While gazing on the sheer beauty of these peaks at over 4,000 meters, in 1893 Guyer-Zeller came up with the ingenious idea of blasting a tunnel through these mountains and constructing a railway track which would bring tens of thousands of tourists and eventually millions to the region 

Applying to the local authorities for a permit and having sought the support of politicians and businessmen his licence was granted in next to no time. Considering the time frame we are talking about it’s easy to imagine that the only equipment available was shovels, pick axes, wheelbarrows and muscle power. Over 100 workers were employed, most of them from Northern Italy, men who had worked together beforehand and knew each other. Villages were set up at over 2,300 meters, accommodation, stores for every day supplies, medical facilities to cater for injuries that workers sustained, bakeries, butchers and a pack of huskies to transport the workers to the construction sites.

In 1896 the challenge began. The work was hard, dangerous and the conditions led to many lives being lost. The workers remuneration was poor but after some labour disputes and strikes a compromise was reached. The railway tracks were laid in stages, as one section was completed it was opened to the public for them to get a close up view of the snowscapes. This was the brainchild of Guyer-Zeller, the project was running way over budget, but when people saw what was being developed they invested in more shares for the project to continue. In 1899 Guyer-Zeller died of pneumonia, his descendants took over the company and continued the business. In 1912 after 16 years of intense toil an extra effort was made as the breakthrough neared. The mining shift workers on 21st February decided to increase the amount of dynamite on that day, lighting the fuse and retreating the safe distance required plus more for safety, the opening revealed an apparition of undeniable beauty. The shouts of “Through” echoed along the tunnel. O

When one thinks of railways and locomotives, we tend to think of steam engines and black clouds of smoke belching into the atmosphere, this was not the case in the Alps. The track was laid as a cogwheel electric system with transformers to generate the voltage required when climbing the steep inclines. This cogwheel railway is the longest in the world, covering 19 kilometres. A steam engine would be out of the question, think of the pollution. Tourists travel to treasure the luxuries of fresh air and perfect scenery. One other vital feature was the weight of carrying all that coal or other materials needed for processing steam to get up these mountains. 

I recently had the opportunity to travel through the Swiss Alps. Connecting at the Grindelwald Terminal and travelling by a tri-cable gondola to the Eigergletscher station and the ski slopes in just 15 minutes, from here you can reach the Jungfraujock mountain peak or the Top of Europe in 45 minutes. At 3450 meters above sea level it’s absolutely breathtaking. This area is developed into various sections, walk around the sovereign stores, visit the Swiss chocolate Lindt shop, purchase a Swiss watch, or post a letter all in the highest commercial facility in Europe. Stroll through the ice palace with the wondrous sculptures etched into the alcoves along the way, penguins, bears, eagles and a guy playing a grand piano. With the number of people walking through here the warmth that’s generated means the labyrinth has to be cooled to minus three degrees. Restaurants to tempt the taste buds at this elevation, or a cup of hot chocolate on the verandas, as snowflakes twirl around your face and the crisp air fills your lungs. Your Cameras and phones take photos that you’ll love to share and enjoy when looking back with fond memories of this experience. If you enjoy meeting people this is the place to arrange that rendezvous or if you want an escape this is it. 

For that moment of sheer bliss why not venture on a 250 meter zip line as you whoosh across the Aletsch glacier, if skiing, or snowboarding is what you desire, you have an opportunity to hire all you need. 

The Alps have research stations on some of these mountain-peak ski-slopes where astronomical studies are carried out. The safety procedures that are in place are phenomenal, each week engineers walk the 9.2 kilometre long track between Jungfraujock and Kleine Scheidegg checking for possible faults. The gondolas and cable cars are meticulously maintained. 

Why not find out more about what could be described as the peace and tranquility that you deserve when planning a vacation. Call or email Further Afield Travel and Tours.