Swiss Railway Celebrates 100th Anniversary with Vintage Steam Trains
Train enthusiasts will celebrate a historic Swiss railway’s 100th anniversary this weekend. Vintage steam locomotives will ferry tourists through stunning Alpine scenery. The Furka Pass sits at 2,431 meters above sea level. This pass ranks among Switzerland’s highest Alpine routes. Its hairpin curves famously appeared in the 1964 James Bond film “Goldfinger.”
Historical Significance and Restoration
A steam train first traversed this steep route on July 3, 1926. The journey connected Uri and Valais regions for decades. A tunnel at the Alps’ base diverted rail traffic in the 1980s. The historic mountain route then closed completely.
Hundreds of volunteers stepped in to save the railway. These “pioneers” restored and maintained the historic tracks. The first section reopened as a heritage railway in 1992. The full 18-kilometer track became ready for travel in 2010.
Visitor Experience and Volunteer Passion
Steam trains now operate exclusively as a summer tourist attraction. Visitors can ride between Realp and Oberwald stations. Vintage carriages offer stunning views of rivers and Alpine meadows. Lush green pastures with lingering snow patches surround the route.
Passenger Stephan Willareth called his journey “wonderful.” Kurt Guldemann, a former Swiss railway employee, heralded the machines’ history. Volunteer driver Bernhard Lang described steam trains as “living machines.” He said mastering the skill takes years of practice.
Young train manager Jacob Kallert emphasized listening to the locomotives. Every sound tells you if everything runs correctly. Volunteer Sergio Rovelli joked about the “Furka Virus.” Once people work here, they get hooked and stay.
