Switzerland Celebrates a Century of the Historic Furka Pass Railway

100 Years of the Furka Pass Railway

According to УНІАН — Туризм: Switzerland is marking the 100th anniversary of the historic railway line crossing the Furka Pass, which sits at an elevation of 2,431 meters above sea level. This pass ranks among the highest Alpine crossings in the country. The first steam locomotive traversed the Furka Pass on July 3, 1926, linking the Swiss cantons of Uri and Valais. However, in the early 1980s, rail operations shifted to a new route following the opening of a tunnel, leading to the closure of the original line.

Restoring the Route

The line’s revival was made possible through the dedicated efforts of volunteers. The first section of the tourist railway reopened in 1992, and the full 18-kilometer route was fully restored by 2010. Today, steam trains only run during the summer months between the stations of Realp and Oberwald. A one-way ticket starts at 46 Swiss francs (approximately 57 US dollars), and the journey takes just under two and a half hours, offering passengers breathtaking panoramic views.

Bernhard Lang, one of the project participants, remarked: 'It’s like a living machine. You have to learn to feel it-how it behaves, how it moves, what sounds it makes, and even what it smells like.'

Another enthusiast, Jakob Kallert, emphasized: 'You hear every sound and immediately know whether everything is working properly. This helps you truly sense what such journeys were like a hundred years ago.' Sergio Rovelli also shared his thoughts on the 'Furka virus,' noting: 'We even have a joke in German: everyone who works here catches the Furka disease. You only need to come here once, and you never want to leave.'

This anniversary marks a significant moment for the tourism industry and railway history enthusiasts, offering a chance to experience the spirit of the past while enjoying the beauty of the Swiss Alps. Celebrating 100 years not only highlights the importance of rail transport in the nation’s history but also showcases the success of volunteers in restoring historic routes, boosting tourism and preserving Switzerland’s cultural heritage.