements of the iconic Ještěd Tower, which, due to its rocket-like shape, is a striking landmark of the city.

The new design: UFO-inspired and functional

Marešová drew inspiration from a futuristic UFO design, which not only reflects the aesthetics of the tower but also enhances the functionality of the cable car.

The cabin will be fully glazed, offering passengers a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape. The new cable car will be capable of carrying up to 100 passengers at a time, significantly increasing the capacity compared to the previous gondola.

Technological innovations for greater safety

The new cable car will use the Funifor type, where the cabin hangs from two cables, providing increased stability. This decision follows the tragic incident in 2021, when a cable snapped and a cabin fell.

The city of Liberec has since taken over the old cable car system from the Czech Railways (ČD) and plans to launch the new cable car with an investment of approximately 440 million CZK (about 17.6 million EUR) by January 2029 at the latest.

Conclusion

The new design of the cable car to Ještěd marks an important step toward modern, safer, and more innovative cable car technology. The UFO-inspired cabin will not only enhance safety and capacity but also improve the experience for tourists and locals alike.

As mentioned, the cable car is expected to be in operation by 2029, with the construction tender to be issued in February 2025.