Dampfbahn Furka Bergstrecke
Dampfbahn Furka Bergstrecke
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
85 reviews
Excellent
75
Very good
9
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
wcraft
Sydney, Australia147 contributions
Sep 2022
Although a confirmed steam train addict I can recommend this to anyone who wants to have a memorable trip through the Swiss alps. Apart from spectacular views the service on this all-volunteer train was a real bonus. Attendants did a great job of pointing out the highlights and history of the railway.
Written October 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gaby123456
Zurich, Switzerland209 contributions
Jul 2020
The restored steam train is a great experience. it starts from Realp and ends in Oberwald (or vice-versa). there is a parking place in Realp nearby, it costs 5 CHF for the whole day. Before the train ride a small cafe is set up to serve coffee and croissants. the train is wonderfully restored and everyone is nice and helpful. if you ordered the ticket online you can exchange it for an old train ticket at the cashier in Realp before the ride. there is also a small shop in which you can buy some souvenirs. During the ride you are allowed to stay outside as well. there is on half the way a bit longer stop with toilet and food. In Oberwald you have a bit more than one hour and then you can take the train back (or use the normal train or the post bus). The ride is not cheap but worthwhile.
Written August 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Electroburger
Europe405 contributions
Aug 2013 • Solo
In 1982, the Furka Oberalp railway replaced some of the most interesting rack railway trackage on this planet with a 14km long tunnel. As this stretch, high in the mountains, was very labour-intensive to maintain due to high snows (the catenary would have to come down for the winter, some bridges were dismantled, etc.) and only operational part of the year, it was abandoned. Over the years, the Furka Dampbahn (steam train) group has been restoring the line, albeit to operate with historic steam locomotives. Bit by bit, the entire line returned to operation, as a tourist railway. First trains operated from Realp just to the Furka tunnel, then later on to Gletsch. Now the entire former operation all the way to Oberward has been completed.
The one remaining bit, from Gletsch to Oberwald, finally went into service this June. It was originally scheduled to open in 2007 or so. Tourist steam trains now run the entire length from Realp to Oberwald, these days you need a reservation (easy enough to do on the Internet), round trip fare 2nd class is some CHF 121. This year, the DFB started running an extra Historic Diesel train originating in Oberwald which needs no reservation. You can even bring your bike on the train and ride down, there is a little car for bikes, skis, sports equipment, etc. The historic diesel train runs just from Oberward to Gletsch and the stop in Gletsch is agreeably short - enough time to see and film the steam train come and go, then go across the street and have lunch. Restaurant pretty good and only slightly overpriced. The historic diesel locomotive, although it looks quite modern, is from 1969 or so.
This stretch from Oberwald to Gletsch is itself rather interesting, it is rack all the way, plus just before Gletsch there is a beautiful small waterfall and rapids then a tunnel which ascends in a 340 or so degree spiral. Interestingly, there is a sprinkler system installed along the line, presumably for putting out the little bits of flaming cinders from the steam locomotives.
The one remaining bit, from Gletsch to Oberwald, finally went into service this June. It was originally scheduled to open in 2007 or so. Tourist steam trains now run the entire length from Realp to Oberwald, these days you need a reservation (easy enough to do on the Internet), round trip fare 2nd class is some CHF 121. This year, the DFB started running an extra Historic Diesel train originating in Oberwald which needs no reservation. You can even bring your bike on the train and ride down, there is a little car for bikes, skis, sports equipment, etc. The historic diesel train runs just from Oberward to Gletsch and the stop in Gletsch is agreeably short - enough time to see and film the steam train come and go, then go across the street and have lunch. Restaurant pretty good and only slightly overpriced. The historic diesel locomotive, although it looks quite modern, is from 1969 or so.
This stretch from Oberwald to Gletsch is itself rather interesting, it is rack all the way, plus just before Gletsch there is a beautiful small waterfall and rapids then a tunnel which ascends in a 340 or so degree spiral. Interestingly, there is a sprinkler system installed along the line, presumably for putting out the little bits of flaming cinders from the steam locomotives.
Written August 30, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NeiKat
17 contributions
Aug 2013
We booked the trip over email a few months back, and paid on the day. We travelled from Realp to Gletsch by steam then changed to diesel down the hill.
Only thing to be aware of is the train leaves from a seperate station in Realp which is about 10 minutes walk from the MGB one.
We had reserved seats in the front coach, the guard even came down to tell us what was going on as we were the only non German speakers on the train, this was a very nice touch.
The train stopped at Furka for about 20 minutes and we sampled some excellent cake and cheese.
The trip was very expensive 146sfr for the pair of us for a single ticket, but well worth it.
Only thing to be aware of is the train leaves from a seperate station in Realp which is about 10 minutes walk from the MGB one.
We had reserved seats in the front coach, the guard even came down to tell us what was going on as we were the only non German speakers on the train, this was a very nice touch.
The train stopped at Furka for about 20 minutes and we sampled some excellent cake and cheese.
The trip was very expensive 146sfr for the pair of us for a single ticket, but well worth it.
Written August 19, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Patrick C
28 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
Me and my 3 year old boy spent a wonderful day aboard the beautifully restored Furka Steam Train. The train attendants did a marvelous job in explaining the history as well as the stunning sights along the track, including the once massive Rhône Glacier. There were plenty of stalls at the stops selling reasonably priced foods and snacks in decent quality.
Written August 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JeffDesmond
Whyalla, Australia56 contributions
Aug 2017 • Solo
I had seen this steam train advertised on a previous visit to Switzerland but because I wasn't staying nearby I wasn't able to do it.
On this visit I was still 3 and 1/2 hours away by train but I caught an early train to connect to make the 10.15 service. I alighted the train from Brig and had a bare ten minutes to make my way 300-400 metres to where the steam train began.
I quickly bought my tickets and was ushered on board to my seat the train was already nearly full. Not long after that we departed and to the delight of all on board and the awaiting crowd with the whistle blowing the trip had begun.
All those on board were clambering for the best vantage points and with the ability to stand outside numerous exciting places were eagerly sort out as we made our way towards Oberwald.
The train makes three stops and takes on water and we also have a short lunch stop. The initial journey goes upwards then downhill after the lunch break and the rack railway is in use on both sectors due to the incline.
The views all the way along are sensational and I can only give this trip the highest approval and recommend anyone who likes historic trains to climb aboard it is well worth it.
On this visit I was still 3 and 1/2 hours away by train but I caught an early train to connect to make the 10.15 service. I alighted the train from Brig and had a bare ten minutes to make my way 300-400 metres to where the steam train began.
I quickly bought my tickets and was ushered on board to my seat the train was already nearly full. Not long after that we departed and to the delight of all on board and the awaiting crowd with the whistle blowing the trip had begun.
All those on board were clambering for the best vantage points and with the ability to stand outside numerous exciting places were eagerly sort out as we made our way towards Oberwald.
The train makes three stops and takes on water and we also have a short lunch stop. The initial journey goes upwards then downhill after the lunch break and the rack railway is in use on both sectors due to the incline.
The views all the way along are sensational and I can only give this trip the highest approval and recommend anyone who likes historic trains to climb aboard it is well worth it.
Written August 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Roderick S
Melbourne53 contributions
Sep 2015 • Solo
I am a railway enthusiast, and read about this one for years before I could come to Switzerland, and then had to wait for years more for a trip which wasn't in winter. The scenery and engineering are stunning. This is expensive, but no more so than any other Swiss mountain attraction, and passengers do get value for money. I went on a magnificent autumn day. Staff (virtually all volunteers) were friendly; the conductor gave the commentary in German, then clustered the English speakers to repeat it for us. The 10 min connection at Realp is too tight for transfer and collecting a ticket, and it was easy to fill 1 h 10 min photographing preparations, browsing the shop, or having a drink or snack before starting. I made a one-way journey, and got all of the benefits. Passengers on a Friday were mainly retirees, with some family groups and a only a few diehard railway enthusiasts. There are lots of online references via your search engine, including the official site which must not be posted for your convenience. I have also visited the stub of the Dalat line in Vietnam: the rack section there (now removed) obtained some FO locos, and they have been repatriated.
Written October 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rumbald
Charmouth, UK120 contributions
Aug 2012 • Family
We have made several visits to this wonderful little restored railway service. It lies high in the Swiss Alps between Oberwald and Realp, replacing what was the mainline traffic which now dissappears into a tunnel, missing the superb Furka Pass Scenery.
Our first visit caused the Tourist Information Service of Interlaken a great deal of wonderment. We had found something they hadn't heard of! Luckily a young lad at the Wilderswil TIO had, so we were able to make the necessary bookings. An early start from Wilderswil to Meiringen, a full coach from Meiringen to Gletsch and a dash for the train and we made a full day excursion on this magical railway. Ran by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, this makes the best kind of attraction!
When you consider that the engines were first built in the very early 20th Century for varying cog railways in Switzerland, then sold to Vietnam and latterly found deep in the jungle and recovered to Winterthur for rebuilds this must be the greatest little railway in the world!
Our latest trip involved an early cablecar from Bettmeralp near Brig, the reglio train (running up between the posher Glacier Expresses) to Oberwald in the Upper Goms, the change to the Furka Damphbahn here into the valley at Gletsch and the super run up through the old summit tunnel and down to Realp where we first had a nice meal in the old carriage Diner serenaded by the Station Master and his accordian! Changed to the main line, just a short walk, and onto 'new tunnel' car carrier back to Oberwald and back down to Betten on the reglio, then the cablecar to our rented chalet-apartment on the shelf of land known as Bettmeralp. In all a superb day out!
The dates that this railway attraction runs is very tight in the year, mainly just part of July, August and a section of September, due to the high alpine weather, so be sure to get your holiday timing right. Avoid a massive disappointment!!!
Our first visit caused the Tourist Information Service of Interlaken a great deal of wonderment. We had found something they hadn't heard of! Luckily a young lad at the Wilderswil TIO had, so we were able to make the necessary bookings. An early start from Wilderswil to Meiringen, a full coach from Meiringen to Gletsch and a dash for the train and we made a full day excursion on this magical railway. Ran by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, this makes the best kind of attraction!
When you consider that the engines were first built in the very early 20th Century for varying cog railways in Switzerland, then sold to Vietnam and latterly found deep in the jungle and recovered to Winterthur for rebuilds this must be the greatest little railway in the world!
Our latest trip involved an early cablecar from Bettmeralp near Brig, the reglio train (running up between the posher Glacier Expresses) to Oberwald in the Upper Goms, the change to the Furka Damphbahn here into the valley at Gletsch and the super run up through the old summit tunnel and down to Realp where we first had a nice meal in the old carriage Diner serenaded by the Station Master and his accordian! Changed to the main line, just a short walk, and onto 'new tunnel' car carrier back to Oberwald and back down to Betten on the reglio, then the cablecar to our rented chalet-apartment on the shelf of land known as Bettmeralp. In all a superb day out!
The dates that this railway attraction runs is very tight in the year, mainly just part of July, August and a section of September, due to the high alpine weather, so be sure to get your holiday timing right. Avoid a massive disappointment!!!
Written January 23, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
VincentePaulo
Zurich, Switzerland767 contributions
Jul 2012 • Friends
We had a comfortable journey by Swiss Rail way starting from Zurich Central via Arth-Goldau-Göschenen and to Realp where we got on that beautiful old railway train. The perfectly polished and well oiled old locomotive engine was just a dream for those who are interested in steam engines. The journey up to Gletsch was very impressive but the famous Glacier du Rhone was no longer to be seen. It was a rather ugly sight of sand and rocks unfortunately and it showed us dramatically how the climate had been changing. You can only imagine how it used to be by looking at old picture postcards. The stretch from Glesch to Oberwald was one of the most impressive train trips I ever had. After the lunch, during which we enjoyed local specialties, we took the same stretch back to Realp but it was not boring at all e.g. the Sun was shining differently. The round trip ticket for this particular railway only costs much, e.g. CHF 121.- (in July 2012) for a 2nd class ticket but after the trip I would say, it is really worth paying!.
Written August 27, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Electroburger
Europe405 contributions
Aug 2017 • Friends
In 1982, the Furka Oberalp railway replaced some of the most interesting rack railway trackage ever with a 14km long tunnel. This stretch, high in the mountains, was closed in the winter, was abandoned. Over the years, the Furka Dampbahn (steam train) group has been restoring the line, albeit to operate with historic steam locomotives. Bit by bit, the entire line returned to operation as a tourist railway. First trains operated from Realp just to the Furka tunnel, then later on to Gletsch. Now the entire route all the way to Oberward has been restored.
Tourist steam trains now run the entire length from Realp to Oberwald in the summer. You need a reservation (easy enough to do on the Internet), round trip fare 2nd class is around CHF 200.
Sit on the right side departing Realp to see the best views of what's left of the Rhone glacier,
Tourist steam trains now run the entire length from Realp to Oberwald in the summer. You need a reservation (easy enough to do on the Internet), round trip fare 2nd class is around CHF 200.
Sit on the right side departing Realp to see the best views of what's left of the Rhone glacier,
Written January 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dampfbahn Furka Bergstrecke (Realp) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Dampfbahn Furka Bergstrecke
- Dampfbahn Furka Bergstrecke is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Dampfbahn Furka Bergstrecke:
- (6.07 mi) Lodge and Hostel Basecamp Andermatt
- (5.92 mi) The Chedi Andermatt
- (0.90 mi) Hotel des Alpes
- (5.94 mi) Radisson Blu Hotel Reussen, Andermatt
- (5.93 mi) Boutique Hotel The River House
- Restaurants near Dampfbahn Furka Bergstrecke:
- (0.00 mi) Restaurant Golfclub Andermatt-realp
- (5.65 mi) Locanda Orelli
- (5.94 mi) The Restaurant at The Chedi Andermatt
- (5.88 mi) Toutoune
- (6.79 mi) Snack-Bar Airö