The Brienz-Rothorn Mountain Railway is notable for a number of
reasons. To name a few, it is powered almost entirely by steam
engines, it is one of the steepest railways in Switzerland and, of
course, it passes some truly wonderful scenery on its route from
Brienz to the peak of Rothorn Mountain.
Our journey on the narrow-gauge line begins in the lakeside town
of Brienz. Immediately after departure, Brienz-Rothorn
Mountain Railway begins its steep ascent up the mountain.
The rack-and-pinion line traverses a number of bridges, crossing
the steep, stony mountain trails as it continues to climb. For much
of the route the glittering waters of Lake Brienz can be seen, and
as we climb further, the view becomes yet more dramatic.
We continue through the undulating greenery, with views out to
the surrounding jagged peaks. Before long, we reach the first of
three passing loops for oncoming locomotives, before travelling
through woodland and a series of tunnels hewn from the rock. We
then arrive at the second passing loop; here some of the older
steam engines pause to take on water. Finally we reach the line's
terminus at the summit of Rothorn, 7,362ft above sea level, and
four-and-a-half miles away from our starting point in Brienz.
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