Rothorn, Switzerland

The only cog train in Switzerland with a steam engine that pushes the carriages up the mountain from Brienz to Rothorn. It's been operating since 1892 and winds its way up through pine forests and small tunnels to the treeless alpine peak. It takes about an hour, it shakes and rattles and is quite noisy, especially in the tunnels.

The views are spectacular all the way and just as breathtaking on the top. Lake Brienz is far down in the valley below and because it was a clear day we could see the Eiger, Jungfrau and behind us Pilatus near Lucerne.

There are other ways of getting to the top. A gondola goes up from the other valley, there are ski lifts and you could hike but we took the steam train and an hour later arrived at the hotel restaurant at the top. There is also another cafe at the gondola station. There were lots of people there so we were well catered for.

It was a wonderful day.

Edelweiss