Swiss Railway Journeys

1995 · Documentary

Swiss Railway Journeys is a captivating series showcasing the beautiful Swiss countryside as seen from its immaculate railways. First stop is Canton Ticino where visitors can admire the Italian influenced architecture before travelling high into the Alps through densely wooded valleys to marvel at this spectacular mountain range. Until the advent of railway engineering in the 1880's it was impossible for travellers to cross the Alpine backbone from Northern Europe to Italy during winter. Now the route can be seen in its entirety from the dramatic scenery from the heart of the Confederation to the Mediterranean in the south. Also on the itinerary is the glamorous resort of St Moritz, the breathtaking Albula Line with its lofty viaducts spiral tunnels and deep gorges and the beautiful Entelbuch valley. Swiss Railway Journeys offers more options than a Swiss Army Knife.

Episodes

▶1. The Albula Line60m · One of Switzerland's most spectacular rail journeys from Chur to St Moritz with heart-stopping mountain scenery and fascinating towns and villages en route.▶2. The Montreux Oberland Bernois Rail60m · Our mapped journey on the MOB (Montreux Oberland Bernois Railway) begins in the Victorian town of Montreux and concludes with the celebrity area of Gstaad before the whistle blows in Zweissimmen. On the trip we will also see a working steam preservation museum the new tunnel at Vanel and cheese making.▶3. The Davos Line60m · Travelling through the scenic Malans vineyards and Landwasser river valleys before heading into ski country to visit the famous Klosters and the highest Alpine town of Davos.▶4. The Arosa Line60m · Feel the cool mountain breezes on this high altitude journey from Chur to Arosa the resort town which named this railway line. Over the years twenty-two tunnels and galleries have been built in the remarkable first section which intersects a narrow gorge. The train passes unusual rock formations referred to as "earthmen" and distinctive river passageways.▶5. The Brunig Line - Part 160m · Central Switzerland's lovely lakes are highlighted in this unforgettable train trip on the Brunig Line. Visit Brienz's traditional woodcarving community. Taste the splendours of Swiss Lake Steamers and finish the journey at Meiringen scene of Sherlock Holmes' fight to the death with arch rival Moriarty.▶6. The Brunig Line - Part 260m · Leave Meiringen behind and climb by cogwheel up the Brunig Pass. The train descends to the lush lakelands of central Switzerland to look at baroque churches and the ancient open-air parliament. Journey's end at Lucerne explores the old town and Transport Museum as well as the heartbreaking monument to the Swiss Guards slaughtered during the French Revolution.▶7. The Appenzell Railways60m · The railway company of Canton Appenzell Switzerland's smallest runs its lines through some of the most beautiful countryside in the land. The Appenzell is a farming region and the railway is extensively used by the local community. The journey ends at the old Abbey city of St Gallen where we visit the magnificent cathedral and its library which is home to many priceless treasures.▶8. The Bodensee - Toggenburg Railway60m · This spectacular railway runs through north-eastern Switzerland's lush countryside from the soaring mountains of the Toggenburg region to the sparkling blue waters of the Bodensee. We start at Lake Zurich and interesting diversions en-route include an exploration of the historic town of Rapperswil and a visit to the depot to see the railway's behind the scenes workings. The journeys ends at the port of Romanshorn situated on the shores of the Bodensee.▶9. The Emmental Railway - Part 160m · The lush Emmental region in central Switzerland is famous throughout the world for its delicious Swiss cheese. Our journey leads us to the mountains of the Jura region of Western Switzerland. The track climbs gently as we reach the slopes of the Emmental and we pass picturesque farms and woodland before reaching the medieval town of Thun.

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