Felix Loch thrilled: Königsseebahn almost finished after destruction!

Felix Loch thrilled: Königsseebahn almost finished after destruction!

Felix Loch, the three-time Olympic luge champion, visited the construction site of the legendary artificial ice rink in Schönau am Königssee. This railway, which was the first of its kind to open in the world in 1969, was rendered unusable in July 2021 by a devastating mud and debris avalanche. The reconstruction, which began last year after intensive planning, has made considerable progress since then. Loch said he was very happy with the earth movements and the new track structure. Comprehensive and costly measures are required to get the railway ready for reopening. The estimated costs are over 50 million euros, which will flow into extensive concrete work and slope stabilization.

The new railway will also provide safety measures against future rockfalls and landslides. These include new protective fences, the length of which will be 800 meters. These measures are crucial, especially after the entire facility was severely affected by extreme weather conditions. According to [n-tv] reports that the railway is expected to be usable again in October or November 2025.

Important events are coming up

The reconstruction proved necessary, not only for the athletes, but also in view of various upcoming events. From November 2025, training for women, doubles and bobsleigh will take place again at Königssee. The start of the international competitions will be the Olympic dress rehearsal for the 2026 Winter Games, which will take place on the newly built track from January 23rd to 25th, 2026. These competitions are particularly important as the Winter Olympics take place in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo from February 6th to 22nd, 2026.

For Felix Loch, the track not only has sporting significance, but also a personal context. His son Lorenz will benefit from the shorter journey. In addition, Loch's goal for the new 2026/27 season is to project a new men's start. This clearly shows how closely family and sporting aspects are intertwined.

Past and future

The artificial ice rink at Königssee was not only Loch's home rink, but also a legend in the tobogganing world that influenced many athletes. Loch's track record of 48.803 seconds, set at the 2021 World Championships, illustrates the high level of performance on this track. The next World Championships in Schönau am Königssee have already been scheduled for 2028, which underlines the importance of this route.

As Loch keeps an eye on upcoming events, he's also thinking about his own career path, with the 2026 Olympics a big goal. At the same time, there are considerations about possible career moves after the Games, which makes it clear that success must not only be thought of in the present, but also with a view to the future.

Considering the challenges that reconstruction brought with it, the positive development of the artificial ice rink is a glimmer of hope for the athletes and the region. The return of the track could not only bring athletes back together, but also rekindle the hearts of fans who eagerly await the competition and the athletes' performances.