Crossing Lake Lucerne: tales from Tellsprung

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When this lovely old picture made it from the quiet setting of a private photo album to the big worldwide web, now several years ago, the question was not so much what the cars were. These were swiftly identified, with the big roadster believed to be a Minerva of the AC or AF series; the smaller saloon behind it a Citroën C Six. The real question was: where was it taken?

Suggestions came in and varied from Italy to Scotland. But it was neither of those. One keen-eyed reader rightly identified it as the Tellsprung car ferry on Lake Lucerne in Switzerland, which crosses from Gersau to Beckenried. He noted the following: “You can just make out the beginnings of the Tellsprung signage on the side under the wheelhouse. The mountainscape from Beckenried (which is where Tellsprung sails to and from) is a good match, but further to the east than its present-day terminus.” A little extra info followed: “The date of the photo must be 1930 at the earliest, as that's when the Tellsprung and the Beckenried–Gersau ferry route first operated.”

Now, if you are up for the spring touring season and like to get in the mood, we suggest you have a look at the ferry as it is today. We understand it generally operates from April to October, but the current timetable and all the necessary information to get ready for beautiful Lake Lucerne can be found here.

Words: Jeroen Booij, Picture: Vintage Cars & People

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