Switzerland - The train journey to the Jungfraujoch station in the Swiss Alps is one of the world's most spectacular. Stunning views from the platform, restaurants and a geological station greet visitors when they finally reach the top. And now, with the help of ETC Selador Desire LED lighting fixtures, a large section of tunnel has been turned into even more compelling tourist experience.
Up to 5,000 people visit Jungfraujoch per day, from around the world, normally leaving within an hour. Now the streams of people can explore six special attraction areas as part of a new museum-like exhibition. The new Alpine Sensation creates a 250m-long round 'experience subway,' with moving walkways transporting guests on steeper sections.
Dynamic exhibitions include A Longing for the Mountains and Construction of the Jungfrau Railway. Communications company Steiner Sarnen AG, which developed and implemented the project, created a 2m 16s light, sound and automation show for each area, including projections that bring a giant snow dome to life.
Günther Wiedemann, sales manager of ETC distributors Electric Claudio Merlo in Switzerland, was impressed by the first meeting with the designers and contractors: "At 3,454m (11,300 ft) above sea level, this was certainly the highest meeting I've ever attended!"
The primary technical challenge for lighting designer Serge Schmuki of Tokyo Blue was the site's low air pressure at such an altitude. "Few lighting manufacturers give any kind of warranty for use over 2,000m," he says. "That's because normal incandescent lamps rely on pressure at sea level. So high up, they simply crumble. That's why I decided from the outset to use a solid state lighting system." Schmuki found the solution in ETC's Selador Desire D40XT Studio HDs."
Schmuki also liked the ETC fixtures' ability to seamlessly change colour temperature to affect the mood of the lighting, specifying them for the mural, the karst formation cave, and the entrance to the ice cave.
The special surroundings also meant that any lighting fixtures had to be able to acclimate to the Alpine surroundings. The IP66 rating on the Desire XT fixtures certifies that they are both water and dust tight.
Jürg Bichsel from installation company Stageparts was also happy with the choice: "The rugged outdoor lights were factory rebuilt for our specific requirements. Both ETC as the manufacturer and the Swiss importer ECM quickly implemented our special requests and even delivered overnight." The compliment was returned by Wiedemann, who added: "Tokyo Blue and Stageparts were true professionals. It made working with them fun; everyone knew what they wanted and how to achieve it."
The Alpine Sensation is open year round, and, for the 100th anniversary of the Jungfrau Railway, special excursions are on offer.
