These are the stomach-churning pictures of Europe's steepest funicular which has a gradient of 106 per cent - but not a seatbelt in sight. These are the stomach-churning pictures of Europe's steepest funicular which has a gradient of 106 per cent - but not a seatbelt in sight.











The breathtaking images show two children clutching onto a single rail as the ground drops away beneath them in Bern, Switzerland. The breathtaking images show two children clutching onto a single rail as the ground drops away beneath them in Bern, Switzerland.

The Gelmerbahn funicular takes tourists a vertigo-inducing 6,000 feet above sea level to Lake Gelmer and while the journey might be slow it's not for the faint-hearted.

Open carriages take 24 passengers up the steep cliff face from Handegg, in Hasli Valley, on a scary but scenic ride which lasts about 12 minutes.

These children show no fear as they ride the Gelmerbahn funicular [Caters]

And as these incredible shots show, thrill-seekers have nothing more than a metal bar to grip onto during the invigorating journey.

The stunning images were taken by Swiss photographer, Monika Flückiger.

The 48-year-old said: "I know the funicular looks dangerous but it's not. Having said that those looking for an adrenaline shot will definitely get one here.

"Strangely though it's not very famous, many of my friends and colleagues don't even know about.

"The children pictured here weren't scared but they were certainly adrenalized."

The Gelmerbahn funicular was built in 1926 to help with the construction of the Lake Gelmer dam.

It was converted into a passenger train in 2001.