In association with: Travel Switzerland
Set sail or hop on board boats and trains, which reveal dramatic landscapes at every turn
Switzerland’s panoramic train journeys and lake cruises offer an efficient and spectacular way to explore its landscapes. From the Glacier Express, which glides through 91 tunnels to the Bernina Express, which chugs into Italy and paddle steamers that bob across Lake Geneva, every journey is an experience. And with just one ticket, the Swiss Travel Pass, clients can traverse alpine peaks, serene lakes and chocolate-box towns in the most sustainable, versatile and scenic way possible.
On track
For those seeking majestic mountain scenery, Switzerland’s panoramic train routes offer unmatched vistas. The Bernina Express takes passengers from icy landscapes to swaying palm trees, traversing the Unesco-listed Rhaetian Railway. Switzerland’s scenery shouldn’t be rushed past, which is why The Glacier Express, the world’s slowest express train, is ideal. It crosses 291 bridges on its eight-hour journey from St Moritz to Zermatt.
Meanwhile, the GoldenPass Express connects Interlaken and Montreux, offering uninterrupted views of the Swiss countryside, from the towering Eiger to the hillside chalets in Gstaad. For a more immersive experience, clients can glide across Lake Geneva on a Belle Époque‑era paddle steamer, passing snow-dusted mountains and historic castles. With frequent departures from Geneva, Lausanne and Montreux, it’s the easiest way for clients to soak in their Swiss surroundings.
Sea to sky
Central Switzerland and the Bernese Oberland are a sightseeing paradise and easy to navigate on land and water. The Luzern-Interlaken Express connects two of Switzerland’s most scenic regions, passing five mountain lakes before ascending the Brünig Pass. This train also forms one section of the longer GoldenPass Express, which continues the journey to Montreux.
In Lucerne, a cruise on the lake reveals fjordlike inlets and towering peaks, and clients can choose from sleek modern boats or historic paddle steamers. For a truly unique journey, the Gotthard Panorama Express combines a three-hour boat trip across Lake Lucerne with a widescreen train ride through the historic Gotthard Pass.
Interlaken, which sits directly between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, is an adventure sports paradise; suggest clients try river rafting and hang gliding. They can explore at a more laid-back pace too, on the lake’s fleet of boats, which offer magical tours of the region, from romantic evening cruises eating Swiss fondue to slow sailings past fairytale castles and trips on the historic steamer Blümlisalp.
Whether travelling in winter or summer, cruises won’t just get clients from A to B, but allow them to be immersed in Switzerland’s natural beauty.
All-in-one ticket
The Swiss Travel Pass is the ultimate key to Switzerland offering unlimited travel by train, bus and boat in one ticket. Find out more by checking out our new Sales Guide in the March 20 edition of Travel Weekly, or online here.
For more information and to book, email sales@stc.co.uk or visit the Switzerland Travel Centre website.
PICTURES: Kim Sokola/Zentralbahn; BLS Schifffahrt; SVG AG/Perretfoto.ch