Saturday, 6 June 2026 Arth-Goldau – More than just the gateway to the south
The SBB training workshop, the Rigi Railways depot and the Horath private collection
The village of Goldau, part of the municipality of Arth in the heart of Switzerland, boasts a number of railway-related attractions. This is the second most important site for the training of SBB signalling technicians after the Centre Loewenberg in Murten. The focus is on relay signal boxes and outdoor system components such as points, level crossings and train control systems. It is also home to the only training facility for gas and electric point heating systems.
The second item on the programme is a tour of the Rigi Railways (RB) depot in Goldau, which dates back to 1884. In its current form, it is under threat of demolition due to a development project.
After lunch at the Gotthard restaurant, we will have the opportunity to tour the workshops and collections of the Horath family. Martin Horath of Goldau, a mechanic and locomotive driver with the Rigi Railways, devotes much of his free time to historical technology. Over the years, the family has amassed a wealth of rarities in the workshop, particularly in the field of steam engines. Under expert guidance, we can view this private collection and gain valuable background information on the objects. The subsequent drinks reception and informal get-together are sure to spark lively technical discussions.
Programme
08:50: Meeting point: Arth-Goldau station, underpass, central exit between platforms 4 & 5
09:00: Guided tour of the SBB training workshop
11:00: Guided tour of the RB depot and workshops
12:30: Lunch at Restaurant Gotthard
13:52: Departure from Goldau, Löwenplatz
14:00: Visit to the Horath Collection
16:50: End of the official programme
Menu at Restaurant Gotthard
Small mixed salad
**
Älpler macaroons
with apple sauce
***
Muotathal cream and cherry cake
Costs
CHF 90.00 for SGEG members including lunch, excluding drinks (CHF 50.00 without lunch)
CHF 105.00 for guests, including lunch but excluding drinks (CHF 65.00 without lunch)
Public transport tickets for the buses in Goldau are the responsibility of the participants.
We recommend a return ticket from your point of departure to Goldau, Sportplatz and back.
Registration
By paying the relevant amount into account CH35 0070 0114 8083 3256 4, in the name of the Swiss Society for Railway History (SGEG), Basel. The registration deadline is 3 June 2026.
The tour guide can be contacted on +41 79 592 69 19 and at johannes.weibel@sgeg.ch.
By taking part, you are supporting the archival work of the SGEG.
Here you will find the invitation to the field trip as a PDF (in German).
If you are interested in our upcoming excursions, please contact us using our contact form.
We look forward to hearing from you!