THE SWISS MOUNTAIN RAILWAYS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12955, 26 August 1905, Page 6 (Supplement)

THE SWISS MOUNTAIN RAILWAYS.

Onk of the more noticeable features of .Switzerland is its wonderful network of railways. In every direction new railways are either being built or planned, and in a very few years there will not be a single mountain of any importance without its special electric railway or elevator to convey tourists to its snowy or rocky summit.

The Juugfrau line has crept up towards the great white dome at a most satisfactory pace, and the tunnelling is completed as far as the Mer-de-Glacc or Eismeer Station., nearly 10,000 feet above, the sea. As from the Eismeer to the Eiger summit is only a steady and not over-difficult climb of three hours, this station will certainly prove e great boon, to Alpinists by saving them the usual long and tedious ascent from the Eiger Glacier. The new station will also be most convenient for climbers making for the Mouclisiock; the Juiigfraulirn, the Aletseh Glacier, and the Concordia Cabin. The latest thing in mountain railways is the electric line which is to go up Mont Blanc, and work on this vast undertaking is to be commenced immediately, the firs'!) section being fro the P.L.M.' station of Lc Pa-vet hi> to the. village of St. Gervais, at the north-west of the Mont Blanc range. The line will probably be completed in live year.;. The Zcimatt Mountain hue, one of the most picturesque ill the world, is now open. lor the. season, and through mighty walls and tunnels of glittering snow the little trains are taking visitors up to the lofty Gornergrat, and almost within hail of the mighty Maiterhom.