Pilatusbahn — the steepest railway in the world

Pilatusbahn is considered to be the steepest railway in the world. The entire route from city Alpnachstad to the top of mount Pilatus train goes in half an hour, making a few stops along the way. The most dangerous stretch of railroad, Pilatusbahn — in the end, when the train enters the tunnel, and tourists frantically pressed into the chair.

Here begins the real Swiss extreme.

Pilatus is a mountain range in the Swiss Alps, is one of those places where good. To get to the top of the mountain in three ways: by cogwheel railway (from Alpnachstad), by cable car (from Kriens) or on foot. Any of the methods of lifting an unforgettable experience, the main thing — to guess the weather. But she is changeable — rain can change the Sunny weather without warning and Vice versa. And it sometimes several times a day.

Pilatusbahn — old railway, it opened in 1889, and in 1937 she was electrified.

The construction of the railway was carried out by the project engineer with a speaking name Edward Locher. An interesting fact is that when he proposed a design with two horizontally toothed wheels, called him a weirdo. Today, the Locher system is one of the most common designs of gears on the Railways.

For reference: cog railway — rail transport, motor cars (or a locomotive) which is equipped with one or more gears. They are included during the movement. Between the ordinary rails laid gear rack which engages a toothed wheel of the locomotive (or railcar). This technology provides a better grip on the rails when climbing on grades up to 16% or more (dry conditions) to 14% (in wet conditions).

Currently there are more than 150 cog Railways. Operated continuously (winter and summer) — about 60 roads. 50% of all existing roads we have in Switzerland.

This country has the longest operating experience of these roads, the most modern rolling stock of its own production and the steep roads (28% and 48% gradient). In addition, the Swiss roads are mostly profitable.

Boast jagged roads may also Austria, Germany, Hungary and several Latin American countries (Brazil, Venezuela, Chile).

Use them as a way of moving on trails in mountainous terrain or as a public passenger transport (for example, in Budapest, Zurich or Stuttgart). In Russia the cog railway do not exist.

Route Pilatusbahn run 10 cars with a capacity of 40 people each. The maximum road capacity — 340 people per hour. The average speed of 9-12 km/h.

Inside the car clean and the interior in the style of 50-ies of the last century. Immediately catch the eye manual Windows and the inscription "do Not lean out of the window". This is important — there are road sections, where, stretching his arm out the window, you can hit the mountain flowers or to touch the rock.

Sitting in the car should face to the top of Pilatus. On the left side — the landscapes of mountains, rocks, meadows, forests, and on the right they added stunning views of the lake and towns.

Well, around, and throughout Switzerland, I heard the sound of the bells of grazing cows. Those who are interested in the management process train, you can sit in the first car and watch the driver's job.

30 minutes pass in a flash. Along the route the train makes a short stop.

One of them, the station Amsigen lasts a couple of minutes — here farmers can buy cheese. But not in Russia — from the window of the train or on the platform, and go up to the cabin, taste the cheese. The train tasters are not waiting, they will have to get the next scheduled train.

The final segment of the route the most exciting is the passage through tunnels carved into the rocks, these are the slopes at 48%, is cliffs tens of meters high a meter away from the train.

In the head immediately raises the question: "How long are we going to fly if the brakes?" Joke! Thought of another — not to drop the camera and not to break the neck at the entrance to the next tunnel. The only negative from the trip on the road, on which, however, do not pay attention, is the noise of the gears.

On the top of mount Pilatus Kulm what is there — hotels, restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, indoor and outdoor observation deck and five Hiking trails with a height difference of up to 60 m.

What to do: to look at the scenery outside the window and to click the shutter of the camera during a train ride by rail of Pilatusbahn.

How to get there: Alpnachstad is located at the foot of mount Pilatus. To get to Alpnachstad by train from Lucerne (about 30 minutes) or ferry from the pier № 2 (1 hour).

Equipment: despite the temptation to reach out and disrupt the Alpine flower lean out the window impossible.

Infrastructure: the train consists of 10 carriages.

How to improve the experience: go on one of the intermediate stops and buy cheese from local farmers. However, then have to stay and catch the next train.

Admission price: 68 CHF.

Schedule: from 8:10 to 17:50. Last train back leaves at 18:45.

Where to stay in Lucerne or at the hotel on top of mount Pilatus.

What to bring to the memory: cheese from local farmers, lots of photos and impressions.