Tourism

Gottardo Tunnel Links Berlin and Switzerland

The world's longest rail-tunnel unites Europe

July 26th, 2016
Daniel Erhardt, News from Berlin
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The itinerant exhibition about the construction of the engineering and communication landmark opened in Berlin from July 21st. It has been showcased on a number of main railway stations throughout Switzerland and Germany highlighting the important meaning this infrastructure milestone has for Switzerland, but also for the whole of Europe.

The 57 km-long tunnel links the towns of Arstfeld, in the Uri Canton in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, and Bodio, in the Ticino Canton in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. However, the intercultural and trading connection doesn’t end there as it is part of a railway line that crosses Europe from north to south, linking important trade harbours, all the way from Rotterdam on the North Sea to Genoa in Italy.

The exhibition intends to clarify the historical dimensions and implications of this engineering masterpiece for the mobility technology of the future through an interactive approach. It is divided into five thematic modules: the history of the project, facts and figures, technical aspects and the significance of the project for both Switzerland and Europe.

Since last May until the end of July, the Swiss Embassy in Berlin put on display a large illuminated sign depicting the word “tunnel” on its roof, in commemoration of the opening of the Gottardo Tunnel.
as another way of celebrating the opening of the Gottardo Tunnel. The sign can be seen from the river Spree, as well as from the Berlin Main Station (Hauptbahnhof), where the exhibition is taking place.

More than 30 Swiss diplomatic representations have been holding events to mark the opening of the tunnel, which officially took place on June 1st. The inauguration consisted of the first course taken with the train. The event was attended by several European statesmen, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who underlined the importance of the tunnel for easing European communications and breaking down barriers.

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News from Berlin