Fiesch–Eggishorn cable railways, Eggishorn/Fiesch
Excerpt from a press release, May 2008
Scarcely has a panoramic view of the Swiss Alps been immortalised over the last one hundred and fifty years in so many variations in photo albums and archives. Those who reach the summit of the Eggishorn between July 2008 and July 2009 can experience the historic pictures and a panoramic interpretation by photographer Matthias Taugwalder (born 1981), along with the magnificent panoramic views themselves. In this way, tourists are offered the chance to enjoy the Eggishorn and the unique visibility of the Aletschhorn from the exact location itself even in the haze and fog, amongst other highlights.
A rotunda following Robert Barker’s model
At the summit station, even Alpine friends would be astonished by the highlights of the reproduced panorama, which are presented in a so-called rotunda. The installation is by a young photographer, Matthias Taugwalder, from Zermatt – a direct descendent of the mountain guide Peter Taugwalder and son, who survived the drama of the first ascent of Matterhorn with Edward Whymper on 14th July 1865.
Matthias Taugwalder’s installation is to be rounded off with historical shots of Fiesch and the Eggishorn originating from a private collection. Additionally, four large “picture boxes” are placed on the hiking trail leading round the Eggishorn. These metal boxes are located where renowned photographers took their shots. If you lift the lid you can see a reproduction of the original photograph. Who knows, perhaps this pictorial reflection of the Valais peaks will transform the Eggishorn summit station into the highest natural and cultural centre of Switzerland.