From 1853 onwards, this event between the cantons of Basel and Solothurn was known as the “Stone Cutting”. Five years later, Switzerland's first real railway tunnel, Hauenstein, opened.
Andrej Abplanalp / Swiss National Museum
Not the Gotthard, not Simplon and certainly not the Lötschberg, no, Hauenstein was Switzerland's first real railway tunnel. Officially opened in 1858. The client is a builder Swiss Central Railway (SCB) Headquartered in Basel. this SCB Founded in February 1853, its goal was to connect the regions of Lucerne and Bern and western Switzerland with the Rhine city of Basel. However, to do this, legal hurdles must be overcome.
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Work on the Hauenstein Tunnel began as early as July 1853. The tunnel is 2,495 meters long and is Switzerland's first railway tunnel through a mountain range. Only the Baden Castle Hill Tunnel, opened in 1847, was built earlier, but its length is 80 meters and cannot be compared with the Hauenstein Tunnel.
The construction of the tunnel between Laufenflingen (BL) and Trimbach (SO) was an extremely difficult physical task and claimed countless lives. A particularly tragic shaft fire in May 1857 resulted in the deaths of 52 workers and 11 rescuers. In order to improve the stuffiness in the tunnel, an oven was installed to circulate air at different internal and external temperatures.
This method worked until one day, a spark caused a shaft fire and a tunnel was subsequently buried. It took several days for rescue workers to clear the passage. It was too late for the trapped construction workers.
In addition to accidents, numerous water leaks delayed the completion of the project, which was originally scheduled for 1857. After a year of delays, the tunnel was finally opened to traffic on May 1, 1858. Also on the guest list were two federal parliamentarians: Wilhelm Matthias Naeff and Giovanni Battista Pioda. The breakthrough in the Jura Mountains is significant for Switzerland's budding railway nation, but it has created a dilemma for the government.
Should you go even if you have turned down similar invitations before? No. So yes, but not on an official mission. The compromise of traditional Swiss style was still new at the time. Therefore, SCB's invitation was politely and tactfully declined:
“We must inform you that we have not used similar invitations in every case and therefore we consider it appropriate to adhere to the previous approach in this case also, although this does not exclude individual members of our authorities if ever “It was possible for us to participate in this festival that is so important to our country. “
However, it is clear between the lines that Central Railway is expecting a visit from at least one federal MP.
It was not until 1916 that the Hauenstein Building received the official honor of being dedicated by a member of the state government. It should be possible, because it didn't work this time either. Due to the First World War, Switzerland's first foundation tunnel, about eight kilometers long, was opened without a ceremony. Nonetheless, both tunnels were masterpieces and landmarks of their time. Hats off to you, Federal Councilor.
Unofficial guest: Federal Councilor Giovanni Battista Pioda… Image: Swiss National Museum
…and Wilhelm Matthias Naff.Image: Swiss National Museum
first……
Other posts adapted from the National Museum Blog:
central station
1/11
central station
Locanese tram with view of the Grand Place
Source: Swiss Transport Museum
Albula Tunnel Perforation
Video: srf
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