I was then off to take the Voralpen-Express (VAE, Pre-Alpine Express) which connects St. Gallen (it actually leaves from Romanshorn at the Lake Constance) with Lucerne via Arth-Goldau, Pfäffikon and Rapperswil and has some beautiful pre-alpine scenery.
It may not be as impressive as the famous panoramic trains but it tries to establish itself as one offering great views too and it certainly does. It does not go through the highest Alps mountains but still passes through some stunning picturesque parts of the country.
Arriving in Lucerne two hours later I then took a train to Lugano/Locarno.
This train is part of the Wilhelm Tell express panoramic train journey. I hadn’t reserved a seat in one of the special panoramic coaches as I had read on the net the standard coaches were just as good and so it was: my view was amazing – till we passed the Gotthard tunnel.
It was raining south of the Alps. :’(
Fortunately there were just a few showers once in a while but still massive clouds.
Oh well, I arrived in Lugano in late afternoon, checked into my amazing hotel having a room with view over the lake. Wow.
More sightseeing, well not too much to see in the city but just walking along the lake is so beautiful and peaceful.
Finished off the day with some gorgeous Italian food as Lugano is a city in the Italian speaking area of the country
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| stop over in Lucerne |
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| South of Alps - rain..... |
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| View from hotel (the Hotel & Hostel Montarino, nice hotel with good breakfast) in Lugano |
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| Two in one tree! |
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| my hotel, I stayed at the smaller building on the left - the bigger one is the main building of the hotel complex |
