Paddle Steamer Resources by Tramscape

Withdrawn by her owners in 1971
Ownership transferred to the local steamer enthusiasts' group
Restoration started after the vessel was taken out of the water in late 1988
Reappeared in 1992 after substantial rebuilding including lengthening by about 8 feet.
Operated by the BLS on behalf of the ship's new owners
Undergoing her first renovation in the winter of 2005/06 funded by the Steamer Society with contribution from the BLS.

2005/06 Renovation :
Improvement catering facilities
 - increased capacity at entrance to main deck restaurant (removing a well-known eyesore greeting passengers on embarcation)
 - cafe/ bar facilities on the main deck forward to improve 2nd class facilities
 - improved serving area on upper deck with additional seating space
 - new furniture in the lounges in the original style
 - replaced and extended glazing on the upper deck to give appearance of original open upper deck
 - complete replacement of deck planking
 - new wheelhouse in the ship's original style is to be fitted
 - new light fittings in "period" style 
 - miscellaneous technical improvements perticularly with respect to new safety legislation and to restoring previously-lost historical detail 

Services along Lake Thun from Thun to Interlaken-West are operated by BLS, the Bern-Lotschberg-Simplon Railway, which also operates the local railway services. The Lake's Paddle Steamer, PS Blumlisalp dates from 1906 but after withdrawal in 1971 it seemed that the era of the paddler had come to an end on Lake Thun. An unprecedented preservation and, ultimately, restoration project by enthusiasts with significant public support, saw Blumlisalp reenter service in 1992. She is owned by preservationists but operated by her original owners (who maintain ownership of the motor vessel fleet). Unusually, in comparison with Lake Geneva for example, the recent major renovation was paid for by the preservationist group with finanial support from the BLS!

More photographs (thumbnails) in the Photograph Archive