The Hauenstein base tunnel was opened in January 1916. In the middle of World War I. The story of a trailblazing feat of engineering, achieved in tumultuous times.

In 1961, SBB brought the electric Trans-Europe Express train into operation. The TEE is still regarded as a symbol of luxury travel and technological advancement.

On 5 February 1971 a devastating fire broke out at Lucerne railway station, destroying large sections of the Art Nouveau building. It was the biggest railway station fire since the formation of SBB.