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Burgdorf Depot Experience Centre
From workshop to experience centre
The historic depot in Burgdorf is set to be transformed into an experience centre and a place for people to come together. Over the coming years, the BLS Foundation aims to work with the local community to further develop the depot and make it accessible to all. The project fits seamlessly into Burgdorf’s current development and is expected to have an impact far beyond the town’s boundaries.
About the project
The BLS Foundation has set itself an ambitious goal: to transform the historic depot in Burgdorf, situated right next to the railway tracks, into a vibrant hub for people to meet and enjoy new experiences. The project is being developed in collaboration with the local community, with a particular focus on young people. The future experience centre is designed to blend seamlessly into the town’s development, serve as a public space and provide a platform for new ideas.
Timetable
2025–2026 Vision phase
Gathering the needs and ideas of Burgdorf’s residents, laying the foundations for the experience centre.
2026–2028 Pop-up phase
Opening of the pop-up facility to test ideas and operating models.
From 2029
Pilot and operational phase
News & Media
03.02.2026
- Neues Leben im Depot Burgdorf BLS-Stiftung plant Erlebniswelt
Partners
We would like to thank our project partners for their support:
- Katharina Wiedmer Foundation
- Town of Burgdorf
- Foundation for Art, Culture and History (SKKG)
Contact
For further questions and information about the project: info@bls-stiftung.ch
History
Since 2012, the old EBT depot in Burgdorf has been home to the historic rolling stock of the BLS Foundation.
Built in 1915, the Emmental-Burgdorf-Thun Railway (EBT) depot in Burgdorf holds a fascinating piece of railway history from a bygone era. Today, the renowned track construction company Sersa uses the workshop section on the east side of the imposing brick building with its Hetzerbinder truss structure. The building opposite, dating from the same year – a masterpiece of reinforced concrete with three tracks – was originally used for painting and locomotive repairs.
In 1950, the western section was extensively expanded and put into operation as a depot. With the construction of the new workshop in Oberburg in 1977, the depot and the Burgdorf workshops became redundant. As part of the station renovation in Burgdorf, the track connection outside the depot on the western side was removed and the overhead lines were grounded. The depot spans an impressive 250 metres of track, whilst the outdoor area covers 240 metres on the west side and 150 metres on the east side.
Particular historical highlights include the sliding bridge and the symmetrical three-way points, which lend the depot a unique historical charm.
