Scenic Swiss Trains in a Nutshell
Oct 14th, 2008, 09:40 AM
#41
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THE ALBULA LINE - EN ROUTE TO/FROM THE BERNINA LINE
Next we'll turn coverage to the Albula Line that takes you to St Moritz/Pontresina to connect with the Bernina Pass line.
And though the Albula Line does not have the dramatic Top of the World Scenery of the Bernina Pass route it also has been named, along with the Bernina Line, a UNESCO World Heritage Site - mainly because of the awesome railway engineering involved.
TBC - Details and itinerary planning with the Albula Line.
Rhätische Bahn: Albula
as the train rolls through a fairytale landscape of enchanted forests, picturesque villages and towering mountains. That’s the Albula Line of the Rhaetian ...
www.rhb.ch/index.php?id=82?&L=4
Next we'll turn coverage to the Albula Line that takes you to St Moritz/Pontresina to connect with the Bernina Pass line.
And though the Albula Line does not have the dramatic Top of the World Scenery of the Bernina Pass route it also has been named, along with the Bernina Line, a UNESCO World Heritage Site - mainly because of the awesome railway engineering involved.
TBC - Details and itinerary planning with the Albula Line.
Rhätische Bahn: Albula
as the train rolls through a fairytale landscape of enchanted forests, picturesque villages and towering mountains. That’s the Albula Line of the Rhaetian ...
www.rhb.ch/index.php?id=82?&L=4
Oct 16th, 2008, 10:34 AM
#42
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Here is a better reference to read about the prodigious engineering feat of the Albula Line:
http://www.rhb.ch/UNESCO-World-Herit...&L=4.#c485
Interesting to note also that the Bernina Pass line is called one of the 'steepest in the world in gradients using adhesion traction and not cogs, normally employed to negotiate such climbs and descents - one reason the Bernina 'Express' creeps along at about 10 mph at many places perhaps
http://www.rhb.ch/UNESCO-World-Herit...&L=4.#c485
Interesting to note also that the Bernina Pass line is called one of the 'steepest in the world in gradients using adhesion traction and not cogs, normally employed to negotiate such climbs and descents - one reason the Bernina 'Express' creeps along at about 10 mph at many places perhaps
Feb 2nd, 2009, 11:46 AM
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Thank both of your for bringing this back up - i tried to find it the other day and gave up - i do want to get back to scribbling things about Swiss trains that i so love.
Any Q's are always welcomed.
Merci (what they say it seems in Switzerland always - even in the Germanic speaking areas)
Any Q's are always welcomed.
Merci (what they say it seems in Switzerland always - even in the Germanic speaking areas)
Feb 16th, 2009, 10:19 AM
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entrada - yes a lot of train travel but nearly scenic all the way - i have not taken these type of Swiss trains in winter but i think with the snow being more it could be even more delectable.
Cheers
Cheers
Feb 18th, 2009, 08:56 AM
#49
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I would think that the Bernina Pass route may get warm breezes in March from the south and may not really be as much winter as you think - though there is always ice at the summit - glaciers you can walk to. North the Alps the weather is much more rainy and cooler but should not be really cold IME
The Bernina Pass rail line is the only such line that actually crosses the Alps from South to North and v.v. - all other trans-Alpine main rail routes use tunnels to burrow under the spine of the Alps that runs thru Switzerland from East to West
(and v.v.)
Indeed the first part of the Bernina Pass train goes thru a rather lush seemingly semi-tropical part of Switzerland near the Italian border.
The Bernina Pass rail line is the only such line that actually crosses the Alps from South to North and v.v. - all other trans-Alpine main rail routes use tunnels to burrow under the spine of the Alps that runs thru Switzerland from East to West
(and v.v.)
Indeed the first part of the Bernina Pass train goes thru a rather lush seemingly semi-tropical part of Switzerland near the Italian border.
Mar 6th, 2009, 03:42 PM
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Palenque--advice please. Traveling in July for a week in Murren, we want to arrive 3-4 days early for sightseeing between Geneva and Murren, definitely see Gruyere then ride a scenic train. I am sure it's scenic between the two, but if you have any other suggestions, we will have maybe 2 days for travel.
Mar 9th, 2009, 10:08 AM
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Karuna- Ponder hopping the Golden Pass scenic rail route from Montreux, on Lake Geneva to Interlaken-Ost from where trains and gondolas will take you to Murren.
The Golden Pass (formerly known as the Panoramic Express) makes a dramatic ascent zigzagging up thru vineyards from Montreux - yielding sweeping views of the lake as it rises then traverse sweet Alpine valleys the whole way to Zweissimmen, where you must change trains - from the narrow-gauge (smaller) rails to the standard-gauge mainline trains that end at Interlaken-Ost.
The Montreux-Zweissimmen route has trains about hourly of which several a day are official Golden Pass trains - with the usual glass-domed Panoramic cars and also in first class unique swiveling chairs - there are even in 1st class VIP seats - several per train where you are perched next to the driver compartment so you feel like you are driving the train.
In any case regular trains or the official Golden Pass train the scenery is the same - the signature Swiss Alpine scenery with snow-capped peaks in the distance and cows and old chalet-style wooden housing bedecked by flower boxes.
If you want to interrupt your trip on this route the world-famous skiing and hiking resort - Gstaad is just off the Golden Pass route (a shuttle train goes there from the main route).
From Spiez to Interlaken the train tracks along lovely Lake Thun.
Gruyeres can be reached from Lausanne by another specialty train - the Chocolate Express, which also climbs from the lake thru vineyards and then to Broc-Factory station where you can tour a Wonka-like chocolate factory - careful not to fall in the vats and of course taste the product.
Before the Chocolate Factory the Chocolate Train stops at Gruyeres, where near the station you can tour a Gruyeres cheese plant - and of course the walled town of Gruyeres with its cute castle is one of Switzerland's cutest smaller towns IMO.
You can take regular trains over the same route hourly - for the Chocolate Express - using vintage luxury Belle-Epoque Pullman carriages and, i believe wine and cheese tastings en route is only first class - if you have a 2nd class Swiss Pass you'd have to pay a $40 or so supplement (again can take regular trains always)
With your type of travel by all means investigate the Swiss Pass - consecutive-day passes are the best per day deal so it you can accommodate an 8-straight-day pass it would cover all your travels - even to Murren in full - otherwise investigate the 3-day Swiss Flexipass.
The Golden Pass (formerly known as the Panoramic Express) makes a dramatic ascent zigzagging up thru vineyards from Montreux - yielding sweeping views of the lake as it rises then traverse sweet Alpine valleys the whole way to Zweissimmen, where you must change trains - from the narrow-gauge (smaller) rails to the standard-gauge mainline trains that end at Interlaken-Ost.
The Montreux-Zweissimmen route has trains about hourly of which several a day are official Golden Pass trains - with the usual glass-domed Panoramic cars and also in first class unique swiveling chairs - there are even in 1st class VIP seats - several per train where you are perched next to the driver compartment so you feel like you are driving the train.
In any case regular trains or the official Golden Pass train the scenery is the same - the signature Swiss Alpine scenery with snow-capped peaks in the distance and cows and old chalet-style wooden housing bedecked by flower boxes.
If you want to interrupt your trip on this route the world-famous skiing and hiking resort - Gstaad is just off the Golden Pass route (a shuttle train goes there from the main route).
From Spiez to Interlaken the train tracks along lovely Lake Thun.
Gruyeres can be reached from Lausanne by another specialty train - the Chocolate Express, which also climbs from the lake thru vineyards and then to Broc-Factory station where you can tour a Wonka-like chocolate factory - careful not to fall in the vats and of course taste the product.
Before the Chocolate Factory the Chocolate Train stops at Gruyeres, where near the station you can tour a Gruyeres cheese plant - and of course the walled town of Gruyeres with its cute castle is one of Switzerland's cutest smaller towns IMO.
You can take regular trains over the same route hourly - for the Chocolate Express - using vintage luxury Belle-Epoque Pullman carriages and, i believe wine and cheese tastings en route is only first class - if you have a 2nd class Swiss Pass you'd have to pay a $40 or so supplement (again can take regular trains always)
With your type of travel by all means investigate the Swiss Pass - consecutive-day passes are the best per day deal so it you can accommodate an 8-straight-day pass it would cover all your travels - even to Murren in full - otherwise investigate the 3-day Swiss Flexipass.
Mar 9th, 2009, 05:27 PM
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Thanks for all that info. We will be in Murren from Sunday to Sunday, then need to get back to airport so will need a longer rail pass of some type. The week in Murren, we will not need rail passes that I know of. Also, I am being advised that we MUST see the Matterhorn sometime in our spare time! But it's south of everywhere else we will be, and we do only have about 3 spare days...
Mar 10th, 2009, 08:15 AM
#53
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If you have 3 days between Geneva and Mürren, it would make sense to head for Zermatt during that time, and hope to see the Matterhorn then. spend a night in Zermatt to increas your chances of seeing the oft-shrouded mountain.
This would take you on a different route than the Golden Pass route, unless you decided to backtrack as far as Montreux and head to Mürren from there (with a detour to Gruyere if you like).
This would take you on a different route than the Golden Pass route, unless you decided to backtrack as far as Montreux and head to Mürren from there (with a detour to Gruyere if you like).
Apr 28th, 2009, 12:36 PM
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JUNGFRAU REGION (BERNER OBERLAND) TRAINS AND CABLEWAYS
Every inch of every train line in the fabled Jungfrau Region (From Interlaken up into the high Alps to places like Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Murren and of course the Jungfraujoch - the end of the line and Europe's highest altitude train station)
Starting next post i'll cover (with hopefully the help of others as always) trains and cableways in the Jungfrau Region, starting with getting from Interlaken into the hills.
Every inch of every train line in the fabled Jungfrau Region (From Interlaken up into the high Alps to places like Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Murren and of course the Jungfraujoch - the end of the line and Europe's highest altitude train station)
Starting next post i'll cover (with hopefully the help of others as always) trains and cableways in the Jungfrau Region, starting with getting from Interlaken into the hills.
Jul 14th, 2009, 02:28 PM
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Great thread, really useful stuff. Like the poster above I'm going to Basel and looking for a scenic one day trip - the only difference is I'm going in December and wondering which of those you mentioned might be best if we want to see lovely snowy scenes?
Jul 15th, 2009, 07:23 AM
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Thanks pootles. Well days are short in December so get an early start and consider doing the Golden Pass train between Montreux and Spiez - not sure you will see any snow though except on tops of high peaks in the distance. From Spiez you have speedy mainline trains back to Basel.
Jul 15th, 2009, 11:45 AM
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Pootles - actually i may recommend , like i did to the other Basel questioner i believe, actually heading north to Germany for the closest scenic mountainous rail ride from Basel - one i did in December not long ago.
Head to Freiburg and the Black Forest - From Freiburg station a side rail line slices up and up into the Black Forest - to Titisee - an alpine lake that is the summit for the whole Black Forest i believe - there was tons of snow up there when i took this trip in December a few years back. And it doesn't take more than an hour or so each way i believe. And to save money get a Lander Pass for this region - offering unlimited train (and city transport too) for a day for about $50 and covers up to five people i believe - www.bahn.de for details - German Rail Web Site and click on Lander Tickets - that said i am not sure there is one that would cover Basel-Freiburg-titisee but suppose there is. Buy it at the first station in Germany - not sure if you can buy it at Basel, Switzerland main station but possible.
And you also can see Freiburg - a lovely university town and during December there is a typical German Christmas Market gracing Freiburg's main square (again not positive but never seen a sizeable Germany town without one of these fun fun things. Try the gluhwein - hot spicy wine they serve at these places.
Head to Freiburg and the Black Forest - From Freiburg station a side rail line slices up and up into the Black Forest - to Titisee - an alpine lake that is the summit for the whole Black Forest i believe - there was tons of snow up there when i took this trip in December a few years back. And it doesn't take more than an hour or so each way i believe. And to save money get a Lander Pass for this region - offering unlimited train (and city transport too) for a day for about $50 and covers up to five people i believe - www.bahn.de for details - German Rail Web Site and click on Lander Tickets - that said i am not sure there is one that would cover Basel-Freiburg-titisee but suppose there is. Buy it at the first station in Germany - not sure if you can buy it at Basel, Switzerland main station but possible.
And you also can see Freiburg - a lovely university town and during December there is a typical German Christmas Market gracing Freiburg's main square (again not positive but never seen a sizeable Germany town without one of these fun fun things. Try the gluhwein - hot spicy wine they serve at these places.
Jul 16th, 2009, 02:42 AM
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Oh, I am still so confused. I will be in paris for a month til Oct 28, then free time. I had plans to go to Strasbourg.
How could I ride one of the scenic trains from that area. I have several days. Also would early Nov. be a really bad time for this. I just cannot figure this out. Had given up until I saw this again. I was just going to spend a few days between vienna, salzburg and garmisch.
Thanks
How could I ride one of the scenic trains from that area. I have several days. Also would early Nov. be a really bad time for this. I just cannot figure this out. Had given up until I saw this again. I was just going to spend a few days between vienna, salzburg and garmisch.
Thanks
Jul 16th, 2009, 07:57 AM
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Strasbourg is about as close to the Black Forest scenic train i mention above so that would be an easy day trip from there - just hop on the train to Germany across the Rhine and change for Freiburg. I think the Golden Pass and scenic Swiss trains would be too far to leisurely enjoy from Strasburg however. But Strasbourg to me is a fantastic city - often neglected by American tourists it seems.
Early November would be OK - even though days are short and weather could be poor it would not be really cold unless you went up to a place like Titisee where there may be snow. Like i said i did the Titisee train in mid-December - and the weather was rather mild and pleasant.
Early November would be OK - even though days are short and weather could be poor it would not be really cold unless you went up to a place like Titisee where there may be snow. Like i said i did the Titisee train in mid-December - and the weather was rather mild and pleasant.
Jul 17th, 2009, 08:27 AM
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From a Strasbourg base you could also take day trips by train to nearby Colmar - a really cute regional town and renown wine center - or to Baden-Baden, Germany - one of Europe's most historic and prestigious spa towns.
But if you want to experience snow, etc. i'd head to the fabled Interlaken/Jungfrau area and base there - lots of great short day journeys to be done from that base - including the Golden Pass train rides to Montreux or Lucerne over the Brunig Pass. This area in winter is truly a Winter Wonderland.
But if you want to experience snow, etc. i'd head to the fabled Interlaken/Jungfrau area and base there - lots of great short day journeys to be done from that base - including the Golden Pass train rides to Montreux or Lucerne over the Brunig Pass. This area in winter is truly a Winter Wonderland.
