Most scenic train journeys of Switzerland

Switzerland is a paradise for rail travelers. With some of the most spectacular panoramic routes anywhere on earth, Swiss trains glide through dramatic Alpine peaks, deep green valleys, glistening lakes, and chocolate-box villages, all from the comfort of your seat. Whether you’re chasing snow-capped peaks or reflective lakes, these scenic rail journeys are unforgettable experiences for nature lovers and photographers alike.

1. Glacier Express – The Classic Alpine Panorama

• Route: Zermatt ↔ St. Moritz (or vice versa)

• Duration: ~8 hours (full route)

• What to See: Majestic Alpine peaks, deep gorges like the Rhine Gorge, the iconic Landwasser Viaduct, winding valleys, and traditional mountain villages.

• Highlights: Dubbed the slowest express in the world, the Glacier Express is all about taking in the scenery without rushing. The expansive panoramic windows offer uninterrupted views of glaciers, pastures, and sheer mountainsides.

• Train Experience: Spacious panoramic coaches with large windows are standard. First and second-class seats are available; first class offers slightly more space and comfort. Onboard dining service brings local Swiss dishes and beverages to your seat (optional/cost varies by season and operator).

• Tickets & Pricing: Prices vary by season; expect seat reservation fees plus the base fare (reservations often start from roughly CHF 159 plus reservation).

• Best Time to Ride: April–October for summer panoramas; winter offers snowy magic with clear views.

• Tips: Book seats early (especially in peak summer) as reservations are mandatory and sell out quickly.

2. Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe by Cogwheel Rail

• Route: Interlaken Ost → Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald → Kleine Scheidegg → Jungfraujoch

• Duration: ~2.5 hours one-way from Interlaken

• What to See: Snow-clad peaks of the Bernese Alps, glaciers, icy valleys, and the famous Aletsch Glacier — Europe’s largest.

• Highlights: Reaches Europe’s highest railway station (at 3,454 m), offering unforgettable panoramic views and snow activities year-round.

• Train Experience: Part cogwheel rail, part panoramic train; the compartments are heated and comfortable with large windows for views. There is no formal dining — cafes at the summit serve warm meals and drinks.

• Tickets & Pricing: Tickets are point-to-point and weather-dependent; passes like the Swiss Travel Pass often offer discounts but don’t fully cover this route.

• Best Time to Ride: Summer for lush mountain panoramas; winter for snowy wonderland views.

3. Bernina Express – UNESCO Railway Through Alpine Masterpieces

• Route: Chur or St. Moritz → Tirano (Italy)

• Duration: ~4 hours (full route)

• What to See: UNESCO-listed Albula and Bernina lines, alpine lakes, the Brusio spiral viaduct, Morteratsch Glacier, and palm-lined Italian valleys.

• Highlights: A journey from snowy glaciers to sun-kissed Italian landscapes without changing trains — truly one of the world’s most dramatic rail routes.

• Train Experience: Large panoramic windows and free onboard Wi-Fi on some services. Dining trolley service with snacks and drinks enhances the experience.

• Tickets & Pricing: Mandatory reservations required (CHF ~20–36 for panoramic seats on named Bernina Express trains).

• Best Time to Ride: All year — winter adds snow-covered scenes while summer shows lush valleys.

4. Luzern – Interlaken Express

• Route: Lucerne ↔ Interlaken

• Duration: ~2 hours

• What to See: Lake Lucerne, Lake Brienz, rolling meadows, and the backdrop of the Brünig Pass.

• Highlights: Combines tranquil lakeside panoramas with soaring mountain views, making this a perfect day trip or connection.

• Train Experience: Comfortable modern coaches with large windows; ideal for photography stops in Meiringen or Brienz.

5 Gotthard Panorama Express – Classic East-West Alpine Passage

• Route: Lucerne → Flüelen (boat) + Flüelen → Bellinzona (train)

• Duration: ~5–6 hours (boat + train)

• What to See: Lake Lucerne by boat, traditional Alpine towns, historic Gotthard Pass villages, and changing landscapes from German-speaking to Italian-speaking Switzerland.

• Highlights: Combines a scenic boat cruise on Lake Lucerne with a panoramic rail ride over the old Gotthard route.

• Train Experience: Panoramic cars with commentary, café service, and luggage allowances per standard Swiss rail rules.

• Best Time to Ride: April–October for full seasonal service.

6. GoldenPass Railway – Between Lakes & Peaks

• Route: Montreux ↔ Interlaken ↔ Lucerne (via connections)

• Duration: ~3–4 hours (varies by section)

• What to See: Lake Geneva, vineyards, castle-dotted valleys, alpine lakes, and lush green meadows.

• Highlights: A modern panoramic line with three classes including Prestige Class for larger windows and more comfort. Variable-gauge bogies allow for a smooth ride across regions.

• Train Experience: Large windows throughout all classes; Prestige class offers best views and often includes light refreshments.

• Best Time to Ride: Summer and autumn for vibrant colours.

7. Cogwheel Railway to Mount Pilatus – World’s Steepest

• Route: Alpnachstad → Mount Pilatus

• Duration: ~30–40 minutes

• What to See: Steep ascents through alpine meadows, wildflowers, and dramatic cliffside views as you climb toward Pilatus’s summit.

• Highlights: One of the steepest cog railways in the world — a thrill as the train clings to grades approaching nearly 48% (26°).

• Train Experience: Unique cogwheel climb; seats offer close-to-nature ride with expansive views.

Travel Tips for Scenic Swiss Trains

• Reservations: Panoramic trains like Glacier and Bernina Express require advanced seat reservations.

• Luggage: Standard Swiss rail rules allow luggage at no extra charge; keep essentials with you for panoramic sections.

• Classes & Meals: Most scenic trains offer first and second class; GoldenPass Prestige and Glacier Express services often include snacks or full meal service (varies by provider).

• Rail Passes: The Swiss Travel Pass is often the best value — it covers many rail routes (though reservations may still be needed).

• Best Times: April–October for most panoramic services; winter opens snowy spectacles on select routes.

Final Thoughts

Switzerland’s scenic rail journeys are more than transport — they are unforgettable experiences that show off the country’s natural beauty and engineering genius. From high Alpine passes to crystal lakes and rolling vineyards, these classic routes deliver world-class views and a lifetime of memories.

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