snøhetta to bring glimmering green cable car stations to koblenz

contemporary cable cars for historic koblenz

Architecture studio Snøhetta has won the competition to design the new cable car stations in Koblenz, Germany, set within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. The project aims to introduce contemporary architectural elements that complement the historical setting, creating a fluid blend between modern functionality and heritage preservation.

Koblenz’s cable car system, initially introduced in 2011 for the Federal Horticultural Show, connects the city center with the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, located across the Rhine River. Originally a temporary structure, the system has grown into a key feature of the city, offering an environmentally friendly transportation option that aligns with local conservation goals. Snøhetta’s redesign marks a shift toward permanence, addressing the unique requirements of operating within a sensitive historical landscape.

the Valley Station is enclosed by a curved rooftop | images © Snøhetta

snøhetta draws from the region’s history and landscape

Snøhetta’s lower cable car station, known as the Valley Station, will be situated near Koblenz’s historic Basilica of St. Castor. The project incorporates design elements that honor this site’s architectural legacy. With a curved form that mirrors the basilica’s elegance, the station adapts to the region’s architectural motifs while preserving its own contemporary relevance. According to competition jurors, the station’s restrained design integrates into the World Heritage site without sacrificing architectural significance. Its gracefully curving metal roof echoes the basilica’s profile, blending modernity with heritage.

The architects‘ choice of materials for the valley station emphasizes local architectural traditions. The station’s metal roof, supported by a wooden framework on V-shaped concrete columns, is inspired by Koblenz’s historic roof and facade patterns. The roof’s metal shingles and the subtle green tones capture the natural play of light along the Rhine, adding a reflective quality that enhances the riverside setting. With this choice of materials, Snøhetta reinforces the relationship between architecture and the surrounding natural landscape.

the Mountain Station features a chamfered roof

The upper station — the Mountain Station — will be located at Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, presents a cohesive yet distinct design aligned with the valley station. Covered by a chamfered metal roof, the station incorporates stoic, robust forms that reflect the fortress’s historic presence. Supported by slender columns, the station’s wooden and metal structure features warmer hues, complementing the fortress’s earthy tones. The ‘flying’ roof, extending over the ticketing and kiosk area, creates a sheltered space for visitors while integrating an existing tree and adding depth to the station’s horizontal profile.

For Snøhetta, this project is as much about respecting Koblenz’s historical narrative as it is about creating functional infrastructure. ‘The cultural landscape and identity of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley are shaped by centuries of human intervention,’ says Patrick Lüth, Partner and Managing Director at Snøhetta’s Innsbruck studio. ‘The new stations engage in dialogue with this culturally significant landscape, honoring Koblenz’s architectural identity while bringing it into a contemporary context.’

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