From Mak Itam to Bernina Express Pullman Class: Tracing UNESCO World Heritage Railway Lines
In various parts of the world, a number of railway lines are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Indonesia has one of them. This line is located in West Sumatra. The railway infrastructure features a rack railway with stretches of exotic scenery that delight the eye. The rack railway was applied because the elevation gradient of the area reaches 6%, considerably steeper than ordinary rails, which have an elevation gradient of around 1%. The rack allows steam locomotives to haul trains through steep slopes and prevents them from having difficulty when climbing the rail line in the mountains. Unfortunately, the railway line is now inactive. Travellers can learn its story at the Sawahlunto Railway Museum in Sawahlunto City, West Sumatra, including seeing the figure of Mak Itam, the legendary train.
Another railway line also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in Iran. Starting from the Iranian capital, Tehran, this line connects to the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea, passing through four regions with different climates.
Next is the Bernina Express line, which has become a favourite among Indonesian travellers when holidaying in Europe and including Switzerland on their visit list. The Bernina line has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2008 because it passes through a number of historic railway infrastructures, including spiral tunnels and iconic bridges. Its route is 122 kilometres long, rich in natural panoramas and historical stories from the various buildings it passes and uses. The line is on the UNESCO World Heritage list because of its outstanding civil engineering achievements and the harmony of its architecture with the surrounding nature. The iconic red train crosses 55 tunnels and 196 bridges.
Some of the most anticipated spots include the Landwasser Viaduct, a 65-metre-high curved bridge that enters directly into a tunnel in a rock cliff; Ospizio Bernina, the highest point of the line at 2,253 metres above sea level, offering views of glaciers and Lake Lago Bianco; and the Brusio Circular Viaduct, an open 360-degree spiral bridge designed so that the train can descend into a steep valley without additional cogwheel assistance.
The operator that can be chosen to traverse this line is the Rhaetian Railway or Rhätische Bahn, a local railway company that also uses a fleet produced in Switzerland. The route stretches from the northern region of Switzerland to Tirano in Northern Italy, which can certainly be traversed with just a Schengen visa. The panorama includes the Alps, glaciers, lakes, valleys, and the distinctive landscape of southern Switzerland, which increasingly approaches a Mediterranean feel.
Notably, the Bernina Express Pullman Class is now available, featuring a luxury train journey concept in the style of the 1930s. The carriage is designed with wooden interiors, art deco style, and armchairs to present a classic train journey atmosphere. However, the most special feature is the transparent windows extending to the roof.
“The ticket charged, if converted to rupiah, reaches around Rp13.5 million for a four-hour journey. There are only 32 passengers on each journey, equipped with culinary services and staff who in Indonesia are called prama and prami,” said Patrick Miescher, Market Manager Asia Pacific of the Rhaetian Railway, in Jakarta on Friday (14/8).
Miescher explained that in Indonesia, marketing of this tourism is mostly carried out through travel agencies, which currently commonly sell travel packages starting from 11 days at prices of Rp30 million and above. Nevertheless, travellers who do not use travel agency services can also book through the Rhaetian Railway website.
“Indonesians generally use agency services for tourism to Europe for their first trip, then later, if they want to go again, they are confident enough to go on their own,” said Fabian Sukrisman, Rhaetian Railway representative for Indonesia.
The Bernina Express route, Fabian said, crosses 55 tunnels and 196 bridges as well as lines with varying elevations. One of the highest points of the journey is at Ospizio Bernina, at an altitude of 2,253 metres above sea level. From that area, tourists can enjoy views of Lago Bianco and the Bernina Mountains landscape before the train continues its journey towards the Poschiavo area and Tirano.
The journey then continues to Alp Grüm, one of the most impressive panoramic points along the route. From here, tourists can see the Palü Glacier, the Poschiavo Valley, and the Italian region.
There is also a compartment for storing suitcases because the departure and return points are in different areas. “There are also announcements at every important and historic location so that passengers not only enjoy the panorama but also gain knowledge. The months we recommend are December to April,” said Miescher.