A real life picture postcard!
Two hundred years ago, Mount Rigi was already Europe's most popular mountain excursion destination. Visitors walked to the summit or were taken up on horses or in sedan chairs. The Rigi Railway – Europe's first cogwheel railway – has been operating from Vitznau to the “Queen of the Mountains” since 1871. Swiss Post is marking the 150th anniversary of the event with a special postage stamp. It celebrates a service that connects people to far more than just the breathtaking scenery.
Swiss PostReading Time 4 minutes
Swiss Post is always on board
Vitznau, 9.15 a.m. A jolt goes through the red train’s old-fashioned wagons. The cogwheels bite. Engine driver Patrick Studhalter slowly pushes the control lever forward and takes the almost 85-year-old train up to its maximum speed of 18 km/h. Marco Tampini is also on board. He has worked for Swiss Post as a mail carrier for 31 years. As well as Vitznau, he is also responsible for delivering mail on Mount Rigi. “Don't I have the most beautiful office in the world?” he asks. It is hard to disagree. As soon as we have gained enough height, the trees part to reveal a view that couldn't be more picturesque. Far below us, we see the metallic sheen of Lake Lucerne under a blanket of grey cloud. We also take in the magnificent mountain vista that includes the Stanserhorn, Bürgenstock and Pilatus. “It's as if nature is constantly reinventing and showing itself in all its splendour”, says Tampini, who has been to Mount Rigi countless times. It never ceases to fascinate him.
Swiss Post is always on board
Since the first cogwheel railway in Europe from Vitznau to Rigi-Kulm was launched in 1871, Swiss Post has also been on board, serving households on and around Mount Rigi high above Lake Lucerne by train and on foot. It has achieved this not least with the active support of the railway personnel. They usually lend a hand when it comes to loading and unloading the wagons with parcels and letters. Engine driver Studhalter sums it up: “I actually do a bit of everything – I’m the engine driver, train attendant, conductor, mechanic and mail carrier all in one.” The workers talk with one another and help each other out. Without a doubt, they have formed a close bond through their shared history and stories. So it is not surprising that Swiss Post created a to mark the 150 anniversary of the Rigi Railway. It is more than just appreciation of the railway technology of the era, it is also a sign of mutual respect.
