How about a double rail adventure through the Swiss mountains?
The Furka pass and base tunnel are the ideal place for this expedition!
Over 15 kilometres long, it links Oberwald and Realp via an underground electrified line.
In summer, however, there is an alternative rail route via the Furka summit. The choice is yours!
Once you have entered this impressive tunnel, your journey begins from the Rhone valley to the Reuss valley* and promises picturesque landscapes, historic tunnels and lakes reflected on the icy walls.
In the beginning, a railway line over the Furka Pass
The pre-tunnel line of the “Furka mountain railway by steam train”, Dampfbahn Furka-Bergstrecke AG, formerly known asOberwald Bahn, crosses the Furka Pass via the heights between Oberwald and Realp.
History of the railway line
Construction of the railway project from Gletsch to Disentis began in the 1910s, but it wasn’t until 1936 that the line was opened to the public, with a rack and pinion and metre gauge line via the Furka summit route.
The initial route comprised 11 stations, including Furka station at an altitude of 2,160 metres, 5 tunnels, 8 bridges and a viaduct. The trains were pulled by steam locomotives, before being electrified in 1942.
This line is characterised by its exposure to difficult winter weather conditions: risk of avalanches, frost and snowstorms, forcing recurrent seasonal closures.
Because of the costs involved in maintaining services, a tunnel project was launched in the 1970s, with inauguration in 1982, the year in which the summit railway line was closed.
The revival of the summit train
After a complete dismantling avoided thanks to enthusiasts grouped together in an association(Verein Furka-Bergstrecke) transformed into a non-profit company, the Dampfbahn Furka-Bergstrecke AG (DFB).
The latter has been renovating the line, section by section, and operating it since 1992. The Furka steam and cog railway is now a tourist route that runs along one of the peaks of the Swiss Alps, between the Rhone and the Rhine.
This Furka mountain railway follows the same route as the original, crossing the spectacular Alpine scenery over an 18-kilometre stretch between Realp and Oberwald via the 6-kilometre Furka Pass tunnel.
The line consists mainly of a single fine ramp with an ascending gradient that rises to 118 ‰ and requires additional traction provided by rack-and-pinion machines specially designed to navigate this section.
The trains running on this section are classic locomotives with a panoramic compartment featuring a transparent roof offering passengers a panoramic view of the Alpine landscape.
The Furka base tunnel
Built from the 1970s onwards at prohibitive cost, the Furka base tunnel was inaugurated in 1982.
Using piggyback transport, it allows vehicles to travel between Oberwald and Realp under the Leckihorn summit, with traffic possible all year round, even in winter.
The dimensions of this new tunnel are adapted to the needs of lorries, allowing goods to be transported faster and more safely, without seasonal disruption.
Car transport service
Operated by Matterhorn-Gotthard Bahn(MGB), the tunnel offers passengers a pleasant and comfortable journey. Cars can be loaded directly onto the train, making it a very convenient way to cross from the canton of Valais to the canton ofUri towards the central Alps.
Train timetables may vary according to weather conditions in the Furka tunnel section. Fares depend on the type and number of people and vehicles involved in the journey.
The Matterhorn-Gotthard Bahn network
In addition to the Furka base tunnel, the MGB* network stretches 144 kilometres between the Rhone and Rhine valleys.
MGB network map
Furka pass and tunnel
Which routes to choose?
Although they link the same two valleys, the comparison is not necessarily relevant, but both journeys are a must for those who enjoy rail experiences.
The beauty of the summit route is undeniable, both in terms of its views of the Alpine peaks and its engineering structures, tunnels, bridges and viaducts. However, it can only be used outside the winter season.
The Furka base tunnel, on the other hand, allows you to cross at any time of year, with much shorter journey times and the option of transporting your own vehicle.
Journey time
Travel times vary considerably depending on the route chosen.
The total journey time using the summit route is directly linked to the speed of the train, which cannot exceed 28 km/h at its fastest.
Allow between 1h30 and 2h15 for the journey between Realp and Oberwald via the summit route.
The journey time between Oberwald and Realp via the new tunnel is around thirty minutes.
The tunnel is also a contributor of geothermal energy*. Since the tunnel was bored, around 5,400 litres of hot water have contributed daily to Oberwald’s energy supply.
Practical information
Direct access to the official website, train timetables and ticket reservations.
opening hours, prices
Consult the Furka tunnel timetable, conditions and prices:
Pass and tunnel by train
You can go directly to the information website for these two lines:
Furka Pass
Furka Tunnel
Trains in Switzerland
- Map of the Swiss rail network and timetables by station :
Activities and tourism
Activities and excursions in Switzerland with Civitatis and GetYourGuide:
Travel+
- History of the summit line, ALSF
- Base tunnel,Wikipedia
- The MGB network inSwitzerland
- Geothermal energy and tunnels,GS