[Idyllchat] New Tunnel Through Alps

[st.gretener at bluewin.ch]

Dear Idyllers,

I gladly accept the invitation that Joan has spoken out ;-)

You are talking about the Loetschberg base railroad tunnel that connects the regions Bernese Oberland and 
Valais/Wallis in Switzerland. As mentioned before, this railroad tunnel is operational since last year. With its length 
of 34.6 kilometers (about 21.5 miles), the tunnel is the third longest tunnel in the world. The north portal of the 
tunnel is in Frutigen, the south portal in Raron near Visp.

All direct SBB trains (InterCity, EuroCity, Cisalpino trains) between Bern and Brig run thru the Loetschberg base 
railroad tunnel, non-stop from Spiez to Visp (and vice-versa). If you would like to go to Frutigen, Kandersteg or 
Goppenstein you will have to change on the so-called RegioExpress train in Spiez or Brig. A ride from Spiez to Brig on 
the very scenic old railroad line over Frutigen, Kandersteg, Goppenstein takes 1 hour 12 minutes. With a direct train 
from Spiez to Brig thru the Loetschberg base railroad tunnel, you need just 35 minutes. But the 15 to 20 minutes you 
spend in the tunnel are quite noisy and not scenic at all.

If you are interested in the Loetschberg base railroad tunnel, you will find a lot of information on the following 
website (in English):
http://www.blsalptransit.ch/en/frameset_e.htm

Kind regards from Olten, Switzerland
Stefan
 


>Yes, it opened last year during our stay.  Saw the portals riding the rails to Zermatt.  
>Understand it cuts considerable time from Bern to Visp--at least 45 minutes.  Perhaps 
>Stefan, our SBB expert can give more specific detail.  As always, the Swiss threw an 
>opening party that lasted all weekend, including free rides through the tunnel.  And, 
>Untours, always on top of things, offered tunnel ride reservations to interested Idyll 
>guests.  Cheers.  Joan.