An Extraordinary Genesis
The construction of the route was characterized by great challenges. Technical difficulties, financial constraints, and demanding topography tested the tenacity of those responsible.
After the establishment of the 'Compagnie Suisse du chemin de fer de la Furka (BFD)' in 1910, the construction of the route began in 1911. By 1914, the Brig–Gletsch section was opened. However, due to lack of funds and technical problems in the Furka summit tunnel, an incomplete project was left behind.
What followed was not an end but a new beginning: After the bankruptcy of the original company, the enterprise was reorganized in 1925 under the driving force of the Visp-Zermatt Railway (VZ) and with the support of the federal government and cantons. A continuous connection from Brig to Disentis was created in close collaboration with, among others, the then independent Schöllenenbahn and the Rhaetian Railway. On July 3, 1926, the newly founded Furka Oberalp Railway officially commenced operations on its 96-kilometer route. Thus, a connection was established from the Upper Valais valley floor over the Goms and the Urseren Valley to the Surselva. To this day, the alpine east-west axis links various regions, languages, and cultures.
Originally, the railway ran over the Furka Pass route and was only fully operational in summer. It was not until the opening of the Furka Base Tunnel in 1982 that year-round operation became possible. Since the merger of the Brig-Visp-Zermatt Railway (formerly VZ) and the Furka Oberalp Railway into the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway (MGBahn) in 2003, the route has been part of a continuous network and remains of central importance, not least as the heart of the world-famous Glacier Express. At the Oberalp Pass, it reaches its highest point at 2,033 meters and continues to connect various linguistic and cultural regions of Switzerland.
'Brig–Disentis railway not only connects places, it primarily connects people, regions, and generations. It is a space for encounters, a lifeline, and for many simply a piece of home', affirmed Egon Gsponer, CEO of MGBahn, underscoring the significance of the connection on the occasion of the anniversary.
Anniversary Journey in a Historic Train Honours the History
The MGBahn, as the successor company of the Furka Oberalp Railway, has honoured this historic event today with a special anniversary journey. Together with partners, employees, and invited guests, the route was brought to life on a full-day trip with historic rolling stock. Highlights included a steam train ride from Oberwald to Realp and a stop in Realp, along with a brief visit to the festival grounds of the Furka Mountain Steam Railway.
Quick Facts
- Opening: July 3, 1926
- Length: 96 kilometers (Swiss rail network: 5232 km, of which SBB 3155 km)
- Track gauge: Metre gauge railway 1000 mm (Standard gauge railway 1435 mm)
- Highest Point: Oberalp Pass 2033 m
- Lowest Point:
- Longest Bridge: Rhone Bridge East Exit Brig (176 m)
- Highest Bridge: Grengiols Viaduct (48 m)
- Longest Tunnel: Furka Tunnel (15.4 km), opened 25.6.1982
- Part of the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway and the Glacier Express network
For further information: Media contact number: +41 27 927 71 41
medien@mgbahn.ch
www.mgbahn.ch
www.gornergrat.ch
www.glacierexpress.ch
www.bvzholding.ch