Description

LUGANO to ERSTFELD – A Driver’s Eye View through the Swiss Alps, showcasing the historic Gotthard railway tunnel. This monumental project took ten years to build, costing 147 lives, and involved constructing long ramps, numerous tunnels, viaducts, and bridges. The severe gradient of 1 in 37 was a significant challenge for early steam locomotives, often requiring double-heading and banking engines.

The journey begins in Lugano, where we start on a funicular to the main railway station. We then board a modern Regional Express EMU for a spectacular ride, climbing the Monte Ceneri Pass and descending into Bellinzona, the capital of the Ticino region.

From there, we gradually ascend towards the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world’s longest traffic tunnel since 2016, and continue through the original Gotthard route. We pass through the 1882 Gotthard Tunnel, once the longest in the world, and delve into its engineering marvels.

The descent to Erstfeld features stunning Alpine scenery, including spiral tunnels and avalanche shelters, all from the driver’s cab. The history and current operations of the route are narrated by Jonathan Kydd, a leading UK narrator.

Video 125 Publications. Run time: 110 minutes