Railway buffs steam to Brienz

The Brienzer Rothorn steam train chugs up the mountain, high above Lake Brienz. ST/swiss-image.ch

The Bernese Oberland resort of Brienz is hosting the first “World Convention on Steam and Tourist Railways” from October 5 to 8.

Railway experts from around the world will lead the discussions (in English, see related site) on heritage railways and included in the programme are outings on the region’s steam trains and steamboats.

The event is being held at the Belle Époque hotel Giessbach on the shore of Lake Brienz, which has just been named Switzerland’s Historic Hotel of the Year for 2004.

Autumn colours

Autumn festivals and customs are just getting into full swing.

The traditional descent of the cows from alpine pastures is taking place across the country but the Appenzell region in Eastern Switzerland is the best known.

Not only do the farmers dress up in their Sunday best, but the cows are kitted out in garlands with the bells hanging round their necks polished to a gleam.

For the first time, the Appenzell tourist board is offering special packages including guided tours and explanations of the unique custom (see link under “related sites”).

Engelberg in canton Lucerne will be celebrating its alpine descent with a cattle show on October 12.

Grapevine

Festivities in canton Ticino at this time of year focus on wine and chestnuts.

Outstanding Merlot wines are produced in the region, which go well with traditional dishes made from chestnuts. Chestnuts were for many centuries the staple foodstuff in Ticino.

The wine festival in the charming old town of Mendrisio is to be held over the last weekend in September, while a larger festival will take place in Lugano on the first weekend in October.

The two-day party begins in Locarno on October 10 and 11.

Classical music

Until mid-October, Ascona, which neighbours Locarno, is hosting its classical music festival, Ascona Music Weeks.

Symphony orchestras, chamber music and solo recital performances are being given in the resort’s churches.

Now in its 58th year, it is the most important classical music event in Italian-speaking Switzerland.

swissinfo