Monday, May 29, 2006

Swiss Railway Journeys




Many years ago now, well maybe 35 now, Dad's friend Dave Maher got married to a Swiss lady called Erika. Dave often spoke glowingly to Dad and myself about Switzerland, the scenery, the clear mountain air, the mountain railways and of course Switzerlands famous timekeeping and punctuality. If a Swiss person arranges to meet you at 7.30, they mean 7.30, not 7.35, or 8.00. Trains actually arrive early or at least on time, and its claimed in a British Train magazine you could almost eat your dinner on the platform. Swiss Railways are aparently that clean! Dave sadly passed away late last year, but when I think of Switzerland I always think of Dave and Erika.
In 2001 or so the Travel Channel showed a series of Travel Documentaries called Swiss Railway Journeys, and this series helped me make up my mind to plan a trip. Much planning was needed, I went to Thomas Cook for a European Train Timetable Guide, researched the Internet for Trips and Accomodation. Also watched all those documentaries for destinations, travel tips etc. Mum contacted the Swiss Embassy, who sent lots of guides, photographs. Anyone travelling abroad should contact the relevant Embassy for advice and information. I ordered Swiss Railway Passes which covered us for all Trains, Buses, Trams and Boats and City transport too. We flew to Geneva and then by train to Interlakken. Interlakken is a small town situated betwen 2 lakes, hence the name! From Interlakken there is no shortage of train journeys and different train companies, train gauges, funiculars, cable cars and Boats too. All covered by the SwissPass. Although the pass was over €215.00 it was well worth it for 7 days. Eating out in Switzerland was another matter. Rather expensive, however there was and still are a number of Supermarket Chains which often have Cafes attached. Migros is one such chain and in Interlakken they had a nice Cafe for breakfast and for buying rolls and fresh produce for the days travelling.
Other travel tips for Switzerland? Well obviously buy all your food and drinks befor arriving at the train station, prices are up to 3 times dearer at the station. Accomodation is very expensive but check out www.myswitzerland.com, I booked a nice Bed and Breakfast, using www.bnb.ch. In Interlakken we stayed in a Hostel, which was reasonable but rather basic and the rooms were tiny.
The actual train journeys I will have to leave to another blog or even several blogs. There were so many possible journeys it was difficult to decide which to choose, also had to consider timetables although unlike Ireland most towns are linked by trains which depart on the hour or half hour even.
Until the next time, got a tram to catch!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Nice colors. Keep up the good work. thnx!
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