
Artists perform during the grand opening for the tunnel, the world's longest and deepest rail tunnel.

The 57km (35-mile) tunnel, which runs under the Swiss Alps, was first conceived in sketch-form in 1947. Construction began 17 years ago.

Artists perform during the grand opening of the tunnel.

A horse-drawn carriage parades during the opening of the tunnel.

From left to right, Italian PM Matteo Renzi, Swiss President Johann Schneider-Ammann, Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande on board the maiden voyage on the line.

A guest poses with an umbrella decorated with the Swiss Rail clock logo before the opening ceremony of the Gotthard Base Tunnel.

The first train comes out of the tunnel in Erstfeld.