SBB Historic Depot Erstfeld
About This Museum
Tucked away in the heart of the Swiss Alps, the SBB Historic Depot in Erstfeld is a love letter to the golden age of Swiss railways. This isn't a sterile, modern museum but a living, breathing piece of history—the depot itself was a crucial maintenance hub for the powerful locomotives that conquered the Gotthard Pass. Stepping inside feels like walking into a bustling engine shed from the 1940s, with the faint, nostalgic scent of oil and metal still hanging in the air. It’s a place where you can almost hear the ghosts of engineers and firemen preparing their mighty charges for the arduous climb south.
Collection Highlights
The undisputed stars are the massive 'Crocodile' electric locomotives, with their long, articulated bodies and distinctive silhouettes, built specifically for the Gotthard line's steep gradients and tight curves. Alongside them stand elegant pre-war electric engines and sturdy steam giants, all meticulously preserved and looking ready to roll out onto the main line at a moment's notice.
Visitor Information
It's located right by the modern train tracks in Erstfeld, so you can watch today's high-speed trains whizz by while surrounded by yesterday's legends. Check their website for opening times as they can be seasonal, and it's run by passionate volunteers.
Architecture & Building
The building is an authentic roundhouse depot, a classic industrial design from the early 20th century with its vast, arched brickwork and a central turntable used to rotate engines into different maintenance bays.
Contact & Location
Address: Spielgruppe Patschhändli, 32, Lindenstrasse, Erstfeld, Uri, 6472, Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera/Svizra
Website: Visit Website
