Brienzer Rothornbahn Suspends Operations After Major Weather Incident

Severe Weather Causes Extensive Damage to Brienzer Rothornbahn

On Monday evening, a storm and heavy rainfall hit the village of Brienz BE, leading to devastating impacts on the Brienzer Rothornbahn (BRB). According to a press release, the damages are so severe that operations cannot resume until the season's scheduled end. Consequently, the railway service is suspended indefinitely.

Historical Impact and Future Plans

BRB Chairman Peter Flück stated at a press conference, "There has never been such a serious event in the history of the Brienzer Rothornbahn." He noted that the repair process would be complex and time-consuming, emphasizing, "We do not want patchwork solutions; we are committed to maintaining quality." Therefore, the board's decision to stop operations was taken to ensure repairs are done effectively and swiftly, despite difficulties posed by limited accessibility.

The restoration efforts are expected to take several months. Project leader Roger Flückiger mentioned, "We currently cannot specify a completion date. Our goal is to resume preliminary operations to Planalp in May 2025, aiming for service to Rothorn Kulm by June 2025." The estimated total cost for repairs could reach 5 million CHF, as damages to the substructure and tracks are uninsured, although they do have insurance coverage for operation-related losses.

• Community Response: There is notable solidarity from locals, with private individuals pledging assistance. However, the extent of support from federal and regional bodies is still uncertain.
• Fundraising Efforts: A donation campaign is currently in preparation to aid in recovery.

Impact on Local Services

Not only the railway will cease operations, but also the mountain house, which can no longer operate effectively without the train service. Discussions are underway to find solutions for seasonal staff affected by the closure. Affected guests will be personally informed next week, with the management expressing gratitude towards workers, engineers, construction firms, and all those offering help.

Unfortunately, the storm also endangered six buildings in Brienz. According to reports, construction crews are racing against time to implement temporary protective measures, especially barriers, to shield homes from further flooding.