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View into the Roundel on the main deck forward - the only catering area for passengers with second class tickets

 There is some concession to Belle-Epoque style in this "second class" area with the engraved glass partition from the main deck area

On the starboard side of the Rondelle is the narrow companionway leading to the "Kajute", the equally spartan saloon on the lower deck which is used for overpill and generally only sees light use, if at all.

Looking forward from amidships, port side, one can see the engine gallery in what is otherwise a relatively bleak space. Even the number of seats and tables is minimal. This is perhaps because the photo was taken at the end of the main summer season with no enormous crowds expected. At the hight of the summer and with larger crowds aboard, this area can get packed if there is a sudden downpour - it is one of the few areas where "second class" passengers can get shelter. As it is, the area is left to two bikes ..............  

Generally the amidships area is for passengers passing around the ship, but there are usually a few enthusiasts or interested others gazing at the swinging crank powering the paddles. Most people who have cameras with them will try to get the best photo they can of the magnificent machine. Others will be reading the display panels with historical detail about the ship.

As well as the historical information, there is a chance to srr the paddle wheels in action - and a chance to see the postcards, books, maps and other merchandise available for sale at the purser's office which can be seen on the starboard side forward

Unterwalden differs from her fleetmates due to the prominent positioning of the display identifying the various parts of the steam engine

In common with all Swiss paddle steamers, the engines are maintained in immaculate condition

More of the engines. Due to the positioning of the engine in the lower deck, only around the crank does the machinery rise above main deck level allowing most of the moving parts to be concealed beneath the main deck, making visibility less complete than was the case in British paddle steamers such as Waverley where the arrangement is slightly different allowing a much larger engine room gallery.

It is possible to see into the boiler area on the lower deck

The main deck aft, port side with a catering area and a wall display of souvenirs for sale at the purser's office

More uninviting second class accommodation, this time starbaord side aft directly outside the gentleman's toilet. The one saving grace is the warmth generated by the boiler room below. The large photograph of Unterwalden in earlier years provides some relief. 

View past the waiters' service area into the main restaurant aft on the main deck

The restaurant on the main deck aft is the most comfortable area on the ship - and this photo suggests that most of those on board know it !  It is here that Swiss steamers do retaintheir Belle Epoque grandeur and the furniture and decorated panelled walls are a particular feature of these treasured areas. However, the restaurant advertises that it is for First Class pasengers only .........

There is some seating on the main deck aft and benches on the deck outside the main restaurant, but in this part of the ship, even deck accommodation for second class travellers is not particularly inspiring.

The best place for second class passengers is definitely the forward end of the main deck where there is ample seating, but on a sunny high summer day it can get very busy. Out of the main season and on the first run out of Lucerne on the day, passengers have no difficulty with elbow room and can get a clear sight as Unterwalden approaches Weggis pier

Unterwalden leaves Vitznau heading ultimately for Fluelen. When she reappears, the heavy aluminium roofing on the upper deck will have gone and the enclosed area will have a much more subtle appearance. When she first appeared in 1902, and with the exception of the first class restaurant, standards were lower than today to the extent that the main deck was essentially open to the elements with the option of canvas awnings if necessary. The trick for modern designers is to replicate the open feel when viewed from a distance, but provide the enclosed accommodation required by passengers. This has been achieved successfully in Swiss paddle steamers which have been refurbished in recent years and it is hoped that Unterwalden will reappear as a genuine Belle Epoque masterpiece but with all the comfort expected by today's passengers

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For more details about Unterwalden go to vessel page in the Paddlesteamers.info database