You mentioned Mant Blanc. I've actually been up there on a French electric train when I was a little kid. I don't remember much, but I do remember the views were amazing
For the most authentic viewing experience, I saved this video for my trip today. I watched it just now between Geneva and Lausanne before veering right on those tracks you pointed out that “continue to hug the lake,” after which I plan to change at Visp and eventually head to Zermatt for a couple of days. Anyway, many thanks … this was a great start to chronicling your Swiss adventures. Looking forward to those increasingly mountainous sequels!
@@JohnnyHooverTravels I am changing at Visp as we speak LOL and it is already spectacular. I think I may have lucked out massively with the weather too ….the forecast says not a cloud in the sky tomorrow for Matterhorn day. Cheers! 😎
I'm saving some money for Switzerland 😅 Thanks, Johnny, appreciate those stunning views and your take on everything. Your channel is my favorite of the rail-journey genre.
That's lovely of you to say. I was actually surprised how, if you are careful, you don't have to spend a lot staying and eating in Switzerland. ... but it can be expensive! Best wishes to you 👍
Above all, remember to buy a Swiss Travel Pass (not an Interrail) A Swiss Travel Pass gives free travel on ALL forms of Swiss public transport (including boats on lakes) except purely tourist lines high in the mountains.
@@Fan652w I refer to my previous answer. In my case the Swiss Travel Pass (£610) would have cost pretty much double what I paid for my global interrail pass (£312) I'd advise travellers to do the research on both options before choosing one. I shall endeavour to make mention of the STP in one of my future Switzerland videos. It won't be the next two or three because they are already edited, uploaded and scheduled 😉
hey Johnny, i really liked your trip video and also the little informations scattered throughout your video which all were really interesting even though i knew most of them :) i am a traindriver stationed in Olten and i really enjoyed watching the trip from a tourists perspective, keep up with these videos, greetings :D
Thank you so much for taking time to watch my videos. All the trains i travelled on were excellent and a great reflection of the good work you and your colleagues put in every day. Best wishes to you 👍
Beautiful Switzerland, fantastic views, I haven’t been to Switzerland for years, so again I enjoyed this video with all your detailed commentary, as I always do, thank you as ever😊
Excellent video again Johnny, always enjoy your videos. I know that climb from Lausanne, epic views to the French alps! . Looking forward to more. Kevin
Thanks Kevin. It was a lovely opener to some great journeys all week. Switzerland just has so many lovely railways and trains. I'd go straight back to do more but i fear the channel needs some variation. Thanks for watching 👍
Hello Johnny, thanks for your trip vlog. I like your enthusiasm for all-things-train. I live in Basel, Switzerland, and enjoy the journeys as much as the destinations. Generally I find the restaurant food more than decent and often plan my travel to enjoy lunch-and a view-en route. Looking forward to your future Switzerland videos.
A beautifully shot vid as ever, thank you for posting. This Swiss series promises to be great - I haven`t been there for such a long time, used to drive from London to Naples for 3 week holidays. Hope you sampled some nice cheeses along with the beers! Happy Easter from "& Towers" :)
Thanks. I had a great time so i hope the videos will do the trip justice! Bit limited in the cheese front, but the beers proved pretty good! Happy Easter to you. I've bought the edit team some chocolate eggs, but they can't have them until all the Swiss videos are done...
Oh. I thought about you on one trip as there was a van for a company called "ampersand" worth it written in big letters on the side. I was going to cut it into the shot but the damn thing drive off before i turned the camera on. Would have made a nice Easter egg (you know, the other kind...)
Nice report. Those RABe 502s were troublesome from the start. Their delivery happened some 5 years behind the original delivery schedule. It is corious ti notice that the railcars get bumpy when rolling at high speed. The 117 Kms between Bern and Zurich is precisely the section where the higher speeds are authorised. These start at the big Tunnel after leaving Bern (the Grauholz Tunnel (, in wich trains accelerate to 160 Km/h and after leaving it, it is all the way up to 200, on the só called NBS line, only to reduce to 160 at Rothirst, than 140 untill the curve entering Olten, wich has a 115 Km/h and then 90 while passing Olten station, and after that it goes progressively up again, untill reaching 160 all the way a little bit after Aarau (via the new Eppenberg Tunnel route). It might be sonethig related with the tran's suspension or track. As for schedule times, these trains comply with the same allowed for loco hauled trains composed of Re 460 locos and IC2000/2020 stock
Yes, as you saw, I too noticed the instability when the train was running at higher speeds. Thank you for sharing your much more detailed experience. It is much appreciated. And thanks too for watching 👍
SBB wanted to use twindexx exclusively on IC1with Wako to improve speeds between Bern and Lausanne as well as between Zurich and St. Gallen so Lausanne and St. Gallen were less than an hour from Bern or Zurich respectively and would make them full hour nodes in the integral clock scheduling. But now they have to invest a billion in faster routes to achieve this goal. The NBS was also built so the time between Bern and Zurich is less than one hour.
@@florianhug8069 I had agreat time in Switzerland. Will definitely be back to make some snowy videos! Thanks for watching and do check out my other Switzerland videos! Switzerland th-cam.com/play/PLXk1cIVnitGaein-a8-Vs_orC9YtHMQXz.html
Another great video meneer Stofzuiger. Thanks for revealing your Interrail Pass details as I was intrigued as to how you were going to travel around Helvetica. I look forward to the other videos.
Yes, the Interrail pass is very useful in Switzerland as none of the trains need reservations, there are always seats, and normal ticket prices are quite high. More to come. Thanks for watching this one 👍
I did travel last year by train from Geneva Airport into Zurich but I used the IC5 route via Yverdon-les-Bains, Neuchatel, Biel, Solothurn, and Olten, using an ICN tilting train. Your route via Bern was the IC1. Anyway I did have great views especially around Neuchatel and Biel as there were very lovely lakes. Had you continued towards Chur and sat on the left side of the train in direction of travel (I did) you can see lovely views of Lake Zurich and Walensee, with the latter being astonishingly beautiful
Hi Johnny Really pleasant YT-channel - including technical, historical and cultural added value . Already checked out a couple of your films such as the Faro, the Frankenland-Pendolino or Czech respectivly SLK journeys - very nice . A little correction about this one here ; you travelled on a RABDe 502, which is the IC-variant - including a dining car . On the IC1-line most trains combine a these two types to offer at least one restaurant car per train . Usually the cab-cars are the better option due to the lack of propulsion - less ratteling etc . ... as long you don't travel on the short higher speed section east of Olten . I remember my experience in a westwards travelling service sitting there - while accelerating/traveling at speed the pantograph above produced very loud concert for some reason ...
Thanks for the kind words. I did have to suffer the motion and vibrations beyond Olten as we were sped into Zürich. Lord more Swiss trips to come on the channel. Thanks for watching the videos 👍
@@JohnnyHooverTravels Wow - that's some appropriate contrasting hobby to the tranquil JohnnyHooverTravels-YT ) I'm always curious about the different accents from diverse places: Couldn't attribute this one to scouse, scottish, northern ... neither to cockney, northern of Melbourne in Oz ... ? I assume, the southern(btw. Cornwall-Oxford-Cambridge-Kent) english accent is something similar to the german Niedersachsen(Hannover) - both beeing closest to the written standard language. Another trigger would possibly have been the YT-channel from NonstopEurotrip ... I remember having heard once - him beeing originally from Exeter too ... but listening to some difference though. Was quite surprised by the spreading of this sport - appearantly there's also some league here in SWI ...
@@The0070049 My accent is a mess from all the places I've lived... ...I think it is SuperAlbs that is from around here in Exeter. But I suspect these days, he's almost never home 😉
Personal recommendation, IC5 to Rorschach from geneva, also passes through Zurich, takes a more scenic route along lake neuchatel, is faster and personally more comfortable (much more stable as it is a tilting train so smoother ride)
The true gold standard. Swiss trains. I was in this exact train last month as well in my way to Italy. But it was completely packed, lots of drafted boys on their way home
Yes, it is wonderful to fly in and be seamlessly whisked away from the airport by train. Always the best way to go i reckon! Thanks for watching and sharing your experiences 👍
Thanks Johnny, for another highly enjoyable video…you really are spoiling us with all these great journeys!! I’m guessing you’re areal Internet-rail convert, with all your journeys across Europe…Would you be tempted to buy another ticket in the future? Out of interest, would a “continental style” adapter work with those SBB onboard plug sockets?
Thanks Roddy. Definitely a convert to Interrail. I still have a few days left on the one i was using in Switzerland and I've already got another one i will probably use in September! I think European style plugs might work in those sockets, but i took a Swiss adaptor with me. I got two for a fiver, so i don't really see the point in risking it. Breast wishes to you 👍
Very nice video...the views along Lake Geneva are stunning. I've done Geneva to Bern but quite like the idea of Geneva to Zurich too. Re price...the Global Pass Interrail site says 364Euros for Senior 60+, First class 5 days in 1 month, not 10d in 2 months (which is 511Euros)...am I missing something? Either way they are good deals.
Firstly the Interrail price. I bought my 10 in 2 months over 60s in 2023 on the Black Friday 25% off deal. Hence it came out at £312 at the time. The same ticket does now cost £440 as they are 2024 prices with no current discounts. It is worth looking out for Black Friday deals in 2024 too as they have done them for the last two years. My apologies for not being clear. Thank you so much for your kind words. I loved all your trips in Switzerland and will definitely be returning! And thanks too for watching 👍
@@JohnnyHooverTravels Cheers - I was just curious as it's a very appealing way to explore Europe. Even an average of £44 for 10 days travelling First is a bargain compared to UK prices.
Haha! I actually was surprised how little i spent in Switzerland. I'm quite a cheap date so places i chose weren't really any more expensive than in the UK. It helped that i had two nights in a hostel (private room) and so could cook for myself too. Best wishes to you 👍
Fun fact - During your stay in Geneva you can use, free of charge, the entire Geneva transport network comprising the buses and trams (TPG), trains (CFF) and the yellow taxi boats that cross the lake (Mouettes Genevoises)
@@JohnnyHooverTravels The hotel I reserved sent me the information via email, and it was quite simple. Got a feeling I was able to load it on to the TPG app for conveinience.
Stunning views. Can I just clarify that the challenges you faced on your return from the Dining Car were definitely to do with the poor ride quality of the train and not the beer? 😉
Nice Video! Concerning the regular prices: I guess you picked the half-fare ("Halbtax") prices, since they are regularly shown by the SBB-App. But those only apply for holders of the Halbtax-discount-card (50% off every train ticket), so regular prices would probably be around 100 CHF for 2nd class and 160 CHF for first class.
I thought he would be using using a Swiss Travel Pass. The Swiss Travel Pass aimed at tourists has the same validity as the 'General Abonnement' bought by Swiss Residents.
@@aidangebhardt7990 I take your points. He certainly was using Interrail. But I am amazed he did not buy a Swiss Travel Pass, valid on all forms of public transport, including the lake boats and lines serving mountain villages like Wengen, Murren and Braunwald. Unfortunately a lot of British people think that Swiss transport is just trains!
9:48 In Olten is Kilometer 0 of the SBB rail network … I hope you will have a trip with a lot of changing to show the excellence of the Swiss transport system…
Now that is the kind of extra detail that these comments are here for! I wonder why Olten was the one? (Or i mean the zero!) After this train arrived in Zürich I did have a clockwork connection on to Konstanz... but I actually waited for the next one so u could spend some time around Zürich station. The changing with just a few minutes to spare, as you say, is most impressive. Thank you so much for watching and for your interesting comment 👍
@@JohnnyHooverTravels The "Schweizerische Central Bahn", which is one of the Predecessor of SBB, had back in the 19th Century the goal to build two crossing Mainlines (Basel - Lucerne / Bern - Zürich). They took Olten as the meeting point of those Lines. At that time Switzerland was still not connected to the rest of Europe and it was one of the first major milestones in building a National Train Network. If I understand it right "Kilometer 0" refers to Olten being the very first junction point of Swiss Rail. Even today Olten is quite important for the whole SBB Network. There is the Central Operation Center which overviews trains of Bern, Basel, Lucerne, Olten and the two big NEAT Tunnels. Almost all Intercity Lines cross at some point the city.
But for goodness sake buy a Swiss Travel Pass not an Interrail. The Swiss Travel Pass aimed at tourists gives free travel on all forms of Swiss public transport (Trains, buses, trams BOATS etc.) except purely tourist lines not serving any inhabited village. Just as we British have got to learn that the Netherlands is 'Not Just Bikes', we have also got to learn that Switzerland's transport is 'not just trains'. The STP usually gives 50% reduction on purely tourist lines. But lines to villages like Wengen, Murren and Braunwald, accessible only by mountain railway or cable car, ARE FREE with the STP.
No doubt Switzerland is expensive, but with care it isn't too bad. Hotels were never over £70 a night. I had two nights in a private ensuite room in a hostel in Interlaken which was £62 a night. That has the bonus of all the hostel extras like kitchen, which meant i could buy and prepare my own food. In Luzern eating out was about €20 for a main course and a drink. Mark and I had a really nice Thai meal for that one night which we thought was in fact pretty good value if you'd been in the UK. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching 👍
Unlike Biel/Bienne, the town of Fribourg/Freiburg is officially French-speaking, unlike the whole canton which is designated fully bilingual. Historically, Fr. was German-speaking but French gained prevalence in the 18th century.
@@JohnnyHooverTravels I'm just back from CH so this video is a nice opportunity to reminisce :). French came with the industrial revolution. Since the German-speaking parts naturally gravitate towards Zurich when the industry came to Fribourg the pool of potential workers and craftsmen had to be found on the other side of the "Röstigraben". A similar process took place in Belgium where French expanded at the expense of Flemish. Nowadays parts of the town on the left bank of the river are pretty much French-speaking, the right bank is German-speaking. They do have bilingual schools but students tend to stick within their own group. Plus - Switzerland is a place where a wide array of German dialects are spoken on a daily basis while schools in the French-speaking part only teach you (Swiss) Standard German which is nothing like the language that people actually speak on the streets. We Germans face the same issue when moving to Switzerland for work. Many Swiss right-wingers complain about us not learning the language, not blending in and imposing our own culture on theirs. Well, we don´t even get the chance to learn the dialect since at the first sight of potential communication issues out Swiss counterpart automatically switches to Standard German. French- and German-speaking Switzerland also differ politically with the former being more left-wing and the latter conservative and anti-EU.
@@JohnnyHooverTravels Switzerland is a tiny but very diverse country. Many people don't realise that. They never heard of Jura Secessionism that included even rioting, arson attacks on federal and cantonal facilities and even a bombing. It's not all nicey-nicey and harmony.
@@cehaem2 that is mostly not correct. And not overly important for the train trip. Freiburg was founded 1157 by Berhold the IV from the Zähringen family (father Freiburg in Germany, son Bern). At their time there was no standard "french" nor "german" language. Up to 16th century, main spoken language was german, especially when Freiburg came closer to the Swiss cantons, joining Switzerland in 1481. At that time even some families changed their french names to german ones (my family name too). Economic isolation lead to a stagnation for centuries, a few families took control of political power in the city - those families followed the "French" influence mainly 18th century, admiring Louis XIV and his achievements. French language became 18th to mit 20th century THE language used by nobility and diplomacy, from South America to Russia. So also by the wannabe aristocratic families in control of the city. At that time, the canton rural population used regional patois on the west part of the canton, on the east side 3 different Alemannic dialects. The 3 Alemannic dialects are still used, the patois have disappeared in pubic life (my grandfather spoke 2 different patois, but hardly any french in addition to his Alemannic dialect) Late 19 century some first industries established also in Fribourg - but totally blocked by political power, conservative catholic opposed to the "red" socialist and worse communist uprisings early 20th century, at the latest after communist took power in what became then the Soviet Union. Catholic cantons Fribourg and Valais became main emigration rural cantons. Only early 1960 politics changed for economic opening, allowed industries to settle, attracted foreign companies with tax advantages. Main industrial plants came from companies in Basel (who had managers emigrated from Fribourg). This lead shortly to some minor changes, immigrants with decent purchase power arrived from german speaking regions. The last 30 years main immigration to Fribourg is arriving from latin countries (Portugal, Italy, France, former French colonies in Africa), people usually use french as main communication language. The statement on language on left vs right bank of river Sarine (Saane in fact, arriving from canton of Bern and returning there) also is not correct for the city - up to a few decades, the only part of the city with a german speaking majority was on the left (west) bank [Auquartier], the small part on the right side of the river [Neuveville] had a mainly french speaking population. The language border follows mostly the river, but not for the city. Biel/Bienne does not really compare - the city was mainly german, industrial development from mid 19th century on lead to increased french speaking population so the inhabitants decided to make the city officially bilingual. The population now has some 40:40% distribution with a very important part of the city population using other languages. Also the comparison with Belgium is not really correct: coal mines in Belgium were by chance on the french speaking part (coal for steel and other industries) became the rich regions with important immigration whereas the Flemish (Dutch language) region was the farming region. Just that with the decline of the coal based industry (end of coal mines) the former poor regions got modern industries.
I thought you would be using using a Swiss Travel Pass. The Swiss Travel Pass aimed at tourists gives free travel on all forms of Swiss public transport (Trains, buses, trams BOATS etc.) except purely tourist lines not serving any inhabited village. Just as we British have got to learn that the Netherlands is 'Not Just Bikes', we have also got to learn that Switzerland's transport is 'not just trains'. The STP usually gives 50% reduction on purely tourist lines. But lines to villages like Wengen, Murren and Braunwald, accessible only by mountain railway or cable car, ARE FREE with the STP.
Thanks for mentioning the Swiss Travel Pass. I agree it is an option for travels in Switzerland, but I think there is also the problem of price. I paid £312 for 1st Class 10 days in 2 months Glabal Interrail pass. If I wanted the extras offered by the Swiss Travel Pass, I would have to pay 1st Class 8 days in 1 month for a cost of CHF697 (£610). So, in many ways you are comparing apples to pears here. My ticket gave me access to many great rail journeys across Switzerland and, of course, the rest of Europe (including 2 days in the UK). For double the money, I would get less days, but more travel options in Switzerland. So, in the end, you pays your money and takes your choice. But I disagree if you think Interrail is the "wrong" choice. It is, after all, just a choice. and one that costs roughly half the price to boot... Anyway, as I said, you are right to raise it in the comments as an option, because it might be just what some people need for their Swiss adventures. And also, thank you so much for watching too 👍
@@JohnnyHooverTravels Thanks for this comprehensive response. I did not realise that you had a GLOBAL Interrail pass. If a traveller wants to see a lot of Switzerland and nowhere else, then they should get a Swiss Travel Pass. I have been holidaying in Switzerland since 1971. The Swiss Travel Pass (under a previous name) was introduced in 1972! I have bought a first class STP for all my subsequent Swiss holidays.
These trains aren't bad at all compared to other SBB trains. They definitely don't have the nicest ride quality but are far from worst. The reliability of these trains has gotten really good they now have less breakdowns than any of the Stadler built EMU's. It's a shame that they didn't order more.
Interesting to hear. One or two others in the comments are not so kind to the stock. I must say they did feel a bit rough at speed, so I have to stick with that view for now. However, thanks for adding your take to the debate and especially thanks to for watching. I really appreciate it 👍
@@JohnnyHooverTravels You went back to your seat on the NBS where these trains reach their top speed. All the trains do shake quite a bit when they run on that line and don’t forget you are 2.5 meters higher than the top of the rail. The 501 is way worse with shaking and isn’t even a double decker.
@nashorn9745 I am always glad if an IC2000 comes, it is so much quieter and roomier and you don't always fear to trip and fall over and people outside see you actually. I absolutely hate the twindexx even if it runs fine.
The 502 units are utterly horrendous and very unpopular with travellers who rightly demand the best. They ride like a sack of potatoes compared to other Swiss offerings and are really not good. Switzerland is a beautiful country and I hope you manage to do Bern - Thun - Interlaken and remember with Interrail the ships on Lake Thun are free!!
Yes, the ride quality was a bit disappointing. Still a great service though to pop down the stairs at the airport and be whisked away to Zürich! I did do Interlaken-Thin-Bern later in the week, so that one will get edited and put on the channel in the weeks to come. The BLS boats weren't running on the week i was there otherwise i would have given them a go for sure! Thanks for watching and commenting 👍
@@JohnnyHooverTravels that is rare for them not to be operating! The loco hauled IC2000 coaches are much better and more comfortable by a mile! I cannot wait until I get out there soon!
This trains promised mutch when SBB ordered them as a step up from the IC2000. Unforrtunaly almost all promises could not be held from Bombardier and in the end SBB got like 6 full trains for free as compensation. We passengers have to use it next 30 years, thsts the worst part of it.
Board this train with a healthy, complete set of teeth and you'll have lost them before you have arrived. This is the Shaking Stevens of European Trains. I've seen people - including staff - hurt themselves very badly when riding this thing. It's an absolute disgrace.
sorry but it's not smooth at all.... I travel back and forth once or twice a month and I usually take the train through Biel which I prefer for the comfort. It's impossible to work on those jumpy trains 😢
The roll compensation that caused this behaviour has been deactivated since summer 2022. This also means the targeted time reduction on the St. Gallen - Zürich route, which was one of the main reasons for its implementation, can not be achieved. They are now ok to ride in, not great, but ok.
It's not the smoothest, but I have taken Zurich-Geneve in first class and also dined in the dining car. It's not the most comfortable, but definitely not the way you describe it.
Switzerland is so Beautiful, I hope you get to visit Interlaken too . Too good to miss
Thanks. Yes, I had two nights in Interlaken and it was wonderful! Content from there will come along when i get it edited!
You just have to love the connectivity in Switzerland.
Yes. It is fantastic!
Thanks for watching 👍
You mentioned Mant Blanc. I've actually been up there on a French electric train when I was a little kid. I don't remember much, but I do remember the views were amazing
Cheers for that. I expect the views would be great! 👍
For the most authentic viewing experience, I saved this video for my trip today. I watched it just now between Geneva and Lausanne before veering right on those tracks you pointed out that “continue to hug the lake,” after which I plan to change at Visp and eventually head to Zermatt for a couple of days. Anyway, many thanks … this was a great start to chronicling your Swiss adventures. Looking forward to those increasingly mountainous sequels!
Thank you. And i hope you also have a lovely time in Zermatt. I didn't get there on this trip so do let me know how you get on ❤️
@@JohnnyHooverTravels I am changing at Visp as we speak LOL and it is already spectacular. I think I may have lucked out massively with the weather too ….the forecast says not a cloud in the sky tomorrow for Matterhorn day. Cheers! 😎
I'm saving some money for Switzerland 😅 Thanks, Johnny, appreciate those stunning views and your take on everything. Your channel is my favorite of the rail-journey genre.
That's lovely of you to say. I was actually surprised how, if you are careful, you don't have to spend a lot staying and eating in Switzerland. ... but it can be expensive!
Best wishes to you 👍
Above all, remember to buy a Swiss Travel Pass (not an Interrail) A Swiss Travel Pass gives free travel on ALL forms of Swiss public transport (including boats on lakes) except purely tourist lines high in the mountains.
@@Fan652w I refer to my previous answer. In my case the Swiss Travel Pass (£610) would have cost pretty much double what I paid for my global interrail pass (£312)
I'd advise travellers to do the research on both options before choosing one. I shall endeavour to make mention of the STP in one of my future Switzerland videos. It won't be the next two or three because they are already edited, uploaded and scheduled 😉
hey Johnny, i really liked your trip video and also the little informations scattered throughout your video which all were really interesting even though i knew most of them :) i am a traindriver stationed in Olten and i really enjoyed watching the trip from a tourists perspective, keep up with these videos, greetings :D
Thank you so much for taking time to watch my videos. All the trains i travelled on were excellent and a great reflection of the good work you and your colleagues put in every day. Best wishes to you 👍
Beautiful Switzerland, fantastic views, I haven’t been to Switzerland for years, so again I enjoyed this video with all your detailed commentary, as I always do, thank you as ever😊
You are very welcome. There's lots more to come. I just need to speed up my editing!
Excellent video again Johnny, always enjoy your videos. I know that climb from Lausanne, epic views to the French alps! . Looking forward to more. Kevin
Thanks Kevin. It was a lovely opener to some great journeys all week. Switzerland just has so many lovely railways and trains. I'd go straight back to do more but i fear the channel needs some variation.
Thanks for watching 👍
Hello Johnny, thanks for your trip vlog. I like your enthusiasm for all-things-train. I live in Basel, Switzerland, and enjoy the journeys as much as the destinations. Generally I find the restaurant food more than decent and often plan my travel to enjoy lunch-and a view-en route. Looking forward to your future Switzerland videos.
Thanks, that's very nice of you to say. I hope you enjoy the future videos from Switzerland.
Thanks for watching 👍
Excellent commentary. Seemed I was there riding.
Have subscribed
Thank you so much. How kind.
Thanks for watching and for subscribing. There's over 100 videos for you to catch up on! 👍
Switserland is so cool to travel by train. Did that a few times all on interrail. In and outbound by plane in Gemeva is always cool. Nice video again
Thanks! Yes, it is lovely to fly in or out over the lake!
Best wishes to you on your travels 👍
A beautifully shot vid as ever, thank you for posting. This Swiss series promises to be great - I haven`t been there for such a long time, used to drive from London to Naples for 3 week holidays.
Hope you sampled some nice cheeses along with the beers! Happy Easter from "& Towers" :)
Thanks. I had a great time so i hope the videos will do the trip justice! Bit limited in the cheese front, but the beers proved pretty good!
Happy Easter to you. I've bought the edit team some chocolate eggs, but they can't have them until all the Swiss videos are done...
Oh. I thought about you on one trip as there was a van for a company called "ampersand" worth it written in big letters on the side. I was going to cut it into the shot but the damn thing drive off before i turned the camera on. Would have made a nice Easter egg (you know, the other kind...)
Nice report. Those RABe 502s were troublesome from the start. Their delivery happened some 5 years behind the original delivery schedule.
It is corious ti notice that the railcars get bumpy when rolling at high speed. The 117 Kms between Bern and Zurich is precisely the section where the higher speeds are authorised. These start at the big Tunnel after leaving Bern (the Grauholz Tunnel (, in wich trains accelerate to 160 Km/h and after leaving it, it is all the way up to 200, on the só called NBS line, only to reduce to 160 at Rothirst, than 140 untill the curve entering Olten, wich has a 115 Km/h and then 90 while passing Olten station, and after that it goes progressively up again, untill reaching 160 all the way a little bit after Aarau (via the new Eppenberg Tunnel route). It might be sonethig related with the tran's suspension or track. As for schedule times, these trains comply with the same allowed for loco hauled trains composed of Re 460 locos and IC2000/2020 stock
Yes, as you saw, I too noticed the instability when the train was running at higher speeds.
Thank you for sharing your much more detailed experience. It is much appreciated. And thanks too for watching 👍
SBB wanted to use twindexx exclusively on IC1with Wako to improve speeds between Bern and Lausanne as well as between Zurich and St. Gallen so Lausanne and St. Gallen were less than an hour from Bern or Zurich respectively and would make them full hour nodes in the integral clock scheduling. But now they have to invest a billion in faster routes to achieve this goal. The NBS was also built so the time between Bern and Zurich is less than one hour.
8:30 finally somebody getting it right 😅
hope you had a good time here
@@florianhug8069 I had agreat time in Switzerland. Will definitely be back to make some snowy videos!
Thanks for watching and do check out my other Switzerland videos!
Switzerland
th-cam.com/play/PLXk1cIVnitGaein-a8-Vs_orC9YtHMQXz.html
Good video. Look forward to your further explorations.
Thanks Colin. Much more to come!
Great vid as ever Johnny…looking forward to more of your adventures as usual. Thanks so much…👍
I had a great week in Switzerland. Some good videos to come!
Thanks for watching this one! 👍
What a view! Looking forward to this series. Happy Easter!
Yes, I have some nice trips in the can for editing. Including another ride out walk back by the lakeside in Interlaken 😃
Nice video! Btw, the „fields“ on the shore of
Lake Geneva are actually vineyards.
Thanks, and a very good point too! 👍
Another great video meneer Stofzuiger. Thanks for revealing your Interrail Pass details as I was intrigued as to how you were going to travel around Helvetica. I look forward to the other videos.
Yes, the Interrail pass is very useful in Switzerland as none of the trains need reservations, there are always seats, and normal ticket prices are quite high.
More to come. Thanks for watching this one 👍
Good video, thank you for sharing
And thank you for watching 👍
More views to come, what a treat. I hope you get some sunny days too.
I did get some great days. Also some rain too. Next weeks is rainy, but there's far more sunny ones!
Thanks for coming along 👍
Enjoyed this a lot. Thank you.
You are very welcome. Quite a lot more Switzerland stuff to come!
Brilliant video as always, hope all is well, take care
Thanks Peter! And best wishes to you too from Devon 👍
I did travel last year by train from Geneva Airport into Zurich but I used the IC5 route via Yverdon-les-Bains, Neuchatel, Biel, Solothurn, and Olten, using an ICN tilting train. Your route via Bern was the IC1.
Anyway I did have great views especially around Neuchatel and Biel as there were very lovely lakes.
Had you continued towards Chur and sat on the left side of the train in direction of travel (I did) you can see lovely views of Lake Zurich and Walensee, with the latter being astonishingly beautiful
I reckon that route would have possibly been nicer, but i did love that climb out of Lausanne!
Many more trips to come on the channel. 👍
Them views were epic, great video
Cheers Simon. Switzerland innit 😃
Best wishes to you 👍
Hi Johnny
Really pleasant YT-channel - including technical, historical and cultural added value . Already checked out a couple of your films such as the Faro, the Frankenland-Pendolino or Czech respectivly SLK journeys - very nice .
A little correction about this one here ; you travelled on a RABDe 502, which is the IC-variant - including a dining car . On the IC1-line most trains combine a these two types to offer at least one restaurant car per train . Usually the cab-cars are the better option due to the lack of propulsion - less ratteling etc . ... as long you don't travel on the short higher speed section east of Olten . I remember my experience in a westwards travelling service sitting there - while accelerating/traveling at speed the pantograph above produced very loud concert for some reason ...
Thanks for the kind words. I did have to suffer the motion and vibrations beyond Olten as we were sped into Zürich. Lord more Swiss trips to come on the channel.
Thanks for watching the videos 👍
@@JohnnyHooverTravels Btw: Exeter Falcons ... Speedway? Rugby? AmericanFootball? AussieRules? FlagFootball?(60+) ;) ...
Your accent ? ... Devon ? ... Australia ? ...
@@The0070049 dunno about the accent. But I play flag American football here in Devon UK. I only took it up when i was 57. Been playing for six years!
@@JohnnyHooverTravels Wow - that's some appropriate contrasting hobby to the tranquil JohnnyHooverTravels-YT )
I'm always curious about the different accents from diverse places: Couldn't attribute this one to scouse, scottish, northern ... neither to cockney, northern of Melbourne in Oz ...
? I assume, the southern(btw. Cornwall-Oxford-Cambridge-Kent) english accent is something similar to the german Niedersachsen(Hannover) - both beeing closest to the written standard language.
Another trigger would possibly have been the YT-channel from NonstopEurotrip ... I remember having heard once - him beeing originally from Exeter too ... but listening to some difference though.
Was quite surprised by the spreading of this sport - appearantly there's also some league here in SWI ...
@@The0070049 My accent is a mess from all the places I've lived...
...I think it is SuperAlbs that is from around here in Exeter. But I suspect these days, he's almost never home 😉
Personal recommendation, IC5 to Rorschach from geneva, also passes through Zurich, takes a more scenic route along lake neuchatel, is faster and personally more comfortable (much more stable as it is a tilting train so smoother ride)
Thanks for the tip. I shall definitely add that to my list 👍
The true gold standard. Swiss trains. I was in this exact train last month as well in my way to Italy. But it was completely packed, lots of drafted boys on their way home
Yes, it is wonderful to fly in and be seamlessly whisked away from the airport by train. Always the best way to go i reckon!
Thanks for watching and sharing your experiences 👍
Thanks Johnny, for another highly enjoyable video…you really are spoiling us with all these great journeys!! I’m guessing you’re areal Internet-rail convert, with all your journeys across Europe…Would you be tempted to buy another ticket in the future? Out of interest, would a “continental style” adapter work with those SBB onboard plug sockets?
Thanks Roddy. Definitely a convert to Interrail. I still have a few days left on the one i was using in Switzerland and I've already got another one i will probably use in September!
I think European style plugs might work in those sockets, but i took a Swiss adaptor with me. I got two for a fiver, so i don't really see the point in risking it.
Breast wishes to you 👍
Very nice video...the views along Lake Geneva are stunning. I've done Geneva to Bern but quite like the idea of Geneva to Zurich too. Re price...the Global Pass Interrail site says 364Euros for Senior 60+, First class 5 days in 1 month, not 10d in 2 months (which is 511Euros)...am I missing something? Either way they are good deals.
Firstly the Interrail price. I bought my 10 in 2 months over 60s in 2023 on the Black Friday 25% off deal. Hence it came out at £312 at the time. The same ticket does now cost £440 as they are 2024 prices with no current discounts. It is worth looking out for Black Friday deals in 2024 too as they have done them for the last two years. My apologies for not being clear.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I loved all your trips in Switzerland and will definitely be returning!
And thanks too for watching 👍
@@JohnnyHooverTravels Cheers - I was just curious as it's a very appealing way to explore Europe. Even an average of £44 for 10 days travelling First is a bargain compared to UK prices.
Always interesting to see you in foregain countries. But if is think Swiss is expensive - welcome to us in Scandinavia
Haha! I actually was surprised how little i spent in Switzerland. I'm quite a cheap date so places i chose weren't really any more expensive than in the UK. It helped that i had two nights in a hostel (private room) and so could cook for myself too.
Best wishes to you 👍
Good video
Thank you 😃
Fun fact -
During your stay in Geneva you can use, free of charge, the entire Geneva transport network comprising the buses and trams (TPG), trains (CFF) and the yellow taxi boats that cross the lake (Mouettes Genevoises)
Thanks. I will remember that for next time. I didn't stay in Geneva on this trip.
And thank you so much for watching 👍
@@JohnnyHooverTravels The hotel I reserved sent me the information via email, and it was quite simple. Got a feeling I was able to load it on to the TPG app for conveinience.
@@davidjewood it's great. I got offered a similar deal from accommodation in Konstanz, Luzern and Interlaken. Makes you feel welcome for sure
You should Travel with our zurich trams
I will one day. But this time it was just a very short stay in Zurich (1 hour)
@@JohnnyHooverTravels Thanks that you replyed
Stunning views. Can I just clarify that the challenges you faced on your return from the Dining Car were definitely to do with the poor ride quality of the train and not the beer? 😉
I can clarify that one small beer would not have such an effect...
Thanks for coming along 😀
Nice Video!
Concerning the regular prices: I guess you picked the half-fare ("Halbtax") prices, since they are regularly shown by the SBB-App. But those only apply for holders of the Halbtax-discount-card (50% off every train ticket), so regular prices would probably be around 100 CHF for 2nd class and 160 CHF for first class.
I thought he would be using using a Swiss Travel Pass. The Swiss Travel Pass aimed at tourists has the same validity as the 'General Abonnement' bought by Swiss Residents.
@@Fan652wI think he said he used Interrail. But I was refering to the standard prices from Geneva to Zurich he mentioned in the video.
@@aidangebhardt7990 I take your points. He certainly was using Interrail. But I am amazed he did not buy a Swiss Travel Pass, valid on all forms of public transport, including the lake boats and lines serving mountain villages like Wengen, Murren and Braunwald. Unfortunately a lot of British people think that Swiss transport is just trains!
9:48 In Olten is Kilometer 0 of the SBB rail network …
I hope you will have a trip with a lot of changing to show the excellence of the Swiss transport system…
Now that is the kind of extra detail that these comments are here for! I wonder why Olten was the one? (Or i mean the zero!)
After this train arrived in Zürich I did have a clockwork connection on to Konstanz... but I actually waited for the next one so u could spend some time around Zürich station. The changing with just a few minutes to spare, as you say, is most impressive.
Thank you so much for watching and for your interesting comment 👍
@@JohnnyHooverTravels The "Schweizerische Central Bahn", which is one of the Predecessor of SBB, had back in the 19th Century the goal to build two crossing Mainlines (Basel - Lucerne / Bern - Zürich). They took Olten as the meeting point of those Lines. At that time Switzerland was still not connected to the rest of Europe and it was one of the first major milestones in building a National Train Network. If I understand it right "Kilometer 0" refers to Olten being the very first junction point of Swiss Rail.
Even today Olten is quite important for the whole SBB Network. There is the Central Operation Center which overviews trains of Bern, Basel, Lucerne, Olten and the two big NEAT Tunnels. Almost all Intercity Lines cross at some point the city.
Fantastic, a country I have always wanted to explore by train 😊the scenery, the architecture, absolutely everything looks fantastic.
But for goodness sake buy a Swiss Travel Pass not an Interrail. The Swiss Travel Pass aimed at tourists gives free travel on all forms of Swiss public transport (Trains, buses, trams BOATS etc.) except purely tourist lines not serving any inhabited village. Just as we British have got to learn that the Netherlands is 'Not Just Bikes', we have also got to learn that Switzerland's transport is 'not just trains'. The STP usually gives 50% reduction on purely tourist lines. But lines to villages like Wengen, Murren and Braunwald, accessible only by mountain railway or cable car, ARE FREE with the STP.
Thanks Walter. Mark and I had a really good time. Watch out for some cameos from him in future videos!
Best wishes to you 👍
Hi Johnny I'd be interested in the cost of your hotels and evening meals, as by the look of your soup and beer, Switzerland is an expensive country.
No doubt Switzerland is expensive, but with care it isn't too bad. Hotels were never over £70 a night. I had two nights in a private ensuite room in a hostel in Interlaken which was £62 a night. That has the bonus of all the hostel extras like kitchen, which meant i could buy and prepare my own food.
In Luzern eating out was about €20 for a main course and a drink. Mark and I had a really nice Thai meal for that one night which we thought was in fact pretty good value if you'd been in the UK.
Hope that helps. Thanks for watching 👍
What are those trains like for people with limited mobility? I'm not whhelchair bound but I can't cope with stairs.
My apologies for not showing it. There is a lower level, so you don't have to climb the stairs.
Thanks for watching 👍
As we briefly see at 12m 5s in the video, there is completely level boarding at stations. No need for you to ask for a ramp or lift.
Unlike Biel/Bienne, the town of Fribourg/Freiburg is officially French-speaking, unlike the whole canton which is designated fully bilingual. Historically, Fr. was German-speaking but French gained prevalence in the 18th century.
Thanks for that. Interesting to hear how the different languages have spread.
And thanks for watching too 👍
@@JohnnyHooverTravels I'm just back from CH so this video is a nice opportunity to reminisce :). French came with the industrial revolution. Since the German-speaking parts naturally gravitate towards Zurich when the industry came to Fribourg the pool of potential workers and craftsmen had to be found on the other side of the "Röstigraben". A similar process took place in Belgium where French expanded at the expense of Flemish. Nowadays parts of the town on the left bank of the river are pretty much French-speaking, the right bank is German-speaking. They do have bilingual schools but students tend to stick within their own group. Plus - Switzerland is a place where a wide array of German dialects are spoken on a daily basis while schools in the French-speaking part only teach you (Swiss) Standard German which is nothing like the language that people actually speak on the streets.
We Germans face the same issue when moving to Switzerland for work. Many Swiss right-wingers complain about us not learning the language, not blending in and imposing our own culture on theirs. Well, we don´t even get the chance to learn the dialect since at the first sight of potential communication issues out Swiss counterpart automatically switches to Standard German.
French- and German-speaking Switzerland also differ politically with the former being more left-wing and the latter conservative and anti-EU.
@@cehaem2 very interesting. Thanks for that! ❤️
@@JohnnyHooverTravels Switzerland is a tiny but very diverse country. Many people don't realise that. They never heard of Jura Secessionism that included even rioting, arson attacks on federal and cantonal facilities and even a bombing. It's not all nicey-nicey and harmony.
@@cehaem2
that is mostly not correct. And not overly important for the train trip.
Freiburg was founded 1157 by Berhold the IV from the Zähringen family (father Freiburg in Germany, son Bern). At their time there was no standard "french" nor "german" language.
Up to 16th century, main spoken language was german, especially when Freiburg came closer to the Swiss cantons, joining Switzerland in 1481. At that time even some families changed their french names to german ones (my family name too).
Economic isolation lead to a stagnation for centuries, a few families took control of political power in the city - those families followed the "French" influence mainly 18th century, admiring Louis XIV and his achievements. French language became 18th to mit 20th century THE language used by nobility and diplomacy, from South America to Russia. So also by the wannabe aristocratic families in control of the city.
At that time, the canton rural population used regional patois on the west part of the canton, on the east side 3 different Alemannic dialects. The 3 Alemannic dialects are still used, the patois have disappeared in pubic life (my grandfather spoke 2 different patois, but hardly any french in addition to his Alemannic dialect)
Late 19 century some first industries established also in Fribourg - but totally blocked by political power, conservative catholic opposed to the "red" socialist and worse communist uprisings early 20th century, at the latest after communist took power in what became then the Soviet Union.
Catholic cantons Fribourg and Valais became main emigration rural cantons.
Only early 1960 politics changed for economic opening, allowed industries to settle, attracted foreign companies with tax advantages. Main industrial plants came from companies in Basel (who had managers emigrated from Fribourg). This lead shortly to some minor changes, immigrants with decent purchase power arrived from german speaking regions. The last 30 years main immigration to Fribourg is arriving from latin countries (Portugal, Italy, France, former French colonies in Africa), people usually use french as main communication language.
The statement on language on left vs right bank of river Sarine (Saane in fact, arriving from canton of Bern and returning there) also is not correct for the city - up to a few decades, the only part of the city with a german speaking majority was on the left (west) bank [Auquartier], the small part on the right side of the river [Neuveville] had a mainly french speaking population. The language border follows mostly the river, but not for the city.
Biel/Bienne does not really compare - the city was mainly german, industrial development from mid 19th century on lead to increased french speaking population so the inhabitants decided to make the city officially bilingual. The population now has some 40:40% distribution with a very important part of the city population using other languages.
Also the comparison with Belgium is not really correct: coal mines in Belgium were by chance on the french speaking part (coal for steel and other industries) became the rich regions with important immigration whereas the Flemish (Dutch language) region was the farming region. Just that with the decline of the coal based industry (end of coal mines) the former poor regions got modern industries.
I thought you would be using using a Swiss Travel Pass. The Swiss Travel Pass aimed at tourists gives free travel on all forms of Swiss public transport (Trains, buses, trams BOATS etc.) except purely tourist lines not serving any inhabited village. Just as we British have got to learn that the Netherlands is 'Not Just Bikes', we have also got to learn that Switzerland's transport is 'not just trains'. The STP usually gives 50% reduction on purely tourist lines. But lines to villages like Wengen, Murren and Braunwald, accessible only by mountain railway or cable car, ARE FREE with the STP.
Thanks for mentioning the Swiss Travel Pass. I agree it is an option for travels in Switzerland, but I think there is also the problem of price.
I paid £312 for 1st Class 10 days in 2 months Glabal Interrail pass. If I wanted the extras offered by the Swiss Travel Pass, I would have to pay 1st Class 8 days in 1 month for a cost of CHF697 (£610).
So, in many ways you are comparing apples to pears here. My ticket gave me access to many great rail journeys across Switzerland and, of course, the rest of Europe (including 2 days in the UK). For double the money, I would get less days, but more travel options in Switzerland.
So, in the end, you pays your money and takes your choice. But I disagree if you think Interrail is the "wrong" choice. It is, after all, just a choice. and one that costs roughly half the price to boot...
Anyway, as I said, you are right to raise it in the comments as an option, because it might be just what some people need for their Swiss adventures. And also, thank you so much for watching too 👍
@@JohnnyHooverTravels Thanks for this comprehensive response. I did not realise that you had a GLOBAL Interrail pass.
If a traveller wants to see a lot of Switzerland and nowhere else, then they should get a Swiss Travel Pass. I have been holidaying in Switzerland since 1971. The Swiss Travel Pass (under a previous name) was introduced in 1972! I have bought a first class STP for all my subsequent Swiss holidays.
"You can canton it" - I see what you did there...
Haha! You credit me for more brains than i actually have. But as a gag it does work even if i didn't play for it 😉
Thanks for watching 👍
0:56 Hey just to say Chur is pronounced similar to Cool but with an R. Otherwise great video!
Thanks for that. I will need that correct pronunciation when i go back next year 👍
And thanks for watching 👍
@@JohnnyHooverTravels great video Johnny, we'll be happy to have you back - cheers from Lake Zurich :)
@@LuGer212 thanks 👍
These trains aren't bad at all compared to other SBB trains. They definitely don't have the nicest ride quality but are far from worst. The reliability of these trains has gotten really good they now have less breakdowns than any of the Stadler built EMU's. It's a shame that they didn't order more.
Interesting to hear. One or two others in the comments are not so kind to the stock. I must say they did feel a bit rough at speed, so I have to stick with that view for now.
However, thanks for adding your take to the debate and especially thanks to for watching. I really appreciate it 👍
@@JohnnyHooverTravels You went back to your seat on the NBS where these trains reach their top speed. All the trains do shake quite a bit when they run on that line and don’t forget you are 2.5 meters higher than the top of the rail. The 501 is way worse with shaking and isn’t even a double decker.
@nashorn9745 I am always glad if an IC2000 comes, it is so much quieter and roomier and you don't always fear to trip and fall over and people outside see you actually. I absolutely hate the twindexx even if it runs fine.
The 502 units are utterly horrendous and very unpopular with travellers who rightly demand the best. They ride like a sack of potatoes compared to other Swiss offerings and are really not good. Switzerland is a beautiful country and I hope you manage to do Bern - Thun - Interlaken and remember with Interrail the ships on Lake Thun are free!!
Yes, the ride quality was a bit disappointing. Still a great service though to pop down the stairs at the airport and be whisked away to Zürich!
I did do Interlaken-Thin-Bern later in the week, so that one will get edited and put on the channel in the weeks to come. The BLS boats weren't running on the week i was there otherwise i would have given them a go for sure!
Thanks for watching and commenting 👍
@@JohnnyHooverTravels that is rare for them not to be operating! The loco hauled IC2000 coaches are much better and more comfortable by a mile! I cannot wait until I get out there soon!
This trains promised mutch when SBB ordered them as a step up from the IC2000. Unforrtunaly almost all promises could not be held from Bombardier and in the end SBB got like 6 full trains for free as compensation.
We passengers have to use it next 30 years, thsts the worst part of it.
Yes, sorry to hear that. The IC 2000 are definitely better for passengers 🤷♂️
Best wishes to you and thank you so much for watching 👍
Ii aamm wwrriittiinngg tthhiiss ccoommeenntt oonn tthhaatt ttrraaiinn. 😂😂
Hahahaha! 😂
Lausanne Geneva used to be a regular trip for me as i worked in the former and had a girlfriend in the latter
Ah the trips we used to make when younger to visit our girlfriends!
Thanks for watching 👍
Board this train with a healthy, complete set of teeth and you'll have lost them before you have arrived. This is the Shaking Stevens of European Trains. I've seen people - including staff - hurt themselves very badly when riding this thing. It's an absolute disgrace.
This is a silly silly comment. I've been on this train dozens of times. It's smooth as silk.
sorry but it's not smooth at all.... I travel back and forth once or twice a month and I usually take the train through Biel which I prefer for the comfort. It's impossible to work on those jumpy trains 😢
@@pirateprofessor
You mean the IC2020?
Because the Twindexx is everything else but smooth
The roll compensation that caused this behaviour has been deactivated since summer 2022. This also means the targeted time reduction on the St. Gallen - Zürich route, which was one of the main reasons for its implementation, can not be achieved. They are now ok to ride in, not great, but ok.
It's not the smoothest, but I have taken Zurich-Geneve in first class and also dined in the dining car. It's not the most comfortable, but definitely not the way you describe it.
To much talking
Sorry about that. It is my style so i cannot promise to change. Thank you for watching this one, even if you choose not to try any others. 👍
I disagree