Switzerland's dream rail routes - In the Gotthard Panorama Express from Lake Lucerne to Ticino
Every day, Swiss trains take their guests to remote corners north and south of the Alps. The legendary "Gotthard Panorama Express" connects the German and Italian parts of Switzerland. From picturesque Lake Lucerne, the "Gotthard Panorama Express" travels south through the old Gotthard tunnel. On its way to Lugano, the panorama train offers impressive views of the sun-drenched villages and landscapes of Ticino. If you want, you can start your journey with the "Gotthard Panorama Express" on Lake Lucerne. From Lucerne, take one of the historic paddle steamers to Flüelen, then board the train heading south. Shortly before the Gotthard tunnel in Göschenen, the train is greeted by a man waving a Swiss flag in a friendly manner: Xavier Andermatt lives three metres next to the tracks in a former railway guard's cottage and loves this ritual. A highlight of the journey is the old Gotthard tunnel, steeped in history. Track attendant Markus Indergand knows the "tube" like the back of his hand. Every day he checks the tracks for possible damage for the Swiss Federal Railways and gives insights into his dark world. A few hundred metres further up, Daniel Würgler conquers the old Gotthard Pass in a historic stagecoach just like in the old days. It takes him about five hours to get from Andermatt to Airolo. An important man on board the "Gotthard Panorama Express" is René Flaim. The 49-year-old has been a tour guide for four years. He knows every curve, every station and countless anecdotes from the Gotthard region. René Flaim and his family have found a new home in Ticino: in the tranquil village of Calonico above the Leventina Valley. After two and a half hours, the panorama train reaches its destination station in Lugano on one of Switzerland's most beautiful lakes with a view of Italy.
Broadcasting on 10th of June 2022 at 04.00pm + at 03.15am on 3Sat
Music: POPVIRUS Library