Swiss suggestions

[zigzag]

Early next month a find myself with a free weekend in Switzerland, although Ive done many of the mountain railways, lake steamers, cable cars etc on family holidays I havent really had much time to explore/ride/photograph the rail systems from an enthusiast perpective. Therefore I am looking for any suggestions to fill my weekend, interesting lines to travel on or photograph, anything left that is loco hauled, busy stations to spend a few hours at, older or quirky rolling stock/movements. I will have a car and the only constraints I have are that I have to be in Zurich until Friday afternoon & Geneva by first thing Monday so location wise not too much is out of the question.

 

[Steve4031]

IF you could drive to Wassen, I think you could get interesting photos of the trains working their way up Gotthard pass. At Wassen the trains travel around horseshoe curves and through spiral tunnels to gain eleveation.

 

[rg177]

If you want a bit of snow, the Oberalppass between Andermatt and Disentis/Muster has a nice layer on it at the moment.

The service I also had on it was loco-hauled. Very dramatic run, which forms part of the Glacier Express.

If you want to head towards Geneva, I'd say that travelling to Brig over the Kandersteg Route (Operated by BLS, services originate in Bern) and then going via Martigny to Geneva is a worthwhile option.

 

[30907]

Early next month a find myself with a free weekend in Switzerland, although Ive done many of the mountain railways, lake steamers, cable cars etc on family holidays I havent really had much time to explore/ride/photograph the rail systems from an enthusiast perpective. Therefore I am looking for any suggestions to fill my weekend, interesting lines to travel on or photograph, anything left that is loco hauled, busy stations to spend a few hours at, older or quirky rolling stock/movements. I will have a car and the only constraints I have are that I have to be in Zurich until Friday afternoon & Geneva by first thing Monday so location wise not too much is out of the question.

If you can manage the German (or guess from the pictures) then:
https://www.reisezuege.ch/ might help.

Zurich itself is a good place for vintage Re4/4s (old notation) aka Re420 on passenger to Chur and Schaffhausen/Singen. You may via that site also on weekdays be able to find workings formed push-pull set (Wendezug) - loco - older stock.

AFAIK the RhB still has traditional hauled stock on Klosters-Chur-Disentis.

Perhaps a trip Zurich-Chur-Oberalp-Furka (steam train if running)?

For your second day, what about the Jura? The Le Locle-Les Brenets line on the French border with its one elderly railcar is due to close in December, and there are one or two other relatively obscure lines, eg Yverdon-Ste Croix - the main line through Neuchatel has a fair bit of freight but I suspect not at weekends.

PS Wassen is spectacular but unfortunately sees AIUI hardly any freight and only an hourly EMU.

 

[duesselmartin]

I believe the Furka steam train is summer only.
I can second Zürich. Brig also has a nice mix of standard and narrow gauge.

 

[43096]

IF you could drive to Wassen, I think you could get interesting photos of the trains working their way up Gotthard pass. At Wassen the trains travel around horseshoe curves and through spiral tunnels to gain eleveation.

Wassen is much quieter than it used to be, though - just the hourly regional service over the summit route now with all other EC/IC/IR traffic now going through the Gotthard base tunnel. Similarly, most of the freight now uses the base tunnel, too.

I would never get bored of a day on Rhätische Bahn from Landquart or Chur; despite the new units on the railway, there's still loco haulage to be had and the scenery is breathtaking.

If the OP is after a busy location, I would suggest Olten - plenty of passenger services and a seemingly never-ending stream of freight, particularly in an evening. I expect it is quieter at weekends, but given the volume during the week, there would still be plenty of interest.

 

[Bletchleyite]

All the narrow gauge stuff is great, but I'd recommend a ride on the Riviera line from Geneva all the way to Brig (maybe stop off somewhere for a wander round mid-trip e.g. Montreux). It's stunning pretty much throughout - probably my favourite mainline in the world. Sit on the right for the best views.

 

[duesselmartin]

And of course there is Basel SBB for Swiss 460s and German 101s.

Geneva also sees French locos.
As to Rhätische Bahn. The ( Disentis-) Chur/Landquart to Scuol Tarasp service ( via Klosters and the Vereina tunnel) is still loco hauled and has the occasional old coach . So does the Chur to St. Moritz service, although the latter usually the more modern Ge 4/4 iii.

 

[eastwestdivide]

RhB historic train on regular Filisur-Davos runs, sometimes with Crocodile?

Historical trips

Nostalgic scheduled trains will be running twice daily in both directions between Davos Platz and Filisur.

www.rhb.ch

A historic journey between Filisur and Davos

www.rhb.ch

 

[duesselmartin]

usually a croc twice a day. The season for it ends 30. Oct.

 

[30907]

A PS to my suggestion for Zurich-Chur-Oberalp-Furka:
travel on the car carrying shuttle through the Lötschberg to head north to somewhere around Spiez for the freight.

 

[XAM2175]

If you want to head towards Geneva, I'd say that travelling to Brig over the Kandersteg Route (Operated by BLS, services originate in Bern) and then going via Martigny to Geneva is a worthwhile option.

I'd recommend a ride on the Riviera line from Geneva all the way to Brig (maybe stop off somewhere for a wander round mid-trip e.g. Montreux). It's stunning pretty much throughout - probably my favourite mainline in the world. Sit on the right for the best views.

I'll third this suggestion!

 

[Route115?]

There are so many scenic Swiss rail lines.

I would suggest Zurich - Tirano. A round trip is possible in a day (I've done it). The Bernina route has it all. A standard ticket is rather expensive - I used an Interrail pass earlier this year, but check the web for cheaper options.

If you are travelling between Zurich and Geneva I suggest that you stop off at Olten - you would be amazed how much goes through, both passenger and freight.

 

[themiller]

If you want maximum volume of trains, go to Olten where all trains must go through the station. You should go to the end of the station with a view into the depot and you might just catch a preserved loco shunting out of the depot. You’ll need eyes in the back of your head as traffic can be frenetic with several passenger and freights passing either in quick succession or even at the same time. In the late evening you can see the odd sleeper train but be advised that not all passenger trains stop so you’ll need to choose your comfort breaks carefully!

 

[Ringo2112]

I would second Olten. Get a hotel room at Hotel Amaris. Get a room with a balcony and enjoy the parade of trains seated on your balcony. Nice hotel also. I stayed there 5 nights and it's a great base to explore Switzerland

 

[Rescars]

A PS to my suggestion for Zurich-Chur-Oberalp-Furka:
travel on the car carrying shuttle through the Lötschberg to head north to somewhere around Spiez for the freight.

It's a short trip from Spiez to Zweisimmen to have a look at the metre gauge Montreux Oberland Bahn and the branch to Lenk.

As the SBB is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, there are some special events happening in October which may be worth exploring.

 

[blackfive460]

It's a short trip from Spiez to Zweisimmen to have a look at the metre gauge Montreux Oberland Bahn and the branch to Lenk.

And the gauge changing apparatus...

 

[raetiamann]

So many to choose from. Near Zuerich, Thalwil is a very interesting location. My favourite place for a few stunning photographs is a little station on the SOB, Schindellagi-Feusisberg. It sits high over the lake and a spectacular image of trains coming up from there can be had. The Golden Pass Express passes through.

Of course the RhB offers so many options, both for photography and travel. It really is take your pick.

As you head west along the Rhone valley towards Geneva, the area between Brig and Visp has the major services, the narrow gauge MGB and gripping onto the mountain side the bls Loetschberg route, over the pass.

Finally closing in on your destination the land is much flatter, but Lausanne offers much for the rail enthusiast and I always enjoyed Nyon too.

Whatever you decide, have a great time.

 

[zigzag]

Brilliant suggestions, thanks everyone, Im not going to be bored am I, I will spend the evenings this week planning

 

[raetiamann]

Let us know what you did and how it went please.