There’s something truly magical about experiencing Switzerland from a train. Riding the rails lets you peek into corners of Switzerland that are usually inaccessible by walking tours or cruises, whether it’s zipping up rugged mountain slopes or gliding through tranquil valleys. In this piece, we've rounded up Switzerland's top 9 train journeys. Each one gives you a front-row seat to the majestic Alps, historic sites, and crystal-clear lakes, all enjoyed from the cosy comfort of your train seat. Let's dive in and explore! If you are planning a trip here, you might like to explore our Switzerland Tours or read more on The Best Time To Visit Switzerland to make the most out of your holiday.
1. The Glacier Express: A Journey Through the Alps
The Glacier Express, often called "the slowest express train in the world," takes you on an eight-hour journey from Zermatt to St. Moritz at a relaxed pace, serving up breathtaking views along the way. This scenic route cuts through the heart of the Swiss Alps, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and presents an adventurous ride through 91 tunnels and across 291 bridges, revealing sweeping views of the beautiful alpine landscape.
The pinnacle of this journey is the Oberalp Pass, the highest point on the route. Reaching this summit, you are met with extraordinary, sweeping views of Switzerland's rugged heartland. This stunning vista is the trip's standout feature, offering a memorable and picture-perfect experience that truly encapsulates the spirit of the Alps.
Photo credit: Andreas Stutz
2. The Bernina Express: A UNESCO World Heritage Route
From Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy, the Bernina Express offers a stunning rail journey through the picturesque landscapes of the Bernina and Engadin Alps. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this route is a testament to how modern railway technology can enhance the beauty of nature. As it passes the majestic Morteratsch Glacier and crosses the iconic Landwasser Viaduct, the train provides a spectacular display of Alpine grandeur and engineering excellence.
3. The GoldenPass Line: From Lake Lucerne to the Vineyards of Montreux
Combining three train rides, The GoldenPass Line takes you from Lucerne to Montreux and showcases Switzerland's stunning variety of landscapes. You'll start in the historic area around Lake Lucerne, journey through the Bernese Oberland with its breathtaking views of stunning peaks like the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, and wind up passing the terraced vineyards of the Lavaux along Lake Geneva. As a bonus, the GoldenPass Line lets you travel in classic Belle Époque coaches, infusing your scenic trip with a dash of historical elegance.
4. The Gotthard Panorama Express: A Fusion of Boat and Train
The Gotthard Panorama Express is a cool Swiss adventure that mixes a lake cruise with a scenic train ride. It kicks off with a chill steamboat trip across Lake Lucerne, starting in Lucerne and ending in Flüelen. Then, you hop on a train that cruises through the historic Gotthard route, featuring a sneak peek of the famous Gotthard Tunnel, before winding down into the sunny vibes of Ticino. This trip is an awesome way to experience the calm of lake travel and the excitement of a mountain railway journey all in one go.
5. The Voralpen Express: Between Lakes and Peaks
Connecting St. Gallen to Lucerne, The Voralpen Express passes through Eastern Switzerland's lesser-known pre-Alpine districts. This under-the-radar road takes passengers through a gorgeous patchwork of rolling hills, crystal-clear lakes, and attractive villages. Crossing Switzerland's tallest railway bridge, the Sitter Viaduct, is a highlight of the voyage. This unique path shows Switzerland's rich green scenery and quiet pastoral settings.
Photo credit: Patrick Robert Doyle
6. The Jungfrau Railway: To the "Top of Europe"
Heading up to Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe, which sits at 3454 metres, the Jungfrau Railway is pretty awesome. Start your trip from Kleine Scheidegg and dive into tunnels cutting through the Eiger and Mönch mountains until you pop out at the top with insane views all around Jungfraujoch. From up there, you can catch panoramic views of the Aletsch Glacier, the biggest glacier in Europe, and all the stunning peaks around. The whole ride up is a serious feat of engineering and gives you a front-row seat to some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in Europe.
7. The RegioExpress Lötschberger: The Traditional Alpine Cross
If you're looking for a stunning train ride away from the usual tourist spots, the RegioExpress Lötschberger is your ticket. Travelling from Bern to Brig, this line slices through the picturesque Lötschberg mountain line, plunging you into the heart of the Swiss Alps. The train journey is all about amazing scenery—imagine green valleys, fast-flowing rivers, and massive mountains, with killer views of the Bietschhorn as a bonus. A major highlight is crossing the Kander Viaduct, a spectacular piece of Swiss engineering that takes you soaring over a deep gorge. Taking this route means you get to dive deep into the pristine beauty of Switzerland and experience its landscapes up close and personal.
8. The Interlaken to Grindelwald Train: Gateway to the Eiger
Starting out from the lively tourist spot of Interlaken, the train ride to Grindelwald is short but packs a punch. It brings you super close to the massive Eiger North Face—a real bonus for anyone who loves mountains or is keen on hiking the challenging trails of the Bernese Oberland. You'll glide past the shores of Lake Brienz and weave through picturesque alpine meadows and cosy Swiss villages. As you approach the end of your journey, the views of the Eiger will leave you breathless.
9. The Mont-Blanc Express: An International Marvel
The Mont-Blanc Express connects Martigny in Switzerland to Chamonix in France, presenting an enchanting journey through the spectacular Trient Gorge. Along this route, passengers are treated to unrivalled views of the magnificent Mont Blanc massif, capturing the essence of the alpine landscape's breathtaking beauty. This cross-border journey epitomises the natural splendour of the Alps, celebrating the shared beauty and charm of the Swiss and French mountain ranges. It's a stunning example of how nature's wonders can bridge countries, offering a journey that highlights the Alps' serene grandeur and the timeless allure that crosses national lines.
Embrace Switzerland's Diversity on Rails
Each of these train journeys captures the variety and splendour of Swiss rail travel. From routes that traverse the country's rugged terrain to gentle rides revealing Switzerland's stunning landscapes and architectural feats, there's a route suited for every traveller. Whether you crave adventure or seek tranquillity, find the journey that resonates with you and set off on a rail adventure that brings you closer to the essence of Switzerland.
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