It is also called the Gürbetalbahn (Gürbe Valley Railway, GTB) after the company that built it.

The GTB was founded on 14 August 1901 for the construction and operation of the line through the Gürbetal (Gürbe valley).

The final section from Burgistein-Wattenwil (now Burgistein) to Thun was opened about a year later, on 1 November 1902.

The line was electrified following a decree of the Bernese government, with operations switching to electric power on 16 August 1920.

The vehicle fleet of the Gürbe Valley Railway included a Ce 4/6 locomotive that was transferred to the Club del San Gottardo in 1995.