The Walchwil Men’s Gymnastics Club is not just about gymnastics, games and fitness. Just as much importance is placed on socialising and camaraderie. Joint excursions, interesting sightseeing trips and convivial gatherings are just as much a part of club life as the sporting activities.

The fascination of the second Gotthard Tunnel

On Tuesday, 26 May, twelve members of the Walchwil Men’s Gymnastics Club had the opportunity to experience one of Switzerland’s most significant construction projects up close: the second Gotthard Tunnel in Göschenen. The welcome at the InfoCentre alone promised an extraordinary afternoon. Charly Simmen did an excellent job of introducing us to the world of this monumental engineering feat with fascinating facts, striking images and a wealth of specialist knowledge.

We then split into two groups and headed straight for the gigantic construction site. As soon as we set foot on the site, we were overwhelmed by the sheer scale and the impressive atmosphere. Massive machines, non-stop activity and equipment weighing tonnes vividly conveyed the enormous feat of engineering being achieved here day after day.

Since February 2025, the tunnel boring machine ‘Alessandra’ has been in tireless operation. The high-tech machine, which is around 110 metres long, bores its way up to ten metres deep into the hard Gotthard rock every day. With more than 7,000 horsepower and state-of-the-art technology, it advances with precision, metre by metre. It was particularly impressive to learn that the tunnel is immediately secured with massive concrete elements every two metres – a perfect interplay of technology, precision and safety.

Despite the challenging granite rock, work is proceeding according to plan. The breakthrough of the second tunnel is scheduled for 2027, with the opening set for 2030. It was fascinating to see the skill, dedication and pioneering spirit with which work is being carried out here under the most difficult conditions.

This impressive visit will remain a fond memory for the members of the Walchwil Men’s Gymnastics Club for a long time to come – not only because of the massive construction site, but also as an encounter with modern engineering of impressive scale. Martin Hürlimann