This is the official channel of the TV show Swiss Railway Journeys, run in association with MITV, the production company that created the show. The following episode represents original content made and copyrighted by MITV, and its content is in no way repurposed.
Take a journey with us along the spectacular BLS Lötschberg route from the Italian border at the northern end of the Simplon tunnel to the heart of the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland.
We begin at the historic town of Brig, sited at the important road junction between Italy and the route to France, and immediately begin the climb up the steep side of the Rhone valley towards the Alpine divide at Goppenstein.
After passing through the impressive summit tunnel, we descend into the lush Kander valley before running alongside the sparkling blue waters of Lake Thun.
Along the way we make a diversion to stroll around the popular resort of Interlaken, and visit the ancient castle at Spiez. We also explore the picturesque Lötschental and make a trip to the summit of the Niesen mountain which has superb views over the region. We see a traditional wooden box maker at work and view engineering on a larger scale with a visit to the modern BLS depot at Spiez.
Lakes Thun and Brienz are home to the fleet of BLS boats, which include two splendid paddle steamers. We learn of the history of water transport in the region before boarding the vintage DS Blümlisalp as she races against a younger rival along the Thunersee.
(recorded in 1995)