Foundation for the Historical Heritage of the Zentralbahn.
Preservation of vehicles and historical documents.
In December 2024, the «Historical Heritage of the Zentralbahn» Foundation was officially established by notarial deed. Its purpose is to preserve and further develop the historical heritage of the Zentralbahn and its predecessor railways. It is also responsible for the restoration of rolling stock and the organization of public excursions.
In December 2024, the «Historical Heritage of the Zentralbahn» Foundation was officially established by notarial deed. Its purpose is to preserve and further develop the historical heritage of the Zentralbahn and its predecessor railways. It is also responsible for the restoration of rolling stock and the organization of public excursions.
History of the SBB Brünig Railway, the Lucerne–Stans–Engelberg Railway, and the Meiringen–Innertkirchen Railway
The roots of the Zentralbahn date back to 1888, when the opening of the Brünig Railway between Lucerne and Brienz marked a significant technological milestone. From 1898, the Lucerne–Stans–Engelberg Railway (LSE) expanded the network, and for more than a century both lines shaped railway development in Central Switzerland. The Meiringen–Innertkirchen Railway (MIB), originally built in 1926 as an industrial line for the construction of the Oberhasli power plants and later developed into an important local railway in the Haslital, is also part of this historical context.
Historic excursion journeys
Experience railway history up close. Step aboard the living heritage of the Zentralbahn and enjoy nostalgic journeys in the heart of Central Switzerland and the Bernese Oberland. Whether as a family, group, or railway enthusiast, find the perfect offer for you now.
Members of the Foundation Board
The Foundation Board is composed as follows:
- Alfred Bossard, President of the Foundation Board, Swiss politician (FDP)
- Gerhard Züger, Vice President, Head of Production and Rolling Stock, Zentralbahn
- Nicolas Ludin, Head of Marketing and Sales, Zentralbahn
- Sandra Kümin, Asset Manager for Engineering Structures and Public Facilities, Zentralbahn
- Mario Werren, Managing Director, SBB Historic
Support
Help preserve the historical heritage of the Zentralbahn and support the people who work on our historic trains with dedication, craftsmanship, and passion.
Committed association members invest countless hours of their free time in the care, maintenance, and restoration of our nostalgic vehicles. Without their efforts, these journeys would not be possible.
But even passion needs resources: with your donation, you help fund tools, spare parts, and everything required to keep history on track.
Thank you for helping us preserve this cultural heritage.
Archive of SBB Historic
The collections of SBB Historic include photographs, works of art, and numerous objects from everyday railway life, including documents from the former Brünig Railway, the LSE, and the MIB. The archive is complemented by several hundred linear metres of paper records as well as continuously growing digital holdings. Interested users can gain an overview and conduct targeted research via the SBB Historic online database.
The collections and archives can be found on the SBB Historic website. This website is only available in german, french oder italian.
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