Felix Loch enthusiastic: Königsseebahn almost finished after destruction!

Felix Loch enthusiastic: Königsseebahn almost finished after destruction!

Schönau am Königssee, Deutschland - Felix Loch, the three-time tobogganing Olympic champion, visited the construction site of the legendary artificial ice rink in Schönau am Königssee. This train, which was opened in 1969 as the first of its kind worldwide, had become unusable in July 2021 due to a devastating mud and scree avalanche. The reconstruction, which started after intensive planning last year, has made considerable progress since then. Loch explained that he was very satisfied with the earth movements and the new railway body. Comprehensive and costly measures are required to make the train fit until the reopening. The estimated costs amount to over 50 million euros that will flow into extensive concrete work and slope protection.

The new railway will also provide for security measures against future stone strikes and landslides. This includes new protection fences, the length of which will be 800 meters. These measures are crucial, especially after the entire system 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 on

The reconstruction was necessary, not only for the athletes, but also with regard to various upcoming events. From November 2025, training for women, double -seater and bob will take place again at the Königssee. The start of the international competitions marks the Olympic General rehearsal for the Winter Games 2026, which will take place on the newly built train from January 23 to 25, 2026. These competitions are particularly important because the Olympic Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo take place from February 6th to 22nd, 2026.

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

past and future

The artificial ice rink on the Königssee was not only the home railway of Loch, but also a legend in the toboggan world, which has shaped many athletes. The rail record of Loch with 48.803 seconds, set up at the World Championships 2021, illustrates the high performance density on this train. The next world championships in Schönau am Königssee are already determined for 2028, which underlines the importance of this route.

While Loch has an eye on the upcoming events, he also thinks about his own career, with the 2026 Olympics being in the room. At the same time, there are considerations about possible career steps after the games, which makes it clear that success must be thought not only in the present, but also with regard to the future.