European Railroad Discussion > Railfanning Zweisimmen

Zweisimmen is served by both standard gauge and narrow gauge. Is it possible to observe both gauges from the Zweisimmen depot? Is there much switching?

Yes, it is possible to see both lines from the station, but virtually no freight, and at this time passengers have to transfer themselves. A gauge-changing system is planned for the "Golden Pass" trains but they special carriages won't be ready this year. Interlaken Ost is a slightly better location to see freight in addition to passenger trains, though I wouldn't call it a freight hotspot.

To add to the above Interlaken Ost is also standard and narrow gauge.

Nearby Spiez has a lot more passenger and freight traffic that either Zweismmen or Interlaken Ost.

Spiez is a great place to raifan - lots of trains, SBB, BLS, even ICE trains from Germany to Interlaken. Lots of freight and passenger traffic. Check out the beautiful castle on the lakefront a very short walk from the station. If you have time, a ride on the lake steamer is a lovely way to spend an hour or two. Take it west a few miles to the town of Thun - another good railfan spot. Or, take it east to Interlaken. Upon arrival in Interlaken, walk east through town on the main street about a mile to the Interlaken Ost (east) station where there is lots of narrow gauge and standard gauge action, From Interlaken Ost, take the BOB train to the the first stop at Wilderswil then transfer to the rack railroad to the summit for spectacular views of the Alps and the adjacent alpine wildflower reserve. the rack line employs electric and occassional steam locomotives that are more than a century old. If you don’t have time to take the lake steamship, you can get a train directly to Thun or Interlaken Ost from Spiez and be there in no time.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 06/15/18 06:28 by birdman.

So noted. Many thanks for the information. We have ridden that lake boat but never took time to watch the trains. Won't happen again.