Swiss Tracks & Journeys : Explore the World of Trains

Switzerland is a dream destination for train enthusiasts, offering stunning landscapes, historic railways, and a highly efficient rail network. Here are some highlights:

Scenic Train Journeys

  1. Glacier Express: Known as the “slowest express train in the world,” this journey takes you through the Swiss Alps, offering breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, and charming villages. The route connects Zermatt and St. Moritz.
  2. Bernina Express: This UNESCO World Heritage route travels between Chur and Tirano, showcasing stunning alpine landscapes, glaciers, and the iconic Brusio spiral viaduct.
  3. GoldenPass Line: Linking Lucerne and Montreux, this journey offers picturesque views of Lake Geneva and the Alps, with comfortable panoramic coaches.
  4. Gotthard Panorama Express: A combination of boat and train travel, this route connects Lucerne and Lugano, featuring a scenic boat ride on Lake Lucerne followed by a train journey through the Gotthard Pass.

Historic Railways

  1. Rhaetian Railway: This is one of the most scenic railways in the world, with routes that include the Bernina and Glacier Express. The railway itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  2. MOB (Montreux–Berner Oberland-Bahn): Famous for its stunning views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountains, the MOB takes you from Montreux to Zweisimmen.

Rail Museums

  1. Swiss Transport Museum (Verkehrshaus der Schweiz): Located in Lucerne, this museum features a comprehensive collection of trains, planes, automobiles, and more, with interactive exhibits.
  2. The National Museum of Transport: Also in Lucerne, it showcases the history of transportation in Switzerland, with a significant focus on railways.

Special Experiences

  1. Cogwheel Trains: Experience the unique cogwheel trains that ascend steep gradients, such as the Gornergrat Bahn for views of the Matterhorn or the Pilatus Railway, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway.
  2. The Arosa Line: This scenic railway line connects Chur and Arosa, featuring beautiful views and interesting architecture along the way.

Rail Passes

  • Swiss Travel Pass: Ideal for train enthusiasts, this pass offers unlimited travel on the Swiss Travel System network, including trains, buses, and boats, along with free admission to many museums.

Festivals and Events

  • Fête des Vignerons: While not exclusively about trains, this wine festival in Vevey is accessible via scenic train journeys and celebrates Swiss culture, including traditional transportation methods.

Conclusion

With its stunning landscapes, efficient rail system, and a variety of scenic routes, Switzerland offers an unparalleled experience for train enthusiasts. Whether you’re riding on historic trains or enjoying modern comfort, the journey itself is a key part of the adventure.

Day Hikes from the Peace Bell: Explore Mösern and Beyond

The Peace Bell and Mösern Region Visitor Centre (Friedensglocke Mösern und Tourismusinformation Mösern) provides information about the local area, hiking trails, and cultural landmarks like the nearby Friedensglocke (Peace Bell), as well as details about activities in the Seefeld Plateau region. It’s a convenient stop to get maps, tips, and learn more about the attractions in the vicinity.

There are many hotels located around the Visitor Centre so you have access to a number of beautiful hiking trails that are within walking distance.

Here are some great day hikes you can start directly from your hotel.

1. Möserer See Circular Trail

  • Distance: ~3 km
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Duration: 1-1.5 hours
  • Highlights: This easy and scenic walk takes you to the beautiful Möserer See, a small lake nestled in the forest just 10-15 minutes from the hotel. It’s perfect for a relaxing stroll, and you can even swim in the lake in summer.

2. Peace Bell (Friedensglocke) Trail

  • Distance: ~2.5 km
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Duration: 1-1.5 hours
  • Highlights: A short but meaningful hike to the Peace Bell in Mösern, the largest free-swinging bell in the Alps. From the bell, you’ll have incredible views of the Inn Valley. This walk is ideal for families or those seeking a leisurely outing with a touch of cultural interest.

3. Mösern to Seefeld

  • Distance: ~4-5 km (one way)
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Duration: 1.5-2 hours
  • Highlights: A gentle and pleasant trail that leads from Mösern to the bustling village of Seefeld. Along the way, you’ll pass through forests and open meadows with views of the surrounding mountains. Once in Seefeld, you can explore the village, visit the Wildsee, or enjoy a meal.

4. Mösern – Lottensee – Wildmoossee Loop

  • Distance: ~8 km
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Duration: 3-4 hours
  • Highlights: This loop takes you through peaceful forests and alpine meadows to the two beautiful, seasonal lakes of Lottensee and Wildmoossee. These lakes are unique as they appear and disappear depending on the season and water table, making the hike even more fascinating.

5. Buchen – Mösern Plateau Trail

  • Distance: ~6 km
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Highlights: This trail takes you across the picturesque Buchen and Mösern plateau, providing panoramic views of the Mieming Range and the Inn Valley. It’s a moderate hike with gentle climbs and descents, offering a tranquil experience in nature.

6. Mösern to Wildmoosalm

  • Distance: ~7 km (round trip)
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Duration: 3-4 hours
  • Highlights: A peaceful hike that leads you through forests to the Wildmoosalm, a charming alpine hut where you can enjoy traditional Tyrolean food and drinks. The path is mostly forested, with occasional clearings offering views of the surrounding mountains.

7. Mösern High Altitude Trail (Höhenweg)

  • Distance: ~6 km
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Highlights: This trail runs along the ridge above Mösern, offering stunning panoramic views of the Inn Valley and the surrounding Alps. It’s a relatively easy hike, but with enough elevation gain to feel like a rewarding climb.

Each of these hikes starts right near Inntalerhof, so you won’t need any transportation to enjoy these day hikes. They offer a range of difficulty levels, making it easy to choose based on how strenuous or relaxed you want your hiking day to be.

Möserer See Austria picturesque mountain lake

Möserer See Austria is a picturesque mountain lake located in the Tyrol region of Austria, near the village of Moosern. Here are some highlights about the lake and its surroundings:

Location

  • Region: Tyrol, Austria
  • Nearby Towns: The lake is situated close to the town of Seefeld in Tyrol, which is known for its winter sports and hiking opportunities.

Features

  • Scenic Beauty: Möserer See is surrounded by stunning alpine scenery, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers.
  • Activities: The area is ideal for outdoor activities, including hiking, swimming, and picnicking during the warmer months. In winter, the region is popular for skiing and snowboarding.

Accessibility

  • Getting There: The lake can be accessed via hiking trails from nearby towns, making it a great destination for a day trip or a longer excursion.

Wildlife

  • Biodiversity: The area around Moosern Lake is rich in flora and fauna, providing opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Part of the Three Lakes Hike on the Seefeld Plateau

  • Hike Description: West of Seefeld. Möserer See near Wildmoos (1,280 m), Wildmoosee and Lottensee.  Surrounded by green pastures and forests of larch and birch

Bazil’s 2-Day Summer Alpine Adventure in Central Switzerland: A Journey Through the Clouds – 2024

Day 1: Exploring Mt Pilatus and Mt Rigi

  • Start the day with a scenic boat ride to Birkenstock, followed by a thrilling ride on the funicular railway.
  • Catch a public bus to Sanstad, experiencing the local charm.
  • From Sanstad, hop on a train to Alpnachstad, with a change at Hergiswil.
  • Ascend to the majestic Mt Pilatus through the clouds, riding the famous cable car from Alpnachstad to Kriens.
  • The alpine adventure continues with a trip to Mt Rigi, where you’ll be greeted by more cloud-shrouded peaks, capping off an awe-inspiring day.

Day 2: Mt Titlis and the Steepest Cogwheel Train

  • Begin Day 2 with a train journey from Lucerne to Mt Titlis, one of Switzerland’s most iconic peaks, known for its glaciers and rotating cable car.
  • Return to Mt Pilatus for a thrilling ride on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, going up and down from Alpnachstad.
  • Afterward, enjoy a relaxing boat ride to Sanstad.
  • Take a bus back to Birkenstock, where you’ll hop on the funicular once again.
  • End the day by taking the boat back to Lucerne, completing this epic two-day adventure through the heart of Central Switzerland’s breathtaking mountains.

Base in Lucerne

2 Day Tell Pass 26-27 Aug 24 CHF 190

Bazil’s Travel Blog

Welcome to Bazil’s Travel Blog!

Hello, fellow adventurers! I’m Bazil, a passionate traveller, storyteller, and explorer at heart. This blog is my little corner of the internet where I share my experiences, tips, and inspirations from my journeys around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or just starting to plan your first trip, I hope my stories and insights will ignite your wanderlust and help you discover the beauty our world has to offer.

What to Expect

  • Travel Stories: Join me as I recount my adventures, from the bustling streets of Cairo in Egypt to the serene beaches in Australia. Each destination has a story to tell, and I can’t wait to share mine with you!
  • Travel Tips and Guides: Planning a trip can be overwhelming, but I’m here to help. Look out for practical tips, itineraries, and packing lists that will make your travel planning a breeze.
  • Cultural Insights: Travel isn’t just about the sights; it’s about immersing yourself in different cultures. I’ll share my experiences with local cuisines, traditions, and festivals that make each place unique.
  • Photography: A picture is worth a thousand words, and I love capturing moments from my travels. Expect to see stunning photos that bring my adventures to life.
  • Sustainable Travel: As I explore, I also reflect on the impact of tourism on our planet. Join me as I share ideas for eco-friendly travel and how we can all contribute to preserving the beauty of the places we visit.
  • Links to Useful Content: I’ll include links to other traveller’s useful content and videos
  • Cost Expectations: I’ll share my costs with you so you can prepare your own budgets.

Join Me on This Journey

Travel has a way of opening our minds and hearts. I believe that every journey teaches us something new, not just about the world, but also about ourselves. I invite you to join me as I embark on this adventure, one destination at a time. Let’s explore, learn, and grow together!

Happy travels!

Bazil