The Furka Cogwheel Steam Railway Club

When in October 1981 the last train rolled along the Furka train route, the end of this unique route seemed to have come. The new Furka basic tunnel was nearly completed and the route, which can only be used during a few months in summer, was to be completely demolished.

In that time many railway friends began to wish to protect the route from being demolished and wanted to preserve it. After a campaign in the “Verkehrshaus” of Luzern the association “Verein Furka- Bergstrecke” (VFB) was founded. The association immediately started to achieve the cancellation of the demolition order and pre-conditions for a further operation. With moderate means but with much élan the first works were done in order to safe the railway´s foundation and to repair the damaged parts of the route. At that time a plan was worked out for the restarting of the existing route. In 1985 the DFG AG (stock: approx. 11 million SF) was founded to support the operation of the route and to restore the steam engines.

Due to the untiring efforts of many voluntary helpers and to the financial support of a great many railway fans a great part of the route could be operated again. Every summer the steam engines drive from Realp to Gletsch and the completion of the remaining part is almost finished. The foundation "Stiftung Furka-Bergstrecke" is trying to find more maecenas, sponsors, and donors. A big success has already been achieved but further efforts must follow.

The field of the association´s tasks has grown during the past years. Additionally to the fix running expenses and the raise of further financial support by donation activities, sufficient voluntary workers have to be motivated.

Since 2002 the umbrella organisation VFB has been structured into entirely 23 independent sections, Switzerland (12), Germany ( 9), The Netherlands (1), Belgium (1). The sections with a total of 7000 members present the VFB at fairs, exhibitions, and further events so connecting the association to a wide public. Please find the postal adresses and the respective persons of the sections under the button "Sections".

The umbrella organisation is managed by a central executive committee and is the addressee for all matters concerning the association. Please find the respective persons under the button "Contact".

For managing the more and more extensive tasks we also do need your support. Please help us to master this challenge together. With your membership you support the preservation of a significant, historic cultural value and the operation of one of the most impressive railway routes in Switzerland.

On the page “membership” you can apply directly or you can download a corresponding application form. If you change your address, please inform us here.

The annual subscription includes the magazine “Dampf an der Furka" being published four times a year. (Only in German available).

05.12.2010