Tourism 5 questions for Jungfrau Railways CEO: Is there still room on the mountain?
The new CEO Oliver Hammel has presented figures for the Jungfrau Railway Group for the first time. He told the news agency AWP about the rush to the Jungfraujoch and the possible consequences of the fire disaster in Crans-Montana for Swiss tourism.
08.01.2026, 11:29
SDA
AWP: Last year, just over a million guests once again visited the Jungfraujoch. Has the natural limit been reached - or do you see further potential?
Oliver Hammel: There is still potential in the low season from November to March and - in terms of the time of day - in the early morning and late afternoon. Our aim is to have a consistently busy operation throughout the season. One recent example of our success was the US market, where we made significant gains despite global uncertainties.
AWP: After the tragic events in Crans-Montana, do you fear damage to the image of Swiss tourism, which would also affect the Jungfrau Region?
OH: That is very difficult to assess. We have followed the events with great concern and are monitoring the situation closely. It remains to be seen whether this will result in lasting damage to our image.
AWP: You moved from Thailand to the Bernese Oberland last summer - was it a culture shock?
OH: I lived in Bangkok for three years and looked after the Southeast Asian market for DKSH there. Before that, I spent twelve years in China. But I am and will remain Swiss. It wasn't a culture shock for me, but rather coming home to a beautiful and liveable region.
AWP: How is the Jungfrau Railway Group feeling the effects of climate change?
OH: Climate change has a variety of effects on our daily operations. For example, we regularly fly over the Aletsch Glacier, which covers the Jungfraujoch, with drones and map it to observe how the ice and surface height are changing. As temperatures rise, the mountain starts to move more, as the landslide in Blatten tragically demonstrated. With snow farming, we are trying to preserve the ice and snow layer on the Jungfraujoch.
AWP: Your predecessor Urs Kessler shaped the company for many years. How much scope is there to set your own course?
OH: There is scope. One key project is the renovation of the Firstbahn. The consultation process will soon be completed. The municipality is in the lead here - around 90 responses were received. There are also shorter-term projects such as the renewal of the cable car on the Lauterbrunnen-Grütschalp axis, which should further improve the guest experience.
