The Most Scenic Train Rides in Switzerland You Need to Take!

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Imagine gliding through a winter wonderland, your eyes captivated by the snow-capped peaks and glaciers that seem to stretch on forever. Or picture yourself traversing lush alpine meadows, with vibrant wildflowers dotting the landscape. Welcome to Switzerland, where some of the world’s most breathtaking train journeys await. But what are the routes that truly capture the essence of this enchanting country? Prepare to embark on a rail adventure like no other.

Key Takeaways

• Discover Switzerland’s iconic scenic train rides, from the legendary Glacier Express to the stunning Bernina Express.
• Explore the diverse regions and cultures of Switzerland through renowned train routes like the GoldenPass Line.
• Reach the Top of Europe on the Jungfrau Railway and marvel at the engineering marvels of the Gotthard Panorama Express.
• Step back in time with nostalgic and vintage train experiences that showcase Switzerland’s rich railway heritage.
• Plan your journey during the off-peak season, like November, to avoid crowds and enjoy a more serene experience.

So, what makes these Swiss train rides so captivating? From the Glacier Express¹² to the Bernina Express², each route offers a unique and unforgettable journey through Switzerland’s stunning landscapes³. Whether you’re marveling at the engineering feats of the Gotthard Base Tunnel¹ or savoring the culinary delights of the Chocolate Train, these rail adventures promise to leave you awestruck and inspired.

But the true allure of Switzerland’s scenic train rides lies in their ability to transport you to a world of natural wonders. Witness the transformation from glaciers to palm trees on the Palm Express¹, or immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Lake Zurich and Lake Lucerne on the Voralpen Express¹³. From the lush meadows of the Luzern-Interlaken Express¹ to the captivating valleys and waterfalls of the Centovalli Railway¹, these train rides offer a window into Switzerland’s diverse landscapes.

So, what are you waiting for? Embark on a rail journey that will leave you spellbound by the beauty of Switzerland. Discover the most scenic train rides that will transform your perception of this alpine wonderland.

Glacier Express: The Slowest Express Train in the World

Topping the list of Switzerland’s most iconic scenic train rides is the Glacier Express, known as the “slowest express train in the world.”⁴ This eight-hour journey takes passengers from Zermatt to St. Moritz, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the country’s dramatic scenery⁴. Travelers will cross 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, marveling at glaciers, snowcapped peaks, charming villages, and serene lakes along the way⁴. The Glacier Express is a true testament to Swiss engineering, providing a luxurious and immersive experience for those seeking to explore the heart of the Swiss Alps.

The Glacier Express journey spans roughly 291 kilometers between Zermatt and St. Moritz or vice versa⁴, with an average speed of just 24 mph⁵. One-way fares range from 152 CHF for 2nd class to 470 CHF for the luxurious Excellence Class, which includes a champagne reception, aperitif platter, 5-course meal, and more⁵. Reservations are required and can be made up to 93 days in advance⁵, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey through the stunning Swiss Alps.

The Glacier Express operates with a mix of daily and seasonal services, with more frequent departures during the summer months⁵. By 2005, over 250,000 passengers were traveling on the Glacier Express each year⁶, drawn to its unique panoramic views and engineering marvels⁶. Today, the train continues to captivate travelers from around the world, offering a truly unforgettable experience on the “slowest express train in the world.”⁴⁵⁶

Bernina Express: The Highest Transalpine Railway

Traversing the stunning alpine landscapes from Chur to Tirano, Italy, the Bernina Express is a must-try scenic train ride in Switzerland. This captivating journey covers a distance of 144 km (90 miles) and takes approximately 4 hours to complete, transporting passengers through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges⁷. The route, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008, showcases the incredible diversity of the Swiss and Italian Alps, from the icy peaks of the Bernina Pass to the Mediterranean-influenced Poschiavo Valley⁸.

One of the highlights of the Bernina Express is the open-air car, which allows travelers to fully immerse themselves in the fresh mountain air and take in the breathtaking views of glaciers, frozen lakes, and lush green fields⁷. The railway, built between 1896 and 1904, reaches its highest point at Ospizio Bernina, situated 2,253 meters (7,392 feet) above sea level, making it the highest transalpine railway in the world⁷.

The Bernina Express operates year-round, offering a distinct experience in both winter and summer⁷. During the colder months, passengers can witness the alpine landscapes blanketed in snow, while the summer season presents lush green meadows and sunny vistas⁷. Timetable variations exist, with more frequent services available in the summer to accommodate the increased demand⁷.

For those planning to journey beyond Tirano, it’s important to note that the Tirano-Milan section may involve a bus transfer due to ongoing track maintenance during certain periods⁷. Hourly local trains also operate along the Chur-St. Moritz-Tirano Bernina route, providing additional options for travelers⁷. Chur serves as a convenient cross-platform interchange, allowing passengers to transfer between the Bernina Express and SBB InterCity or InterRegional trains to Zurich⁷.

With its breathtaking scenery, engineering marvels, and unique seasonal experiences, the Bernina Express is a true gem of the Swiss rail network, offering a journey that is both visually stunning and unforgettable⁸⁷.

GoldenPass Line: Exploring Switzerland’s Diversity

For a grand tour of Switzerland’s varied landscapes and cultures, the GoldenPass Line is an excellent choice. Connecting six different Swiss cantons, this panoramic train route offers a million photo opportunities as it travels from Lucerne to Montreux⁹. Passengers will need to switch trains twice, but the journey is well worth it to experience the full breadth of the country’s scenic diversity⁹.

In addition to the modern GoldenPass Panoramic train, travelers can also opt for the GoldenPass Belle Époque, a vintage train inspired by the luxurious 1930s Orient Express that channels old-world elegance¹⁰. From May to September, the GoldenPass Line also offers a unique Train du Chocolat experience, combining a scenic train ride with visits to cheese and chocolate factories.

The GoldenPass Express connects Interlaken and Montreux up to four times a day, providing breathtaking views of the panorama¹¹. The entire trip on the GoldenPass Express lasts approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes¹¹. Reservations are mandatory in the “Prestige” class and recommended for 1st and 2nd class travel, with surcharges applicable¹¹. GoldenPass Express Prestige Class reservations for individuals cost CHF 49.00, while 1st and 2nd class reservations are CHF 20.00 for individuals and CHF 17.00 for groups¹¹.

The GoldenPass Express timetable for 2024 includes daily departures from both Montreux and Interlaken Ost¹¹. The Lucerne to Interlaken Ost – Luzern – Interlaken Express route offers captivating views and is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass¹¹. The Interlaken Ost to Zweisimmen route provides striking views of Mount Niesen and picturesque landscapes¹¹. The Zweisimmen to Montreux route on the GoldenPass Panoramic Train and GoldenPass Belle Époque offers stunning Lake Geneva panoramas¹¹¹⁰.

Switzerland scenic train rides: Unparalleled Beauty on Rails

Switzerland’s extensive railway network offers travelers a unique and immersive way to explore the country’s breathtaking landscapes. From the dramatic peaks of the Swiss Alps to the serene lakes and rolling hills, these scenic train rides provide panoramic views that cannot be matched by any other mode of transportation¹². Whether it’s the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, or GoldenPass Line, each journey offers a one-of-a-kind experience, showcasing the diverse beauty and engineering marvels that make Switzerland a premier destination for train travel enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

The Glacier Express, often dubbed the “Slowest Express Train in the World,” covers a distance of 291km and has a duration of approximately 7.5 hours¹². Similarly, the Bernina Express route spans 122km with a duration of 4 hours¹². The Gotthard Panorama Express, a captivating journey through the heart of the Alps, covers 182km and takes about 5.5 hours¹². These train rides offer Switzerland landscapes that are truly breathtaking, with each route showcasing the country’s diverse natural wonders.

For those seeking a more elevated experience, the Jungfrau Railway is a remarkable feat of engineering, transporting passengers 9km to the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 meters above sea level¹². The journey lasts for 35 minutes, providing travelers with unparalleled panoramic views of the Swiss Alps¹³. The GoldenPass Express, on the other hand, travels 191km in 5.5 hours, offering a diverse array of landscapes, from alpine vistas to charming villages and verdant valleys¹².

Whether you’re a seasoned train enthusiast or simply seeking to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Switzerland, these scenic train rides offer an unparalleled experience that will leave a lasting impression¹⁴. With a range of packages and itineraries to choose from, there’s a train travel adventure to suit every traveler’s needs and budget¹⁴.

Jungfrau Railway: The Top of Europe

For a truly remarkable train ride, the Jungfrau Railway takes passengers to the “Top of Europe” at the 3,454-meter-high Jungfraujoch¹⁵. Starting in the charming town of Interlaken, the journey on the rack railway transports travelers through a unique world of glaciers, culminating in a seven-kilometer-long tunnel through the north face of the Eiger¹⁶. Along the way, passengers are treated to stunning views of turquoise lakes, idyllic Swiss villages, and the majestic snowcapped peaks of the Bernese Oberland.

The Jungfrau Railway operates hourly from 8:00 AM until mid-afternoon, every day, all year round¹⁷. Reaching the summit, visitors can explore the Ice Palace, observation deck, and hiking trails, offering an unparalleled alpine experience¹⁵. The Jungfraujoch complex includes a range of facilities such as restaurants, a coffee shop, Europe’s highest post office, souvenir shops, the Sphinx observatory & observation deck, an ‘ice palace,’ and an open-air ‘ice plateau.’¹⁷

The Jungfrau Railway is a true engineering marvel, with the construction of the 5.6-mile line taking 16 years to complete starting in 1896¹⁶. Regular adult fare for the Jungfraubahn is around CHF 235 (£199) return from Interlaken Ost or CHF 222 (£188) return from Grindelwald¹⁷. The Swiss Half Fare Card breaks even with the cost of one Interlaken to Jungfraujoch round trip plus one other shortish train trip¹⁷.

For those seeking an unforgettable alpine adventure, the Jungfrau Railway offers a journey to the “Top of Europe,” revealing the majestic splendor of the Swiss Alps in all its glory¹⁵¹⁷¹⁶.

Gotthard Panorama Express: Through the Heart of the Alps

Explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Swiss Alps aboard the Gotthard Panorama Express, a captivating train journey that seamlessly combines boat and rail travel. This 182 km route¹⁸¹⁹ takes passengers on a 5.5-hour²⁰ adventure through the heart of the Alpine region, showcasing the stunning transition from majestic mountains to serene Mediterranean vistas.

One of the highlights of the Gotthard Panorama Express is its engineering marvels. The train traverses the famous Gotthard Tunnel, a testament to Switzerland’s transportation prowess, and navigates a series of spiral loops, bridges, and tunnels that showcase the country’s technical ingenuity. Travelers can fully immerse themselves in the diverse scenery and rich history of the region on this captivating panoramic ride.

The Gotthard Panorama Express operates from April 20 to October 20, 2024, running on Tuesdays through Sundays, including national holidays¹⁸¹⁹. Passengers can choose to embark on the journey from Lucerne or Lugano, with the option to change in Bellinzona for those traveling to or from Locarno²⁰. The route is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) and GA travel card, with a surcharge of CHF 24 per person for the panoramic train journey¹⁸.

For those seeking an alternative to the Gotthard Panorama Express, the Treno Gottardo runs along the historic Gotthard panorama route all year round, offering a year-round option for exploring this stunning region of the Swiss Alps¹⁹.

Immerse yourself in the captivating landscapes and engineering marvels of the Swiss Alps with a journey on the Gotthard Panorama Express, a truly unforgettable experience that showcases the best of Switzerland’s natural beauty and transportation prowess.

Vintage and Nostalgic Train Experiences

In addition to the modern panoramic trains, Switzerland offers a rich and storied history of vintage and nostalgic train journeys. For a step back in time, travelers can enjoy a ride on the historic Brienz Rothorn Bahn, a classic steam railway that has been operating for over a century²¹. The Furka Cogwheel Steam Railway also provides a glimpse into the golden age of rail, transporting passengers through the untouched Swiss Alps. Those seeking a more refined vintage experience can book a journey on the GoldenPass Belle Époque, a refurbished 1930s Orient Express-style train that channels the elegance of a bygone era. These nostalgic train experiences allow visitors to explore Switzerland’s railway heritage while immersed in the stunning natural beauty that makes the country a premier destination for scenic train travel.

The Brienz Rothorn Bahn, a historic steam railway, has been operating for over a century, offering travelers a unique and nostalgic train experience²¹. Similarly, the Furka Cogwheel Steam Railway provides a glimpse into Switzerland’s railway heritage, transporting passengers through the breathtaking Swiss Alps. For a more refined vintage experience, the GoldenPass Belle Époque journey channels the elegance of the 1930s Orient Express, allowing visitors to explore Switzerland’s historic railways in style. These nostalgic train experiences offer a captivating way to discover the country’s stunning landscapes while immersing oneself in the rich history of Swiss rail travel¹³.

Conclusion

Switzerland’s expansive railway network offers travelers a truly remarkable opportunity to immerse themselves in the country’s breathtaking landscapes. From the iconic²² Glacier Express and Bernina Express to the diverse²³ GoldenPass Line and the engineering marvel of the Jungfrau Railway, these scenic train rides provide unparalleled panoramic views and unforgettable experiences²⁴. Whether you prefer the modern comforts of panoramic trains or the nostalgic charm of vintage rail journeys, Switzerland’s scenic train rides are a must-do for anyone seeking to discover the country’s natural beauty and rich railway heritage.

From traversing²³ 291 bridges and 91 tunnels on the Glacier Express to ascending the heights of the²⁴ Bernina Express, which reaches an impressive elevation of 2,253 meters, these train journeys offer an unparalleled opportunity to experience the grandeur of the Swiss Alps²². Complemented by visits to iconic cities like Zurich, Lucerne, and Zermatt, as well as guided tours and activities, these rail adventures provide a truly immersive and unforgettable way to explore Switzerland.

So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to embark on a remarkable train adventure through the heart of the Swiss Alps, where²² scenic landscapes²², panoramic views, and²² rich railway heritage await. Switzerland’s scenic train rides are a must-do experience for any traveler seeking to discover the true essence of this captivating country.