The Steam Train (DFB ) over the Furka- Bergstrecke operates as a private enterprise, maintained by volunteers and sponsors. It runs rail traffic on the old cog railway section between Realp ( Uri ) and Gletsch ( Wallis ) as a living nostalgia train. On this spur, it is the successor to the legendary Glacier-Express, which ran past the Rhone glacier over the Furka until 1981.

The Matterhorn-Gotthard-Railways (ex Furka-Oberalp Train, FO ), together with the Rhätische Train (RhB), constitutes the classic Glacier-Express between St. Moritz and Zermatt; however, between Realp and Oberwald, it goes through the Furka-Tunnel since 1982. For economic reasons, the FO gave up its famous and unique mountain route in 1981.

The internationally well-known tourist attraction appeared to be lost. The line was actually sentenced to be severed!

Train fans and nostalgia enthusiasts were unconvinced, and on December 3, 1983, established an organization for the preservation of the Furka Mountain Route. The Furka-Bergstrecke Association (VFB) is the actual supporting entity of this mountain train, and today consists of 23 chapters throughout Switzerland. Europe and overseas numbering 7,000 members. Since July 2000, the romantic section from Realp to Gletsch has been opened. The extraordinary weather conditions in these high mountains each year cause recurring damage, which only permits train traffic in the short summer season between June and October.

Realp ( canton Uri) is accessible by car and rail, by way of the Gotthard – or Oberalp Pass via Andermatt
In Gletsch canton Wallis), one can find connections to the large Swiss AlpsPostCarl network by bus, for round trips, such as Grimsel>Furka>Susten> Bernese Oberland. The goal, however, is to continue the rail track of the Nostalgia Train to Oberwald, and from there to complete the connection to the FO. This would make possible a lot of additional interesting trip combinations.

What is the Dampfbahn Furka-Bergstrecke Co ( DFB )?. The DFB Co. is the actual train company as a licensee. As an operating companny for actual rail traffic, it is responsible to authorities, banks and promoters, as well as spnsors. DFB has raised capital through the sale of stock in differing denominations with prints of Furka subjects, which are collectibles.

The entire line was electrified in 1942, which lead to the successive sale of steam locomotives, including 4 units which went to Vietnam (then French Indo-China). These Vietnamese steam engines were brought back to their homeland in 1990, partially in shambles, through the internationally, highly regarded Action “Back to Switzerland“.

1924/25 was a similar situation to 1983, whereby after the opening of the Furka-Bassis Tunnel in 1982, the VFB Society saved the cog railway over the Furka from a certain demise.

Your contribution will support a unique mobile tecnical monument in one of the most scenic high mountain areas.

Dear train enthusiast,
Would you please consider joining the VFB or buying stock in the DFB and
help saving this special tecnical monument