Walchwil, 11.12.2020

Panoramaweg will be opened in time for the timetable change

The Panorama path has been able to be realised at the same time as the construction work for the double-track extension of the SBB, and they can therefore be opened together. The connection was planned as early as 2006.

The idea of a panoramic path at the level of the SBB tracks as a connection between the village centre and the Hörndli quarter was born during the last town planning revision in 2006, according to a press release from the municipality of Walchwil. The construction was to be carried out along with the double-track extension of the SBB, as construction can only be carried out in close proximity to the track in compliance with strict safety regulations. The SBB double track project had to be postponed by several years, and the panorama path was thereby also delayed.

With the decision of the Federal Court (Bundesgericht) of 25th June 2018 and the start of SBB's work on the double-track extension, it became clear that the planning of the Panoramaweg could be continued. On 11th December 2018, the municipal assembly (Gemeindeversammlung) voted in favour of the loan of CHF 1.96 million for the construction of the new path.

525 tons of natural stone
The panoramic path has now been realised simultaneously with the further construction work on the double-track extension. The ecologically valuable and also visually beautiful natural stone walls were created under the guidance of Stefan von Moos, a renowned expert in the field of dry stone walls, and around 4,500 hours of work were invested in the construction of the natural stone walls alone, using a total of 525 tons of natural stones. This use of these materials only became possible because the work on the Panoramaweg was closely coordinated with the SBB, and the same contractors were employed.

As a result of the good cooperation between all the involved parties, the municipal council (Gemeinderat) will be able to present a final statement, which will be less than the loan that was provided. The mayor Stefan Hermann is quoted as saying: "We are glad to have completed this ambitious project in time for the timetable change, and to be able to hand it over to the population. Two Walchwil districts have now been linked more closely together for pedestrians thanks to the Panoramaweg."

The new panoramic path leads from the Hörndli S-Bahn station through a passenger underpass and then along the lake side of the railway tracks to the Büelwald. The path then leads over a wooden bridge, which has been fitted with a special non-slip covering, along the Kastanienselve up to the Büelweg. Along the way, interesting insights can be gained into the SBB line and the Büel Tunnel, which has been upgraded to double-track. A resting place has been provided at about in the middle of the 500-metre-long section, from which you can enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Zug and the Rigi.