[3][4][5] The Giessbach funicular was designed by the Swiss engineer Carl Roman Abt.

When it was opened in 1879, it was the first funicular with a two-rail single track layout with a relatively short passing loop in the middle.

[2] Originally the funicular was powered by water ballast, and the Riggenbach rack rail in the middle of the track was used for speed control.

In 1912 the water ballast system was replaced by a hydraulic engine powered by a Pelton turbine.

The funicular's two wooden cars are restored back to their original appearance in 1879.