Sunday, August 18, 2024 A devastating storm has forced the closure of the iconic Swiss Brienz Rothorn Railway in central Switzerland for the remainder of the 2024 season. The historic steam-powered cog railway, a beloved tourist attraction, sustained significant damage on August 12 th . The railway, which typically operates from May to October, announced the closure following a comprehensive damage assessment.
Repairing the 2.2 kilometers of damaged track and addressing the contaminated ballast along an additional 1.4 kilometers is estimated to cost around 5 million Swiss francs and take several months.
The railway aims to resume operations in May 2025. The storm also caused widespread damage to the nearby town of Brienz, forcing the evacuation of around 70 residents. Buildings, vehicles, roads, and other infrastructure were severely impacted by debris overflow from a local waterway.
Persistent rain has hindered recovery efforts, with six houses still at risk of collapse. The closure of the Brienz Rothorn Railway is a significant blow to the region’s tourism industry. The railway, which dates back to 1892, is renowned for its scenic journey through the Swiss Alps.
It was scheduled to be part of the 2023 Trains/Special Interest Tours Majestic Switzerland itinerary. The hotel at the summit of Rothorn mountain has also been closed due to the damage..