Switzerland is renowned for its punctual and efficient train system, which is a vital component of daily life for its citizens. The Swiss trains are famous for their reliability, with the two feeder trains often meeting with only a gap of a few minutes.
It is easy to spot locals among the passengers, as they get off one train and transfer to another with a relaxed pace, whereas travelers tend to be in a hurry, dragging their bags to catch their trains.
The Swiss railway system is also known for its unique design and attention to detail. Each station has its own style, but one common feature is a big clock with round, black hands on the platform, featuring a red secondhand shaped like a lollipop.
This design is said to have been created by an engineer from the Swiss National Railway Bureau in 1944 and has since been incorporated into watches and even the tablet system of Apple, for which the company paid 20 million Swiss francs in copyright fees to the Swiss Federal Railway.
First-class carriages are equipped with power sockets and internet access, with headphone jacks on the seats, making the journey comfortable and convenient for passengers. The seats are designed with enough space for both legs to stretch and are arranged in a manner that allows for social distancing.
Switzerland has several trains with their own unique features, including the Bernina Express, which crosses the Alps into Italy, offering stunning Alpine landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage sites along the way.
The Glacier train runs from St. Moritz to Zermatt, taking passengers through high mountains and deep valleys for over 8 hours. The Alpine Foothills Express is the most attractive way to commute between eastern and western Switzerland, offering breathtaking views of Tugenburg paintings, highland swamps, and the historic Ryusen on the banks of Lake Ryusen.
Lastly, the Globi Express is a special train for young guests, featuring walls painted in various colors, Globi-themed books, interactive games, and even a beautiful gift at the end of the journey.
The Swiss train system is not only reliable and efficient but also offers unique and delightful experiences for travelers. Whether it's the stunning Alpine views or the attention to detail in the train's design, a journey on a Swiss train is sure to be a memorable one.