When the journey becomes an experience
Faster is always possible, but more exciting is rarely. Yet there are plenty of modes of transport where the journey itself is what matters, not the destination. Old narrow-gauge railways, charming ferries, and other almost forgotten transport solutions demonstrate how slower, more sustainable, and surprisingly modern travel can have been for a long time.
The Kohlererbahn railway in South Tyrol
The cable car from Bolzano up to Kohlern In South Tyrol is a small technical marvel: Innkeeper Josef Staffler opened it back in 1908. The world's first officially approved passenger cable carto conveniently transport its guests from the valley to Kohlern. The cable car was therefore the first alpine aerial tramway for passenger transport. Today, modern gondolas glide above the treetops, offering a breathtaking panorama of Bolzano and the Adige Valley, while covering an altitude difference of around 800 meters in just a few minutes. overcomes meters.
The museum tramway in Mariazell, Styria
The Mariazell Museum Tramway The tram connects Mariazell train station with the idyllic Erlaufsee lake in Upper Styria. The approximately 15-minute journey passes fields and trees, offering views of the surrounding mountain panorama. It not only provides a nostalgic experience in faithfully restored carriages, but also demonstrates how technical heritage is kept alive through the dedication of volunteers. Every year, volunteers invest hundreds of hours of work to ensure the preservation of this special tramway.
The Pünte in Wiltshausen, East Frisia
For over 450 years, the hand-pulled ferry in Wiltshausen has connected the Leda and Jümme rivers. Then as now, the small vessel glides leisurely across the water; only the people on board have changed. In the past, the ferry was a vital transport link between Westphalia and East Frisia, used by trade, stagecoaches, and travelers. Today, the Pünte Above all, it's a charming piece of history that delights locals and visitors alike.
The Rugisbalm and Lutersee cable cars in the Swiss Engelberg Valley
In the Engelberg valley, the small Cable cars to Rugisbalm and Lutersee Still vital means of transport for farming families and a truly unique experience for visitors, these gondolas are unlike conventional cable cars. Unlike traditional cable cars, they are suspended at the front and back, allowing them to adapt to the gradient and tilt spectacularly over rocky ledges, especially on the descent. What makes them special is that they operate on demand. Anyone wanting to travel to Rugisbalm simply calls the Töngi family, who then set the gondola in motion. From there, the journey continues to Lake Lutersee. The cable cars are fully functional, in daily use, and represent a vibrant part of the region's cultural heritage.
The Dresden funicular railway on the Elbe slope
Since 1895, the funicular railway The tramway connects the Dresden district of Loschwitz with the elevated villa district of Weißer Hirsch, making it not only a historical curiosity but also a practical means of transport even today. The ride itself is an experience: the two carriages glide, linked together, over a 102-meter-long viaduct, pass through short tunnels, and wind their way picturesquely up the Elbe slope. Even on the ascent, you can admire the charming villas, small parks, and the natural surroundings along the route. If you wish, you can disembark at the mountain station and explore the area on foot or visit a café. The tramway has been a listed historical monument since 1984 and is thus a piece of living Dresden history that simply must be experienced.
And finally ...
These special modes of transport demonstrate that progress doesn't always mean faster, but often more conscious. Those who take their time traveling discover landscapes, stories, and perspectives that would otherwise remain hidden – and often travel more sustainably than one might think.
© Photos: Nadine Pinezits; Gasthof Kohlern; Marketing Engelberg / Family Töngi: RAINER EDER, Pexels / Detail
Nadine Pinezits
Nadine is a freelance editor and copywriter. She lives in Austria and commutes between Salzburg and Vienna. This means she is either in the mountains or in the urban jungle, but at the same time tries to spend as much time as possible in her beloved country, Portugal.
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