The Swiss railways are a concentrate of ingenuity and beauty that represents a unicum in the European landscape. Whether it’s a ferry or a pass, it’s still a fascinating travel experience.
All steamed on the Furka Railway.
The blue of the Rhône glacier lies in the distance, while the rare clouds of steam create contrast with the blue earth of the sky. The locomotive flows rhythmically as it flows towards the Steinstafel bridge. The Furka Railway, which connects Realp to Gletsch, was built in 1925 to connect the Canton Uri to the Valais and climb up to 2’160 meters. Lost its primary function, with the opening of the Furka Base Tunnel in 1982, it remained active thanks to the commitment of many fans who consider it one of the most fascinating routes in Switzerland. From June to October you can try the experience of this trip on the steam train with the visit of the ice cave.
For info www.vallese.ch
Lötschberg Railway: 100 years proudly brought.
The Lötschberg Railway was not only the first electric line in the Alps but also crossed it on one of the most fearsome sections. The Kandersteg-Kandergrund route, where the train has to exceed 300 metres of altitude in a few kilometres. An educational path – suitable for families – with 43 information signs winds almost in parallel with the railway track illustrating the engineering masterpieces such as the helical tunnel, at Kandergrund, and the helical tunnel around the Mitholz station. Under the motto "The BLS unites. Yesterday, today and tomorrow" celebrates his 100th birthday in 2013. Celebrations are planned in Frutigen and Kandersteg in June and in Goppenstein in September with historical carriages.
For info www.bls.ch/100
Special offer for summer 2013: Jungfrau VIP-Pass.
The Jungfrau VIP-Pass, which can be purchased from May to October, is ideal for those who want to explore the Jungfrau Region by combining excursions on foot and by train. Valid for 3 consecutive days, the Jungfrau Railway network, including the Kleine Scheidegg route on Jungfraujoch, saves money from the purchase of the single ticket.
For info www.jungfrau.ch
The Joux Valley train.
Inaugurated on 21 August 1899, the route Le Pont – Le Brassus travels 14 km through the pastures and ponds of the Jura along the lake of Joux to Le Sentier and Le Brassus, Swiss watchmaking art centers for about 300 years. The steam train runs on Sundays from June to September: the tour can be combined with the visit of the "L'Espace Horloger" Museum in Le Sentier which illustrates the history of chronographs and repeating watches with a rich collection. Among the curiosities the saw watch, the carriage watches, the skeleton clock with ringtone and the fireplace clock with perpetual calendar.
For info www.myvalleedejoux.ch
