In association with: Travel Switzerland
In Switzerland, panoramic train routes ensure the journey is just as breathtaking as the destination
One of the best ways to experience the dramatic peaks, sparkling lakes and fairytale towns of Switzerland is by journeying through the heart of its landscapes by rail.
Switzerland’s easy and convenient rail network makes exploring simple, and the country’s famous panoramic train journeys offer onboard comfort, fresh local cuisine and endless views. For a speedy and climate-friendly way of getting around, these routes offer an unforgettable way to see the sights.
Going for gold
Travelling between Interlaken and Montreux, the GoldenPass Express is one of the country’s most picturesque routes. The journey begins in Interlaken, where clients can explore the Old Town or take a cruise around Lakes Thun and Brienz.
From here, the train winds through Gstaad, before reaching Château-d’Oex, where passengers can spot hot-air balloons floating above the mountains. The final stop is Montreux, which sits on the shores of Lake Geneva. Dotted with lakeside cafes offering Alpine views, the town comes alive in July during the Montreux Jazz Festival.
Along the way, guests will travel in comfort, with the option to order delicious regional delicacies and drinks. Clients can now also upgrade to the new Prestige class, which includes a private compartment with rotating seats, elevated views, champagne and caviar.
Into the Alps
Connecting Lucerne and Interlaken, Switzerland’s Zentralbahn is a straightforward and scenic way to travel between two of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.
Lucerne’s Old Town is bursting with historic sites, including medieval churches and the Chapel Bridge in the centre – one of the oldest covered wooden bridges in Europe. Then over a two-hour journey to the mountain town of Interlaken, the Zentralbahn offers front-row views of the passing valleys, lakes and mountains, ascending steeply over the Brünig Pass.
On arrival in Interlaken, white water rafting, paragliding, skiing and more await in one of Europe’s best adventure hotspots.
Three more unmissable Swiss rail journeys
Bernina Express
One of the highest and steepest railway tracks in Europe connects Chur and Poschiavo in Switzerland to Italy via the Unesco-listed Rhaetian Railway, snaking past glaciers, lakes and the instantly recognisable Bernina massif.
Glacier Express
Known as the world’s slowest express train, clients can travel across the Alps, from St Moritz to the Matterhorn, in eight hours. Along the way, they can photograph stunning mountains and gorges through its panoramic windows, or upgrade for champagne and a five-course menu.
Gotthard Panorama Express
This historic route travels into the heart of Switzerland in summer, through the Alps and over Lake Lucerne via steamboat. Pair with excursions to the Unescolisted Castles of Bellinzona, Monte San Salvatore or a cruise on Lake Geneva.
Discover more at switzerlandtravelcentre.com/travel-agents and switzerland.com/trade-uk
PICTURES: Perretfoto.ch/Ch.Perret; Ivo Scholz/Switzerland Tourism; Tobias Ryser; Jan Geerk