Spectacular Mountain Railways of the Swiss Alps

The Brienzer Rothorn in canton Berne prides itself on having one of the most spectacular panoramas of the Alps. It is also the only cog train in Switzerland with daily steam train service. Driven into the mountain by hand 130 years ago, the 7.6 km long line leads from the foot of emerald-green Lake Brienz up to 2244 meters above sea level. The ascent is made by one of the traditional steam locomotives - the oldest of which dates back to the 19th century.

Take the world's steepest cogwheel railroad up to the impressive Mount Pilatus. A journey with a certain thrill. Mount Pilatus south of Lucerne is one of the most impressive mountain massifs in Switzerland. For over a century it has offered thrills and great landscape cinema with the world's steepest cogwheel railroad.

With a constant view of the magnificent Matterhorn - the place of longing for many travellers - the Gornergratbahn winds its way from glamorous Zermatt to the chilly charm of the Glaciers. The Gornergratbahn is the second-highest cog train in Europe after the Jungfrau Railway. And offers undisputedly the best view of the unmistakable cone of the Matterhorn in the canton of Valais during the ride to the peak in over 3000 meters.

The Rigi is home to the most impressive historic fleet of Swiss mountain railroads. True to Tradition: the Rigi Railway - built in 1871 - was the first cog train in Europe. The mountain journey in the legendary railcar "Sächsi" offers passengers an unforgettable journey: over viaducts, past waterfalls, along rugged rock faces and numerous "train spotters", that cherish the old cars as perfect photo motifs, the locomotive pushes the train uphill.

If you want to enjoy the most beautiful view in Ticino, you are well advised to head up Monte Generoso. From the summit at 1601 meters, you have a breathtaking panoramic view of the highest peaks in the Swiss Alps. The best way to get up there is to take the Ferrovia Monte Generoso, the only cog railroad in the canton of Ticino. It has been running tirelessly from the shores of Lake Lugano up to the summit for 130 years. With train driver Stefanie Huber and the young clergyman Don Marco as guides, the journey up Monte Generoso is a very special experience. From the lush green vineyards, the route leads via a former hermitage, which today houses nothing less than a "grotto of love", to one of the oldest mills in Switzerland where the miller grinds red polenta. The "Grotta dell' Orso", the bear's cave, which has many an amazing find in store for its visitors, leads towards the summit, which rewards travelers with a truly heavenly view.

For 100 years, the historic steam trains have been whizzing through the Furka region with its larch forests, raging rivers and imposing glaciers at weekends. The leisurely journey on the steam train exudes pure nostalgia. The journey is the destination, the arrival becomes a minor matter. The journey starts in Realp with the 100-year-old locomotive number 9 and runs for 18 kilometers through one of the most beautiful Alpine valleys in Switzerland. Along the Furka-Reuss river, the historic train train set whizzes past impressive landscapes and unique attractions. For example, the famous Furka Pass road, on which James Bond chased through the hairpin bends. Along the way, the train crosses the paths of numerous people who are native to the region. Such as that of goat breeder Sanna Laurén, who offers hikes with her gray goats along the railroad line. High up on the Galenstock Alp, the Meyers give an insight into the production of their cheese, which they say almost borders on witchcraft. And on the Rhône Glacier, the clock is ticking for one of the most beautiful ice caves in Switzerland. Train driver Oliver Studer and train attendant Monika Fäh guarantee passengers an unforgettable nostalgic journey through the Furka region.

The "Rochers de Naye", the rocks of Naye, tower 2000 meters above Lake Geneva. If you are lucky with the weather, you can enjoy an almost unreal panorama at the top: 360-degree views; from the glistening blue of Lac Leman to steep rock faces, the Swiss Alps with their snow-covered glaciers and the roof of Mont Blanc. Television" takes on a whole new meaning. The Ligne Montreux-Rochers de Naye has been connecting two worlds since 1892: the almost subtropical, sunny Montreux Riviera, which exudes the flair of the sea with its palm and orange trees, and the rugged, wild landscape of its local mountain. This attractive mélange has been attracting people from all over the world for over a century. In addition to Empress Sissi and the English poet Lord Byron, numerous well-known personalities have succumbed to the charm and uniqueness of this region. It is therefore hardly surprising that along the railroad tracks you will repeatedly come across originals, individualists and eccentrics who have been able to create their own personal lifestyle here. From the lakeside promenade in Montreux, the route leads high above the town to the last surviving school for secondary school girls in Glion. In the chalet of the late founder of the Montreux Jazz Festival, you will be amazed by the immense model train collection. And a visit to 100-year-old Paul du Marchié is an impressive experience.

The Schynige Platte Railway in the Bernese Oberland is the destination of a very special trip on the cogwheel railroad. The trains have been chugging leisurely up the mountain from Wilderswil for over 130 years. The journey is a journey back in time: the tracks, trains and many a sight along the route have retained the charm of grandmother's day. The latest train on the Schynige Platte Railway is already over 100 years old. The pace is correspondingly leisurely. It invites you to pause and enjoy the picturesque landscapes that open up as you look out of the historic carriage. Or to get to know the people who live and work along the route. For example, the Balsiger alpine family, who head up the mountain here every summer with their children. Or Jasmin Senn, a gardener who looks after the impressive alpine garden on the Schynigen Platte. At the Breitlauenen middle station, travelers have Lake Thun at their feet. A view that inspired the famous Swiss painter Ferdinand Hodler to paint some of his landscapes. Workshop manager and engine driver Samuel von Känel provides an insight into the driver's cab of one of the old steam locomotives, while train attendant Claudia Würsch ensures the safety of the line and the well-being of passengers during the journey. The arrival on the Schynigen Platte also promises what is probably the most photographed panorama of Switzerland's most famous triumvirate, the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.