Reichenbachfall railway

Reichenbachfall railway is a funicular in Schattenhalb that carries passengers up a slope alongside a waterfall dropping roughly 120 meters. The installation includes wooden carriages, track systems, and integrated hydroelectric facilities that work together to form a cohesive mountain transportation complex.

This funicular was built in 1899 as one of the early projects linking tourism with hydroelectric power generation in the Swiss Alps. The construction allowed visitors to access the upper sections of the waterfall while the falling water was simultaneously harnessed to produce electricity.

The site represents an important example of how mountain transport and industrial power generation were integrated into Alpine landscapes during the early 1900s. Visitors can observe how the facility balanced the needs of tourism with the practical demands of energy production.

You should wear sturdy shoes with good grip since the paths are steep and can be slippery, especially near the water. Bring extra layers as the area around the waterfall tends to be cool and windy regardless of the season.

This location served as the setting where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle placed the final confrontation between Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty in his detective stories. The literary connection continues to draw readers who want to see where these fictional events were said to have taken place.

Location: Schattenhalb

Official opening: 1899

Part of: list of cultural properties in Schattenhalb

Address: Leimerli 255, 3860 Schattenhalb

GPS coordinates: 46.71950,8.18770

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:05