The Alpine Belle

In Lindau, optional excursions may include steam hauled journeys on the Rheinbähnle & Wälderbähnle narrow gauge railways, a cruise on Lake Constance or visit to a winery in neighbouring Liechtenstein, but some may choose to stay in their hotels, admiring the beautiful views. The more adventurous among you may wish to take advantage of the proximity of neighbouring countries and choose to wake up in Germany, cycle to Austria for lunch, and make it to Switzerland in time for afternoon tea!

After two days admiring the distant Alps from the shores of Lake Constance, the Alpine Belle will set off towards them in style – taking in three countries in one day! From Lindau, we skirt the edge of Lake Constance before crossing over the Rhine into Switzerland, where our steam locomotive joins us for a journey through the Appenzell Alps.

​Our train then turns East, as we head into the Austrian Alps behind a vintage electric locomotive and carves a route through the Klostertal Valley before heading through the Arlbergtunnel, which was the longest railway tunnel in Austria when opened in 1884. Emerging on the other side of the Alberg Pass in Tyrol, we continue to wind our way through the alpine valleys to Innsbruck. 

Innsbruck, capital of Austria’s western state of Tyrol, is known for its Imperial and modern architecture. Passengers can opt for a leisurely day by staying in their hotels and enjoying scenic walks through the surrounding alpine terrain or join us for one of our sightseeing excursions. 

Just 25 miles east of Innsbruck lies the town of Jenbach, where not just one but two steam railways branch off – the historic Achensee Railway to the north offering a breathtaking journey to Lake Achen on the oldest cog railway in Europe still steam operated, and to the south, the Zillertal, a narrow-gauge railway to the town of Myrhofen. We plan to offer at least one of these railways as an optional excursion. Other excursions may include the Tyrolean Museum of Railways, with the option to travel on board an 100-year-old tram that travels through the streets of Innsbruck and beyond, or Swarovski Crystal World with its gardens and art museum.

Today we set off through the heart of the Alps with a German steam locomotive on the front of our train, likely to be former freight locomotive,  G10 class 657. We plan to make a mid-afternoon stop at the charming town of Zell am See on the shores of Lake Zell, where there is a narrow-gauge railway through the Pinzgau mountains. From Zell am See we steam on further east into the Alps before turning north and descending into beautiful Salzburg.

DAY 6 & 7:

For anyone who has never been to Salzburg the whole place is an amazing revelation – with a storybook setting among the mountains and stately baroque Altstadt. For our passengers over the next few days the hills will be alive with not only the sound of steam but all kinds of music and the beautiful Salzburg bells which ring out every day at 6pm. As you would expect, optional excursions will include Mozart and The Sound of Music Tours, but you may choose to explore the city’s many attractions including the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress or the Mirabell Gardens and Palace.

​Railway excursions may include a journey from Salzburg to the Ampflwang Railway Museum by vintage train. In traditional carriages akin to The Harz Mountain Railway with open balconies we will steam 50 miles up the mainline (it would never be allowed in the UK!) to the preserved railway, its mining museum and railway roundhouse. A must for true lovers of steam. 

DAY 6 & 7:

For anyone who has never been to Salzburg the whole place is an amazing revelation – with a storybook setting among the mountains and stately baroque Altstadt. For our passengers over the next few days the hills will be alive with not only the sound of steam but all kinds of music and the beautiful Salzburg bells which ring out every day at 6pm. As you would expect, optional excursions will include Mozart and The Sound of Music Tours, but you may choose to explore the city’s many attractions including the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress or the Mirabell Gardens and Palace.

​Railway excursions may include a journey from Salzburg to the Ampflwang Railway Museum by vintage train. In traditional carriages akin to The Harz Mountain Railway with open balconies we will steam 50 miles up the mainline (it would never be allowed in the UK!) to the preserved railway, its mining museum and railway roundhouse. A must for true lovers of steam. 

Our steam locomotive from day one, Class 01 1104, is back at the helm for our final day on board, as we journey across the border and into Germany, making our way towards the Rhine Valley and our hotels in Wiesbaden and Frankfurt for our last night. Tucked in a valley between the Rhine River and the Taunus Mountains, the relaxed spa town of Wiesbaden is the perfect place to reflect on our adventures. Those staying in Frankfurt will enjoy a stay in one of the city’s most exclusive postcodes, next to the Opera House and overlooking the lush Liesel-Christ Park.

After a leisurely breakfast in our hotels in Frankfurt or Wiesbaden, those who have booked a transfer to the UK will depart for Eurostar connections to London, whilst those travelling independently may choose to enjoy their hotel’s facilities, extend their holiday or make onward travel connections at the nearby international airport at Frankfurt.