September 17, 2026
Fire safety on Mount Titlis: exceptional conditions at 3,020 metres
As part of the renovation and expansion project on Mount Titlis, the Titlis Tower opened in June 2026, with the new Titlis Peak Station to follow in 2029. Gruner is responsible for fire safety for this major project designed by Herzog & de Meuron. The unique conditions at more than 3,000 metres above sea level place particularly high demands on fire safety.
Thousands of people visit Mount Titlis every day – but the summit can only be reached by mountain railway. In the event of an incident, firefighters and rescue services cannot reach the scene within a few minutes. Evacuation to the valley depends on weather conditions and cannot be guaranteed at all times. Wind, ice and low temperatures pose additional challenges, affecting building systems, smoke development and escape routes.
Luca Dressino, VKF-certified fire safety expert and Head of the Fire Safety and Building Physics Northwestern Switzerland Business Unit at Gruner, addressed these particular conditions as part of the project on Mount Titlis. The exceptional circumstances on site present specific fire safety challenges and require solutions that go far beyond the requirements of a conventional building.
Tailored solutions instead of standard concepts
A tailored fire safety concept was therefore developed, with Gruner ensuring the highest quality assurance level (QSS4). The aim is to ensure the safety of visitors at all times under the particular conditions at the summit.
Fire simulations and crowd flow analyses were carried out to realistically assess smoke behaviour and the evacuation of large numbers of people. Hot smoke tests were also used to verify the effectiveness of the planned measures.
A key element of the concept is the fire control system, which ensures that the fire alarm system, smoke extraction, doors and other technical systems interact automatically in the event of an emergency. Dynamic escape route guidance and controlled smoke extraction ensure that visitors are safely directed to protected areas while escape routes remain free of smoke.
Long-term support for a demanding project
With the Titlis Tower, the first major part of the project has been completed. Gruner will continue to work on the project until the completion of the new Peak Station in 2029. The project demonstrates how innovative fire safety planning can provide safe and practical solutions even under exceptional conditions.
For questions about the project, please contact Luca Dressino, VKF-certified fire safety expert and Head of the Fire Safety and Building Physics Northwestern Switzerland Business Unit.
More about fire safety:
The Titlis Tower: Gruner was responsible for fire safety.
The project, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, placed high demands on fire safety.
Gruner carried out fire simulations and crowd flow analyses.
Hot smoke tests were used to verify the effectiveness of the planned measures.