BLS Promenade Ferroviaire in Frutigen
Learn more about the NRLA on four circular routes
When you visit the “Promenade Ferroviaire” in Frutigen, you’ll be able to walk four circular routes that show you how the continuous operation of the NRLA – “the construction project of the century” – is ensured every day. A total of 18 display boards along the routes provide facts and figures and explain the history of the trailblazing railway project.
Availability Today (Friday) open
The circular routes are open all year round.
Daily rail service is available.
Subject to change without prior notice
Rates
The circular routes can be used free of charge.
Notes
Route A
Route: Frutigen Railway Station–Intervention Centre–Widibrücke Bridge–Intervention Point–Base Tunnel North Portal–Railway Station
Approximate duration: 50 minutes
You will pass the Intervention Centre (rescue centre) and the new Wildbrücke bridge. You’ll then continue down the avenue past the Intervention Point with stairs 320 metres wide, after which you’ll head to the North Portal of what is currently the longest tunnel through the Alps. The trip back takes you past the portal and slightly uphill, which offers a wonderful panoramic view of the area surrounding Frutigen.
Route B
Route: Frutigen Railway Station–Tropenhaus–Frutigen Railway Station
Approximate duration: 20 minutes
This short circular route takes you to the old train station in Frutigen and to the Tropenhaus (tropic house), where the warm mountain water removed from the Base Tunnel is used in a sturgeon farm (caviar) and to grow tropical fruits. Route D continues this route in the direction of Reichenbach.
Route C
Route: Base Tunnel North Portal–Tellenburg–Brunni
Approximate duration: 30 minutes
This route is a continuation of Route A. It leads first to the portal of the evacuation tunnel and then gets relatively steep as you head towards Tellenburg Castle, after which the route runs back into Route A.
Route D
Route: Frutigen Tropenhaus –Wengi/Ey–Frutigen Tropenhaus
Approximate duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
This route is a continuation of Route B in the direction of Reichenbach. It offers an interesting look at the Schwandi Ey wetland revitalisation programme. It also provides information on re-cultivation in the depot area at the tunnel excavation point, and on the new railway infrastructure between Frutigen and Reichenbach.
Special notes
You can walk the circular routes in both directions and in any sequence, and you can also explore or relax along the way. Prams and wheelchairs can be used on all routes. Only a few spots on the right (east) side of the river on the green route are difficult to navigate with prams or wheelchairs.- 1.01 MB Promenade Ferroviaire in German
