Grütschalpbahn

Geschichte

The Lauterbrunnen–Mürren Mountain Railway is a hybrid transport system in the Bernese Oberland area of Switzerland, which connects the villages of Lauterbrunnen and Mürren. The system consists of a connected aerial cableway, also known as the Grütschalpbahn, and an adhesion worked mountain railway.The line provides a vital passenger and goods link to the resort village of Mürren, which is situated above the cliffs of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and has poor road access. It also commands a view of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains across the depths of that valley.The line is owned by the Bergbahn Lauterbrunnen-Mürren AG, a subsidiary of the Jungfraubahn Holding AG, a holding company that also owns the Wengernalpbahn, Jungfraubahn, Harderbahn, and Firstbahn. Through that holding company it is part of the Allianz - Jungfrau Top of Europe marketing alliance, which also includes the separately owned Berner Oberland-Bahn and Schynige Platte-Bahn.HistoryThe key milestones in the history of the line are:1887 Concession obtained for the construction of the railways.1889 The company is formed and construction starts.1891 Railway opens. The planned opening on 1 June is delayed until 14 August due to a derailment.1902 The funicular railway is converted from water gravity power to electric power.1910 First winter operations started.1912 Replacement of the locomotives on the Mürren to Grütschalp section by motor coaches (type BDe 2/4).1949 New vehicles and rope are installed on the Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp section.1965 The new station at Mürren is opened.1994 The freight loading operations at Grütschalp are rebuilt.2006 Last operation of the funicular railway from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp was on 23 April and the first operation of the replacement cable car was on 16 December.