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Lötschberg Base Tunnel

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description Lötschberg Base Tunnel Overview

The Lötschberg Base Tunnel is a major railway tunnel spanning 34.6 kilometers through the Bernese Alps in Switzerland. Completed and opened to rail traffic in 2007, the structure is a core component of Switzerland's New Railway Link through the Alps project. It provides a flat, high-speed transit route connecting the regions of Frutigen in the north and Raron in the south.

The infrastructure is utilized by both passenger and freight trains, significantly reducing travel times and facilitating heavier transit loads between northern and southern Europe.

help Lötschberg Base Tunnel FAQ

How long is the Lötschberg Base Tunnel?

The Lötschberg Base Tunnel spans exactly 34.6 kilometers, making it one of the longest railway tunnels in Switzerland. It is currently the country's longest land tunnel that is fully operational, though it is surpassed in length by the 57 km Gotthard Base Tunnel.

Which regions does the Lötschberg Base Tunnel directly connect?

The tunnel provides a flat railway link between the canton of Bern in the north and the canton of Valais in the south. It specifically connects the Frutigen area in the north with Raron in the south, bypassing the older, winding mountain route.

Why was only part of the Lötschberg Base Tunnel completed with two tracks?

Financial constraints during its construction meant that only the eastern tube was fully completed, while the western tube was only partially excavated. This limits the number of trains that can simultaneously pass through the tunnel at any given time.

When did the Lötschberg Base Tunnel officially open to rail traffic?

The tunnel officially opened to full rail traffic in June 2007. It was built as a core component of Switzerland's massive New Railway Link through the Alps project to improve freight and passenger transit across Europe.

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