Make a Donation
Make a Donation

1927

Rhône

The last steamship built in Switzerland, guardian of a unique technical innovation!
Supporting the Belle Époque Fleet
Length
68 meters
Power
850 kW
Capacity
600 people
Propulsion
Steam machine
His history

A century-long life on Lake Geneva

1925 - 1927

The order of the last steam engine

Following the Bonivard fire at the Ouchy shipyard in 1925, the CGN (Compagnie Générale de Navigation) commissioned Sulzer Frères of Winterthur to build one last medium-sized steamship. Engineer Gunnar Hammershaimb designed his twelfth and final vessel since his collaboration with the CGN began in 1895. The "Rhône" would be the last paddle steamer built entirely in Switzerland.
1927

The Winegrowers' Festival and the fine-tuning

The "Rhône" was launched in March 1927 during the Fête des Vignerons (Winegrowers' Festival). It made a few runs, adorned with a bronze figurehead representing the god Rhône. However, the delicate fine-tuning of its prototype engine required complex adjustments. The boat was not actually put into service until 1928.
May 1928

The fatal collision off the coast of Pully

Barely a year after its launch, the "Rhône" was rammed off Pully by another CGN vessel, the Genève. The bowsprit broke and sank, taking the precious figurehead with it. The falling mast tragically resulted in the death of a passenger. The boat would not have its figurehead replaced until 2022.
2003 - 2017

The ultimate improvements

The 2002-2003 overhaul modernized the engine and improved its unique automatic pressure lubrication system. In 2011, the ABVL funded the replacement of the metal connecting rod covers with transparent plexiglass ones, finally allowing passengers to admire the engine's movements from the main deck. The ABVL also financed the refurbishment and renovation of the first-class lounge. The "Rhône" was withdrawn from service in October 1 due to the age of some of its systems, in preparation for a major overhaul.
1939 - 1946

War and immobilization

During the Second World War, the "Rhône" was taken out of service, like most of the boats in the fleet. The years of conflict saw navigation reduced to a bare minimum. The boat was returned to service in 1946, gradually resuming its regular trips on Lake Geneva in the post-war period.
1959

The end of the coal era

The "Rhône" underwent a major modernization. This transformation marked the end of an era when crews carried tons of fuel on their backs. Oil-fired boilers simplified operations and reduced the physical strain on the mechanics.
End 1967

Boiler replacement

The original boilers reached the end of their lifespan after forty years of service. They were replaced by two new, modern installations, as on the "Savoie" and the "Simplon". This major intervention allows the boat to continue its operation in good safety conditions.
1980 - 1990

The tireless worker of Lake Geneva

The "Rhône" became the most frequently used steamship on all the Swiss lakes. It traveled up to 26 000 kilometers a year on the famous "Rhône-Express" linking Geneva to Saint-Gingolph. This intensive use made it an iconic vessel of the CGN, transporting thousands of passengers daily on Lake Geneva.
2002 - 2003

The general overhaul of the machine

The ship's intensive use necessitates a complete overhaul of its unique steam engine. This work modernizes the automatic pressure lubrication system and ensures the continued operation of this innovative technology developed by Sulzer. The engine is fully overhauled during the winter.
2011

The transparent hoods

The ABVL is funding the replacement of the metal connecting rod covers with transparent plexiglass ones. This modification finally allows passengers to admire the operation of the unique automatic lubrication system and the fascinating movements of the engine from the main deck. A major heritage enhancement.
2011

The XNUMXst class saloon’s enhancement

ABVL is also funding the refurbishment and restoration of the first-class saloon. In close collaboration with the CGN's technical department and the Lake Geneva Heritage Association, this program is restoring the neoclassical elegance of the cherry wood furniture inspired by "La Suisse", of the "Simplon" and of the "Helvétie".
July 2012

The whistle has regained its three tones

During the naval parade off Nyon, the missing whistle tube was recreated thanks to research by the Lake Geneva Museum. After 67 years of whistling only two tones, the Rhône River regained its characteristic three-tone sound: C#, D#, E. A dissonant yet instantly recognizable chord that once again resonated across the lake.
October 2017

Removal for major renovation

The "Rhône" has been taken out of service due to the age of some of its equipment. The galleys, bathrooms, hull, decks, superstructure, and boiler all require major work. After nearly 90 years of navigation, the last Swiss steamship will undergo a complete restoration.
2019 - 2021

The complete renaissance

For two years, the "Rhône" underwent a masterful restoration. The hull, decks, and superstructure were replaced. The galleys and bathrooms were renovated. The boiler was modernized. All the installations were brought up to contemporary standards while respecting the ship's authenticity. It was a true renaissance for this historic monument.
Early 2022

The new figurehead

The "Rhône" returned to the waters of Lake Geneva in early 2022, brand new. It proudly displays its new bronze figurehead, faithfully recreated by a specialized French art foundry. After 94 years of absence, the god Rhône has reclaimed his place at the bow of the boat, a symbol of this heritage revival.
End 2022

The final repair of the whistle

The whistle, partially obstructed since 2013, has been permanently repaired. The three tones finally resonate fully: C#, D#, E. A music-loving steam enthusiast analyzes the frequencies and confirms the notes. Some might have preferred an A to obtain an A major chord, but the "Rhône" retains its unique and dissonant sonic signature.
2025 - Today

The necessary technical adjustment

Temporarily taken out of service, the "Rhône" requires an adjustment (boring) of the steam engine cylinders. This complex technical intervention will ensure the proper functioning of its unique engine. The target date for returning to service is the first half of 2026, so that this listed historical monument can continue to sail.

"Rhône" The last Swiss steamship

Launched in March 1927 during the Fête des Vignerons (Winegrowers' Festival), the "Rhône" is the last paddle steamer entirely built in Switzerland. It embodies the ultimate evolution of steam propulsion with its unique engine equipped with a revolutionary automatic pressure lubrication system.
A tireless worker, the "Rhône" was the most used steamship on all the Swiss lakes during the 1980s and 1990s, covering up to 26 kilometers per year. Its distinctive three-tone whistle resonates on Lake Geneva like a signature sound instantly recognizable.
After a complete restoration between 2019 and 2021, this listed historical monument is once again sailing with elegance, sporting its reconstructed bronze figurehead, a testament to the Lake Geneva heritage.

These Iconic Details That Make the Legend

The figurehead has been found

A century of absence, a rebirth

Since 2022, the "Rhône" has proudly displayed a magnificent bronze figurehead depicting the god Rhône. Lost in a collision in 1928, this artwork was faithfully recreated by a specialized French art foundry. After 94 years of absence, this powerful symbol once again adorns the bow of the last steamship built in Switzerland.

The three-tone whistle

A unique sound signature

The "Rhône" is distinguished by its characteristic whistle, emitting three tones: C#, D#, E. This dissonant yet instantly recognizable sound is unique among all the boats on Lake Geneva. Deprived of its whistle for 67 years (1946-2013), it was reconstructed by the Lake Geneva Museum and permanently repaired in 2022. This singular voice resonates on the lake as the auditory signature of the last Swiss steamer.

The plexiglass covers

A visible and fascinating mechanism

A distinctive feature of the "Rhône", the transparent plexiglass hatches have replaced the original metal ones since 2011. They allow passengers to admire, from the main deck, the mechanical ballet of the crankshaft and eccentrics, as well as the innovative automatic pressure lubrication system that makes this boat so unique.

These Iconic Details That Make the Legend

The figurehead has been found

A century of absence, a rebirth

Since 2022, the "Rhône" has proudly displayed a magnificent bronze figurehead depicting the god Rhône. Lost in a collision in 1928, this artwork was faithfully recreated by a specialized French art foundry. After 94 years of absence, this powerful symbol once again adorns the bow of the last steamship built in Switzerland.

The three-tone whistle

A unique sound signature

The "Rhône" is distinguished by its characteristic whistle, emitting three tones: C#, D#, E. This dissonant yet instantly recognizable sound is unique among all the boats on Lake Geneva. Deprived of its whistle for 67 years (1946-2013), it was reconstructed by the Lake Geneva Museum and permanently repaired in 2022. This singular voice resonates on the lake as the auditory signature of the last Swiss steamer.

The plexiglass covers

A visible and fascinating mechanism

A distinctive feature of the "Rhône", the transparent plexiglass hatches have replaced the original metal ones since 2011. They allow passengers to admire, from the main deck, the mechanical ballet of the crankshaft and eccentrics, as well as the innovative automatic pressure lubrication system that makes this boat so unique.

The revival of a heritage

The Rhône regains its youth

The last paddle steamer built entirely in Switzerland has received meticulous care throughout its life. The complete renovation of the "Rhône" requires unique expertise in both technical and heritage aspects, with an investment of approximately 16 million Swiss francs. Between October 2017 and February 2022, the "Rhône" underwent a comprehensive restoration that combined respect for its heritage authenticity with technical modernization. Following a careful analysis of the corroded areas, more than 80% of the original hull was preserved. The renovation included replacing the boiler, installing a heat pump heating system, and improving maneuverability with a bow thruster. Under the supervision of the Association of Friends of Lake Geneva Steamships and the cantonal authorities, the "Rhône" has regained its historical elements such as its identically reconstructed figurehead and its transparent plexiglass hatches, combining artisanal know-how and modern technologies. The main stages of the project were as follows: dry docking, dismantling of the interior furniture, dismantling of the decks, exterior and interior sandblasting of the hull, complete overhaul of the steam engine, reconstruction according to the original plans of the smoking rooms on the upper deck and the forward staircase, restoration of the woodwork in the Belle Époque lounge, finishing work and finally installation of the figurehead.

Technical and heritage modernizations

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the renovation of the "Rhône" incorporates major technical improvements: the installation of a bow thruster for enhanced maneuverability, a heat pump heating system enabling year-round navigation, modernization of the water treatment system, and a 15-ton weight reduction through the use of aluminum structures. These modifications, invisible to passengers, guarantee the ship's longevity for decades to come while preserving its historical authenticity and its unique steam engine.

Supporting the Belle Époque Fleet
The boats
Helvétie
Simplon
Savoie
Vevey
Italie
Rhone
La Suisse
Montreux

The Belle Époque Fleet

Heritage & Know-how

Navigation & Schedule