Swiss Mint rounds out its Steamboat silver coin series with the Blümisalp

When she entered into service on 31 July 1906, the “Blümlisalp” steamboat surpassed all other boats on the lakes of Thun and Brienz in terms of size, performance and elegance. The double-deck saloon steamer from the Belle Époque owes its name to the Blümslialp massif in the Bernese Oberland. For decades, the “venerable lady”, as she is affectionately known, was the largest and most luxurious saloon steamer on Lake Thun. Due to increased competition from large motor-driven boats, the “Blümlisalp” was the last paddle steamer on Lake Thun to be decommissioned on 1 August 1971, and she only narrowly escaped the scrapyard. Thanks to significant private involvement, it was possible to save the “Blümlisalp” and return her to working order.

She made her second maiden voyage on 22 May 1992 and has been back in regular service as the BLS fleet’s flagship since then. In winter 2005/2006, the saloon steamer underwent essential renovation at the time of her 100th birthday. At the end of 2012, the Vaporama cooperative steamboat enthusiasts entrusted the operator BLS AG with the “Blümlisalp”, having obtained her in 1989 for the symbolic price of one Swiss franc. Today, the “venerable lady” from the Belle Époque continues to delight passengers with her combination of state-of-the-art technology, stylish ambience and ultimate comfort.

The “Blümlisalp” steamboat is 63.4m long, 13.3m wide and has space for 750 passengers. She has an inclined 650 HP two-cylinder hot-steam condensing compound engine and can achieve speeds of 25km/h.

Source: BLS AG, Wikipedia