Great Continental Railway Journeys (2012)

Episode Overview

Equipped with his 1913 Continental Railway Guide, Michael Portillo journeys into the heart of the Black Forest, seeking to understand the true spirit of Germany and uncovering how the tale of Hansel and Gretel contributed to national unity. He experiences a humbling lesson in cuckoo clock carving, which highlights the country’s long-standing reputation for quality manufacturing dating back to the early 18th century. Next, he enjoys a romantic visit to the ruins of Schloss in Heidelberg before gaining an exclusive look into trading practices at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. At Goettingen University, Michael explores the dual nature of student life in the early 1900s, from dueling fraternities to pioneering scientists who shaped Germany’s top-tier transport technology today. Facing the powerful winds of the Goettingen wind tunnel, he examines the track used for launching model trains at speeds up to 360km per hour.