SBB Historic

The 'SBB Historic Heritage Foundation' (abbreviated to 'SBB Historic') was established in 2001 by the 'Schweizerische Bundesbahnen SBB' (Swiss Federal Railways SFR) to preserve the historical heritage of the state railway company and make it accessible to the public. The foundation organises numerous events throughout the year: Guided tours, lectures and adventure trips with historic vehicles.

Documents from the archives of SBB and its predecessor railways can be viewed in the reading room at the Windisch office. In addition to historical documents, there are photos and slides, historic film and video documents, locomotive construction plans and many other valuable sources from 180 years of Swiss railway history. A large number of current railway publications and a wide range of railway literature are available in the library. The collections focus on posters, railway lanterns, music automatons, vehicle models and works of art. Guided tours of the archives and collections are available by appointment.

The rolling stock collection comprises well over 150 vehicles (steam, electric and diesel locomotives, motor coaches and carriages, passenger and goods wagons). The vehicles are located in 8 depots throughout Switzerland and are looked after by local associations and SBB staff. Some of the vehicles are still in working order and are used for charter and adventure trips. The vehicles on loan to the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne are regularly on display.

The Olten depot is the central location for SBB Historic's historic electric vehicles. It has a workshop where the maintenance team regularly works on the vehicles. The "Red Arrow", "Crocodile" and other locomotives need expert care to keep them rolling safely over the rails on their historic journeys.

The legendary locomotives of the Gotthard Railway can be seen at the depot in Erstfeld. Erstfeld is also the starting point for the historic "San Gottardo" adventure trips over the old Gotthard route to Ticino.