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Location of the Grimsel Test Site (GTS) in the Swiss Alps

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The Grimsel Test Site (GTS) is located at an altitude of 1730 metres in the granitic rock of the Aar Massif in central Switzerland. It lies at a depth of around 450 metres beneath the surface and is reached by an access tunnel belonging to the Kraftwerke Oberhasli AG (KWO), the local hydro-power company.

The GTS tunnel system is around one kilometre long and was excavated in 1983 using a full-face tunnelling machine (diameter 3.5m). The Test Site offers ideal conditions for carrying out a wide range of test programmes. (Please see the Visit the GTS section for details on visiting the GTS.)

Location of the Grimsel Test Site in Switzerland
Location of the Grimsel Test Site (GTS) in Switzerland - (1) Grimsel Test Site, (2) Rätrichsbodensee, (3) Grimselsee and (4) Juchlistock

Location of the Grimsel Test Site in the Grimsel Pass

Tunnel Layout

Main project locations are shown below.

Tunnel Layout in the Grimsel Test Site

 

 

Visit the GTS and Crystal Caves

Visitors at the GTS

The Grimsel Test Site and the Crystal Caves are open to visitors - Click here for full details on how to arrange a visit to the GTS.

Grimsel's role in Research

The Grimsel Test Site (GTS) is a scientific test site and not a potential repository site; although investigations may utilise a wide range of radioactive tracers, no radioactive waste will be disposed of at the GTS.

The GTS underground facilities are also available to interested 3rd parties for underground testing and research. The GTS offers cost-effective access to a fully developed, well characterised underground research facility with round the year logistical support - please contact Dr. Ingo Blechschmidt, Head of the Grimsel Test Site, for further details.