2023 has been a bad year for the tunnels connecting the north and south of eastern Switzerland. On 10 August 2023 a train derailed and forced the closure of one of the train tunnels running between the cantons of Uri and Ticino. Then on Sunday 10 September 2023, parts of the roof of the Gotthard […]
British climber found after 52 years in Saas Fee
In early August 2023, two mountaineers discovered human remains on the Chessjen glacier near Saas Fee. However, the identity of the individual was unknown until DNA test results provided an answer. Forensic analysis was done at a hospital in Valais. The work involved an investigation of unfound missing persons. An examination of the bones further […]
Closed Gotthard base tunnel set to reopen
From 23 August 2023, around 90 freight trains will be able to travel through the east tube of the damaged Gotthard base tunnel, reported SRF. Combined with an additional 20 freight trains continuing to run on the old panorama route will mean a total of 110 freight trains will be able to move through central […]
Gotthard tunnel remains blocked causing delays and cancellations
On 10 August 2023, a freight train derailed in the Gotthard base tunnel. The tunnel will remain closed at least until next Wednesday, 16 August, reported SRF. Those travelling by train via the tunnel must expect delays and train cancellations. According to Swiss Rail the Gotthard base tunnel will remain closed to passenger traffic until […]
Gotthard tunnel queues reach 15 kilometres
Switzerland’s Gotthard tunnel is a key link between northern and southern Switzerland. During the summer holiday season it becomes a major traffic choke point. On Sunday 16 July 2023, traffic queues north of the tunnel stretched as far as 15 kilometres, according to SRF. The waiting time to get to the tunnel was as long […]
New gondola connects Switzerland and Italy
On 1 July 2023, a new gondola connecting Switzerland and Italy was opened. The new high altitude cable car, which connects the Kleiner Matterhorn (3,821m) with the Testa Grigia (3,458m) spans the border between two nations. The lift cabins have glass floors allowing occupants a birds eye view over the Theodul glacier. In winter it […]
Switzerland’s highest rail crossing train turns 50
On 3 June 2023, the Bernina Express turned 50. Launched as a tourist experience on 3 June 1973, the train runs between Chur, Switzerland and Tirano, Italy. The train link is the highest train crossing in the Alps and a portion of it forms part of Glacier Express journey, which links the Zermatt and St. […]
Overnight trains – 2023 to be a record year
Current demand for train travel now exceeds the level before the Covid pandemic, reported RTS. Demand for recently expanded overnight train travel has increased the most, reported RTS. Overnight train travel is possible between Switzerland and Hamburg, Berlin, Vienna, Budapest, Graz, Zagreb and Amsterdam, the most recent addition. Sleeper services to Barcelona and Rome are […]
Half of Swiss population unlikely to travel abroad this summer
A survey by Tour Club Switzerland (TCS) published this week shows 50% of the population currently have little (23%) or very little (27%) desire to travel beyond Switzerland’s borders. While Switzerland’s population is now travelling far more than during the Covid-19 pandemic, travel remains below pre-pandemic levels. But the population is still going on holiday. […]
Swiss Rail behind on billions of francs of rail maintenance
This week, Olivier Français, a member of the Council of States, Switzerland’s upper house, pointed out the long-running underinvestment in Switzerland’s rail infrastructure. According to the engineer and politician, billions have been cut from maintenance and investment budgets, reported RTS. Michel Béguelin, a former transport commissioner, told RTS he remembers plans from the Federal Council […]
