New season for Switzerland”s old Furka steam train
A traveler named Peterli shared an article about volunteers clearing snow from the historic Furka cogwheel steam railway in central Switzerland. They are interested in the railway's reopening and several forum members expressed their desire to ride this line, with Minnie planning to go in September. The discussion highlights the hard work behind maintaining such beautiful routes in Switzerland.
- Consider taking the historic Furka cogwheel steam railway if you enjoy scenic train rides.
- Check out the Blonay-Chamby Railway Museum for a nostalgic train experience.
- If you plan to travel extensively, look into getting a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited travel on trains and public transport.
AI-generated summary-
Armed with chain saws, shovels and snow ploughs, it takes 15 volunteers three weeks to clear the snow from the historic Furka cogwheel steam railway in central Switzerland. Here’s how they do it.
This is the English version of an article in today’s SwissInfo (Science and Technology): http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/h istoric-mountain-line_a-new-season-for-the-old-furka-steam-train/44994696
If you prefer, you can read it in any of nine other languages, including German, French, and Italian.
-
Thanks Peterli! I wish they would take the Glacier Express back on that route, that would be spectacular.
Thank you for sharing this. I have always wanted to take this train and this route, but have not been able to do so, yet. It is still on my list for Swiss travel.
Thanks for posting this article, Peterli. It has stimulated our intention to take this train in September…I’m pretty sure we saw it from the bus one year. We take such a lot of the infrastructure for granted, so it’s wonderful to gain some insight into the hard work and dedication that makes the mountain country so accessible. Cheers, Minnie.
Thanks for posting this, Peterli
One of the trips still on my to do list!
It’s good to remember how much hard work and enthusiasm goes into providing this route for all to enjoy.
Maggie
Hello Maggie,
It is nice to see that you are still looking at posts on this forum, and here’s hoping that you can get back to your Swiss visits soon.
Have you been to the Blonay-Chamby Railway Museum ? If not, you might consider adding it to your “to do” list as well. Their website is in French and German, but if you right-click on any page, you will see an option to translate that page to your language, English. Here is a Google-translation (French to English) of a portion of their welcome page:
“The railway workers of Blonay-Chamby, all volunteers, welcome you with the same pleasure since 1968. In our historic trains, the benches are usually made of wood, the windows open. The sounds and smells typical of the railway of the past remind us of the voyages of the Belle Epoque.
The convoy rises above Blonay, crosses a viaduct, crosses a tunnel, then the view opens on Lake Geneva. From Chamby, the train turns back towards our Museum where you will discover our sheltered collection in two exhibition halls as well as our restaurant. Have a good ride on our trains!
Our railway-museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays until October 27, 2019.
A word on the highlights of our next season, moments of railway nostalgia not to be missed!
Swiss Steam Festival, June 8-10;
Blues Train, September 14 to 15;
Belle Epoque Riviera trains departing from Vevey on May 26, June 30, July 28, August 25, September 29, October 27 and during the Swiss Festival of Steam.
We look forward to welcoming you very soon on our historic trains.”
You might also enjoy watching this video: youtu.be/W2ip3ToVUZk
- The thread ‘New season for Switzerland”s old Furka steam train’ is closed to new replies.
