Use this exclusive opportunity to visit the Bedretto Lab and to explore the history of the Alps deep inside the mountain. The visits are free, but you have to register online in advance and be able to walk 4.5 kilometers in total. The visits will be held in Italian and German. Register here:
In front of the tunnel portal you will be able to learn more about the planned projects and the measuring systems, solve a rock quiz, and follow the production of drill cores.
Local suppliers offer various choices. A tent provides shelter from the weather.
The Swiss Energy Strategy 2050 envisages considerably increasing the share of renewable energies. Geothermal energy, using the heat captured in the deep underground, is one such source. In the “Bedretto Underground Laboratory for Geoenergies”, ETH Zurich studies techniques and procedures for a safe, efficient, and sustainable use of geothermal heat in close collaboration with national and international partners. To this aim, a unique research infrastructure was established. It is located 1.5 kilometers below surface in the middle of a 5.2-kilometer long tunnel connecting the Ticino with the Furka tunnel.
Free shuttle service from Airolo train station to the lab: 12.50 / 14.20 / 15.20 / 16.20 / 17.20
Free shuttle service from the lab back to Airolo train station: 13.20 / 14.50 / 15.50 / 16.50 / 17.50 / 18.50 / 20.10
Nearest bus stop: Ronco (Bedretto)
Departure at Airolo, Stazione at 13.50 / 14.50 / 16.50 (bus 112)
Departure at Ronco (Bedretto) at 14.16 / 15.16 / 17.16 (bus 112)
The visits will be held in Italian and German. Register here to visit the lab (first come, first served):
Invito (Italian, PDF)
Einladung (German, PDF)
Come arrivare / Anreise (Italian/German, PDF)
Approach (English, PDF)