Various photo collections from WSL’s archives depict the researchers’ work and everyday life. The digitised images include the extensive collection of federal forest inspector Franz Fankhauser (1849-1932) and photos by the pioneer in avalanche research Ernst Eugster (1903-1977). Most of these photos have been digitised and are now publicly accessible via the E-Pics image platform of the ETH Library.
All photograps by WSL and SLF can be downloaded free of charge from E-Pics. Most images are available under a Creative Commons License.
Link to the WSL photo archive on E-pics: E-Pics image platform of the ETH Library.
Image 1 of 19
In Filisur (GR), two men saw through a log using a two-men saw, while a researcher records the time needed. The goal is to calculate the labour intensity. Film negative 6 x 6 cm. Photo: Jakob Zehnder, 1945.
Image 2 of 19
Glaciologist Robert Haefeli examines the snow cover with a shear apparatus. Davos (GR). Film negative 4.5 × 7 cm. Photo: Edwin Bucher, winter 1937/1938.
Image 3 of 19
Transporting stones on rails specially laid for the construction of a dry stone wall in Obergoms (VS). In the background, the Rhone Glacier and Galenstock. Film negative, 9 x 12 cm. Photo: Ernst Eugster, 1931.
Image 4 of 19
Using a ‘xylometer’ to measure the volume of branches, Sonvico (TI). Glass plate 13 x 18 cm. Photo: Hans Burger, 1919.
Image 5 of 19
Clearance work for the construction of the airport in Kloten (ZH), December 1946. Film negative 6 x 6 cm. Photo: Jakob Zehnder, 1946.
Image 6 of 19
Rescue exercise to train avalanche dogs at Hauptertäli in Davos (GR). Film negative 6 x 9 cm. Photo: Schmutz, 1942.
Image 7 of 19
Charcoal kiln in Risoux near Vallorbe (VD). Glass plate 10 x 15 cm. Photo: Werner Nägeli, 1935.
Image 8 of 19
A tree trunk is suspended from the Wyssen cable crane for transport. Ober Stockbann on the northern slope of the Rigi (SZ). 6 x 6 cm film negative. Photo: Erich Soom, 1948.
Image 9 of 19
Testing a McCulloch bow bar chainsaw. Slide 2.4 x 3.6 cm. Photo: unknown, 1955.
Image 10 of 19
Rescue efforts following an avalanche disaster in Beckenried (NW) on 1 February 1948. Seven people lost their lives in the avalanche. Film negative 8 x 11 cm. Photo: Georges Tièche, 1948.
Image 11 of 19
The still untamed Rhine near Laufenburg (AG) in 1904, with wooden salmon fishing equipment. The rapids were called ‘Kleiner Laufen’ (Little Falls) in contrast to ‘Grosser Laufen’ (Big Falls), the Rhine Falls. Film negative 9 × 12 cm. Photo: Franz Fankhauser, 1904.
Image 12 of 19
Even 120 years ago, forestry scientists were investigating how trees of different origins grow in different soils. Today, similar experiments are being continued with regard to climate change. The photo shows four-year-old chestnut trees from the experimental garden on the Adlisberg near Zurich. Glass plate 13 × 18 cm. Photo: Robert Glutz, 09.02.1906.
Image 13 of 19
Wall of snow on the Grimsel Pass after the pass road opened in June 1936. Glass plate 8.5 x 10 cm. Photo: Emil Müller, 22.06.1936.
Image 14 of 19
The coppice with standards is an old form of forest management with individual ‘standards’ (mostly oaks) and a periodically felled understorey. Today, it is being used again in nature conservation to promote animal and plant species that require light and warmth. The picture shows a coppice with standards in Güttingen (TG), 20 years after the last felling of the understorey. Glass plate 8.5 × 10 cm. Photo: Hans Burger, 02.04.1925.
Image 15 of 19
Presentation of a 2.15 m tall Fastigiata pine tree with shallow roots in Bonaduz (GR). Film negative 13 × 18 cm. Photo: Robert Glutz, 14.08.1907.
Image 16 of 19
Weekly market on Bundesplatz in Bern, early September 1902. Film negative 9 x 12 cm. Photo: Franz Fankhauser, 1902.
Image 17 of 19
Numerous erosion-prone slopes in the Swiss Alps were reinforced with dry stone walls and wooden posts in an almost unimaginable feat of manual labour. Some of these walls can still be found in the terrain today, well over 100 years after they were built. The picture shows the ‘Ätsch’ area on the Kilchenstock near Linthal (GL). Glass plate 9 × 12 cm. Photo: Franz Fankhauser, 05.10.1914.
Image 18 of 19
Assembly of a multi-part ladder used for pruning trees. Branches are removed directly from the trunk to increase the tree's value. Niort, Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, France. Film negative 4.5 × 6 cm. Photo: Hansjürg Steinlin, 1953.
Image 19 of 19
Conifers blown down by a storm on 19 November 1939 in test area ‘Fichte 282’ near Gränichen (AG). Glass plate 8.5 × 10 cm. Photo: Werner Nägeli, 30.11.1939.