Photographers car on the Gotthard Panorama Express
Slowpoke has booked a first-class reservation for the Gotthard Panorama Express in May but wants advice on getting a seat in a car with windows that open, ideal for photography. They are looking for tips since they've struggled to find the relevant info and are in touch with Happy Rail for clarification.
- You can move between first class and the photo car in second class, which has opening windows for better photography.
- When reserving with Happy Rail, don't hesitate to ask for specific seat preferences, like a window seat.
- If you're traveling with a car, consider parking in Brunnen to arrive early and secure your space on the GPE.
AI-generated summary-
I have gotten my first class reservation for the section of the Gotthard Panorama Express (GPX) between Flüelen and Bellinzona in May. I’ve followed the links on the GPX page here to book the reservation in first class, so that part worked.
http://www.happyrail.com/en/g otthard-panorama-express
I am trying to figure out how to make sure that I can get a seat in the car with windows that open, for better photography.
Even though it was discussed here not long ago, I can’t seem to find the information. I am communicating with Happy Rail to see if they can clarify the information. I know that Rockoyster gave a lot of details, but for some reason I can’t find that post.
Any help would be appreciated.
Slowpoke
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Hi Slowpoke,
Here’s the thread you were searching for, I think: http://www.myswissalps.com/fo rum/topic/itinerary-advice-8/page/3
There is a photo car with opening windows in 2nd class. So I guess it should be no problem to move back and forth between that car and your reserved seat.
Have fun!
Goede dag, Arno.
Happy rail has gotten back to me. Still a few bits of clarity lacking, but I’ll book inthe photo car through them.
Met dank,
Fred
Hi Slowpoke,
When we did the GPE last year the maitre d’train advised us and our fellow traveller’s living it up in 1st class that we were welcome to pop down to the photographer’s coach whenever we liked. I didn’t take up the offer.
Be interested to see how you find it.
The SBB reservations service at goo.gl/vfV4wK provides for reservations on the GPE but you can only pick class not carriage. I wonder if Happy Rails improve on that?
Hi Rockoyster –
<<” I wonder if Happy Rails improve on that?”>>
Did.
It took some e-mails, but my reservation in first class booked on line was converted to a 2nd class photography car reservation. Same cost. As far as I know, it will not be a specific seat,but, I asked them for a window seat if it could be booked.
For various logistical reasons, I’ll have a car on that portion of my trip, and I’ll park it in Brunnen near the Post…that lot never seems to fill up…and get a train to Flüelen that arrives before the GPE boat. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get on before the crowd, if any, and get a window seat. When I return, I’ll take the basis tunnel and stay at or near near Brunnen that night. Trying to decide if I want to pay the stiff price for one night at the Waldstätterhof. Great views, and fond memories of my first stay there in 1986, before they dumbed down the menu on the terrace.
Slowpoke
Waldstätterhof looks like nice digs.
They charge for “nice.” 😉
Great views down the Urnersee at dawn. Sometime you just get sunlight on the tip of Uri Rotstock.
Old files on film of that sight did not capture the full dynamic range and I did not bracket. Given good light, I’ll be able to get a few exposures at different EV’s and get the lighting balanced by layering the files and selective masking. Might have to carry my tripod
That is what I did on that panorama of Trachselwald to get the Alps and the foreground both well lighted.
Slowpoke
Hi Slowpoke,
That sounds like a great plan for the day. I wondered if you ever stayed at the opposite site of the lake, up in Seelisberg? It’s quite a remarkable place because it’s 400 m or so above the lake.
<<“I wondered if you ever stayed at the opposite site of the lake, up in Seelisberg? “>>
Hi Arno-
Indeed, a few times at the basic and inexpensive Hotel Montana, once for few days at the Bellevue.
Logistics of travel the next day strongly suggest staying on the eastern shores of the lake.
We used the Swiss Holiday Park in Morschach for a couple of stays, one time with daughter and granddaughter in 2009. Doesn’t match my needs this time; also not sure if they do one night rentals.
Many years ago,the White Cross in Flüelen. It’s a possibility.
I’m looking at Weggis and Schwyz as well as Brunnen. Hotel Wysses Rössli has always been nice when I’ve stayed there. Weggis charges for the location.
I’d try the Bergsonne up on the Rigi, but that early in the season, they may not be offering rooms or even opening the restaurant on a Thursday night. They are cutting back on hours.
Where have you stayed around the Vierwaldstättersee?
I’ve stayed just outside Stans in an old farm house on the slopes of the Stanserhorn. Overlooking Vierwaldstättersee, which was great, but as your images show there are many great locations there. Seelisberg isn’t very central but it’s still on my wish list. For your plans indeed the other side of the lake is best. Brunnen has a train station and is on the lake; quite ideal.
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