The Furka steam train adventure
The Steam Railway Experience at the Rhone Glacier
Marvel at our forefathers' pioneering achievements in railway technology surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery. Start with us from Realp station in the Canton of Uri (1420 m above sea level) on an unforgettable, thrilling trip which takes us in some two hours in carefully restored old-timer trains to Gletsch in the Canton of Valais. First, the over 80 year old steam engine climbs the rack rail uphill along the rushing waters of the Furkareuss. It travels at a leisurely speed over the bold Wiler bridge, through the three Senntumstafel tunnels and across the famed Steffenbach folding bridge. A first stop in Tiefenbach is used to fill up with water. With a full boiler the journey continues past Alpine meadows full of flowers. Puffing rhythmically, the locomotive with its coaches crosses the Steinstafel viaduct. Then follows a short stop at the highest station Furka (2160 m above sea level). After this, the train runs through the 1874 m long summit tunnel towards the Valais. At the Muttbach-Belvédère stop, the rake begins the descent on the rack track which has a gradient of up to 118 pro mille. You experience an exceptional spectacle of nature and technology with the enchanting Rhone glacier, which soon comes into the passengers' view between snow-covered mountain peaks. The adventurous trip over the Furka pass ends for the moment in Gletsch (1760 m above sea level) where the yellow post buses can be taken for the ongoing trip to Oberwald or to Meiringen via the Grimsel pass. All aboard for the steam train experience. Have a good trip!