8889 posts
How odd. I wonder why they don’t just run it direct to Luzern? Maybe it is a plan to drum up business for the new Voralpen Express trains?
72625 posts
Not odd but very sensible. Arth Goldau is the junction of the Zurich and Luzern branches of the Gotthard route so it is the entirely logical place to start the GPE. It has/gives the following benefits:
1) is a major railway junction with storage sidings to stable the train (it is a place where some trains already terminate and park so there are clearly railway staff facilities, and it may well be a ‘signing on point’ where drivers start and finish shifts)
2) it is where lines from Zurich, Luzern and St Gallen meet
3) it adds some scenery to the trip, as the Arth Goldau – Fluelen line gives views of lakes, mountains (the Mythens) and nice farmland scenery
I attach two of my photos from a picnic last August between Arth Goldau and Steinen. One shows the Mythens and one shows the Lauerzersee
8889 posts
Fair point. Your images are a bit itny for my ageing eyes. 🤓