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Last chance to eat Gipfeli on Gipfeliexpress

filed on: 14.08.2008 (14th Aug 2008)

A bit off-topic maybe, but undoubtedly one of the factors that makes the Swiss transport (and especiall rail) system so attractive to the enthusiast is its vast variety of local specialities. These are not all restricted to mountainous and touristic regions. Indeed several companies with local roots and identity operate within the scope of Zürich's S-Bahn and even into urban Zürich proper. One of these is the SOB (Südostbahn), which operates the Gipfeliexpress. This is a loco-hauled train with a restaurant car running from Einsiedeln to Zürich Altstetten and back twice a day. The operation of such a train on what is basically a shortish commuter service must be a rarity indeed in these modern times. However, all good things must come to an end, and SOB will run the restaurant car for the last time on 12th December. The reason cited is the age of the restaurant car.

The train is generally well patronised, and the restaurant car much used by commuters to take breakfats on their way to work in Zürich or a snack on the way home – hence the name Gipfeliexpress (croissant express). For the casual traveller, riding the other way is more recommendable, both in terms of timings (why not spend a day in Einsiedeln?) and to avoid the commuter flow. The locomotive is usually one of the ex-SBB Re4/4 iv units. The train does not run via Zürich Hauptbahnhof but uses the (mainly freight) curve from Wiedikon into Altstetten. The train is definitely a must-do for the transport enthusiast spending some days in the Zürich area.

source: SOB

This news item is from the 2008 newslog.

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