There are train journeys, and then there are train journeys that feel like stepping into another world. In Switzerland, the cogwheel railways are not just a way to travel through the Alps. They are an invitation to witness landscapes so spectacular that they take your breath away. Every turn of the track brings new views of towering peaks, sparkling glaciers, and postcard-perfect valleys. Jane Moorman’s Top of Europe: Switzerland Alps via Cogwheel Railways beautifully captures this magic, offering readers a front-row seat to one of Europe’s most enchanting travel experiences.
What makes Switzerland’s cogwheel trains remarkable is their defiance of gravity. Built to climb some of the steepest gradients in the world, these railways carry passengers up to heights once thought unreachable by conventional trains. Moorman’s lens takes us on these engineering marvels, from Mount Pilatus to the Jungfraujoch, famously called the Top of Europe, and on to Gornergrat with its stunning view of the Matterhorn. Each destination tells a story not just of natural beauty but of human ingenuity that made it possible to reach such lofty places.
The book highlights more than scenery. It captures the spirit of adventure that comes with boarding a cogwheel train. There is a sense of anticipation as the engine begins its slow, steady climb, pulling you higher into the alpine world. Along the way, quaint mountain villages appear like scenes from a fairy tale, their wooden chalets tucked beneath snow-dusted edges. Then the views open wider, revealing glaciers that gleam in the sunlight and peaks that seem to scrape the sky.
Moorman’s photographs invite readers to share in the awe she experienced firsthand. But what makes Top of Europe especially engaging is how it blends imagery with storytelling. The history of these railways is woven through the pages, reminding us that these are not just tourist attractions but living links between Switzerland’s culture, its people, and its landscapes.
For travelers, cogwheel railways provide access to places that might otherwise remain out of reach. For photographers and dreamers, they offer endless inspiration. Moorman succeeds in showing how each journey is more than a ride. It is an experience of discovery, wonder, and connection to the timeless grandeur of the Alps.
If you have ever dreamed of traveling through the mountains or simply want to enjoy the beauty of Switzerland from the comfort of your home, Top of Europe: Switzerland Alps via Cogwheel Railways is a book that belongs on your shelf.
Grab your copy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQW9FWRR.