How many trains does it take two Australians to get from Interlaken, Switzerland to Paris, France via the scenic route?
FOUR
First half of the journey was the Golden Pass Panoramic section and required two separate trains and a change at Zweisimmen
The reason for change of trains is due to the width of the track, from Interlaken to Zweisimmen the track is standard gauge, but as the line is much windier from Zweisimmen to Montreux the track has been laid narrower and a change of train is required.
The Swiss are currently developing a system to be installed at Zweisimmen. Here the trains will pass over and automatically have the wheels re aligned to the next section removing the need for passengers to change trains. This is not due however for a number of years.
Our last train we had high hopes for. It is the TGV Lyra, high speed train from Geneva to Paris all totally reserved seats, and this time again in first class. What is disappointing? The train is noisy, constant whirring noise, vibrations, no power outlets, small windows that aren't aligned well with the seats giving poor outside visibility, rattling windows, not many options for food, broken toilet door. All of these things don't sound like much but when we are travelling in first class we expect a little better. Maybe it is just because we have left Swiss rail system and are now riding one of Frances train's of economic crisis.
FOUR
First half of the journey was the Golden Pass Panoramic section and required two separate trains and a change at Zweisimmen
Katie on first train, with spinning seat and me, travelling in reverse without spinning seat.
The reason for change of trains is due to the width of the track, from Interlaken to Zweisimmen the track is standard gauge, but as the line is much windier from Zweisimmen to Montreux the track has been laid narrower and a change of train is required.
The Swiss are currently developing a system to be installed at Zweisimmen. Here the trains will pass over and automatically have the wheels re aligned to the next section removing the need for passengers to change trains. This is not due however for a number of years.
Katie on second train with panoramic windows
From the window of the second train looking at Montreux and Lake Geneva
The second part of the journey, requiring another two trains started at Montreux, we changed trains this time for an ICE (inter city express) and scooted around the northern edge of Lake Geneva in 50 minutes. All the time we have been using our rail pass and thus allowing us to sit in first class. It has been well worth the little extra as most times our carriages have only had about four or six others on them.
From the window of the third ICE train.
Carriage number 10
Paris, here we come!
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