Michael Portillo continues his rail adventures this Tuesday on BBC Two’s “Great Continental Railway Journeys,” this time exploring the stunning landscapes and fascinating history of Switzerland. Armed with his trusty Bradshaw’s guide, Portillo travels from Sedrun to Schwyz, encountering feats of engineering, historical landmarks, and of course, the iconic Swiss Army Knife.
The journey begins at an immense hydroelectric dam in Sedrun, a testament to Switzerland’s ingenuity in harnessing the power of its mountainous terrain. From there, Portillo travels through the heart of the Swiss Alps, following the historical threads that led to the formation of Switzerland’s political confederation. His travels eventually take him to the shores of Lake Lucerne and the legendary meadow where, according to tradition, Switzerland was founded in the 13th century.
No trip to Switzerland would be complete without a visit to the Victorinox factory in Schwyz, where the world-famous Swiss Army Knife is produced. Portillo gets a firsthand look at the craftsmanship that goes into each of the 45,000 knives produced daily, a tiny marvel of engineering with a global reach.
From renewable energy to political history and pocket-sized tools, Portillo’s Swiss journey is a blend of the practical and the poetic, a journey through time and technology. Watch it on Tuesday, March 25th at 6:30 PM on BBC Two.
