Gondola lift to Szyndzielnia

The gondola lift to Szyndzielnia in Bielsko-Biała, opened on December 21, 1953, is the first gondola lift built in Poland after World War II and the first of its kind in the country. Its construction began in 1950, and the architectural design was prepared by Krystyna Różyska. The history of the lift is closely tied to the development of mountain tourism in the region, particularly in Upper Silesia, where it contributed to the popularization of mountain excursions. The lift was exceptional, offering faster and more convenient access to Szyndzielnia, which attracted not only tourists but also local residents. From its opening until 1965, the lift transported up to 300 people per hour, which soon proved insufficient, leading to modernization and the replacement of cabins. Over the years, the lift underwent multiple upgrades, with the most significant transformation taking place between 1994 and 1995, when the old infrastructure was replaced with a new six-person system, reducing the travel time to 6.25 minutes. In 2016, the lift underwent another major modernization by Doppelmayr, increasing its capacity to 750 people per hour. The building of the old upper station, after 1995, was adapted for tourists and now serves as a resting place and a showcase for the lift's history, displaying cabins from various eras of its operation. In 2023, the lift will celebrate its 70th anniversary, highlighting its importance in the region's history. A particularly interesting aspect is that the first day of operation attracted 2,000 passengers, and in the local consciousness, it has become a symbol of Bielsko-Biała's tourist identity. In 2020, it was awarded the Marka - Śląskie prize in the tourism and recreation category, demonstrating its lasting impact on local culture and development.