Switzerland’s rail network is renowned for its engineering marvels and stunning
alpine views that showcase the country’s natural beauty. From glacier-capped peaks
to pristine lakes and charming villages, these train journeys offer some of the most
spectacular railway experiences in the world.
The Swiss railway system is celebrated for its precision timing and seamless
connections, which allow travelers to explore multiple routes in a single trip without
any hassle.
Glacier Express
The iconic Glacier Express connects Zermatt to St. Moritz through a remarkable
eight-hour journey across 291 bridges and 91 tunnels. This renowned route takes
travelers through the heart of the Swiss Alps, offering panoramic views of deep
valleys, mountain passes, and pristine alpine meadows along its 181-mile track.
Bernina Express
The Bernina Express travels from Chur to Tirano, crossing the Alps through one of
the highest railway passages in Europe at 7,392 miles above sea level. The UNESCO World Heritage route features the spectacular Landwasser Viaduct.
It offers stunning views of glaciers while connecting the German-speaking region of Switzerland with the Italian-speaking culture of northern Italy.
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Golden Pass Line
The Golden Pass Line connects Lucerne to Montreux through three trains and some
of Switzerland’s most varied landscapes. The journey showcases everything from
crystal-clear lakes and rolling hills to snow-capped mountains while passing through
popular destinations like Interlaken and Gstaad.
Gotthard Panorama Express
The Gotthard Panorama Express combines boat and rail travel from Lucerne to Lugano through the historic Gotthard route. This engineering marvel takes passengers through spiral tunnels and over bridges while offering spectacular views of the Uri Alps and Lake Lucerne along its historic path.
Chocolate Train
The Chocolate Train runs from Montreux to the Cailler-Nestlé chocolate factory in
Broc, passing through the medieval town of Gruyères. This first-class experience
includes cheese and chocolate tastings while traveling through the picturesque
countryside of the Swiss Riviera in restored Belle Époque carriages.
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Wilhelm Tell Express
Every turn of this remarkable journey from Lucerne to Locarno breathes life into
Switzerland’s most cherished tales of independence. As the boat glides across Lake
Lucerne’s crystal waters, passengers are transported to an era when freedom
fighters roamed these shores.
The mist-shrouded mountains seem to whisper stories of Wilhelm Tell’s legendary arrow shot, while the historic chapel standing proudly by the water’s edge marks the spot where a nation’s spirit was born.
Mont-Blanc Express
The Mont-Blanc Express runs from Martigny to Chamonix, crossing the border between Switzerland and France. The route features steep gradients and spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif while passing through charming mountain villages and dramatic alpine scenery.
Centovalli Railway
The Centovalli Railway connects Locarno to Domodossola through the ‘Hundred
Valleys’ region of southern Switzerland and northern Italy. This remarkable two-hour
journey crosses 83 bridges and passes through 31 tunnels while offering views of
chestnut forests, remote villages, and cascading waterfalls.
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Jungfrau Railway
The Jungfrau Railway climbs to Europe’s highest railway station at Jungfraujoch,
reaching an altitude of 2.1 miles above sea level. This pioneering feat of engineering
takes passengers through tunnels carved into the Eiger and Mönch mountains while
providing access to an incredible world of eternal snow and ice.
Pilatus Railway
The Pilatus Railway ascends Mount Pilatus near Lucerne on the world’s steepest
cogwheel railway with a gradient of 48%. The journey offers breathtaking views of
Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Alps while demonstrating Swiss engineering
excellence with its unique rack-and-pinion system.
Rhaetian Railway
The Rhaetian Railway network in Graubünden includes several scenic routes
through Switzerland’s largest canton. The UNESCO World Heritage designated
sections feature engineering marvels like the Albula and Bernina lines while
providing access to popular destinations such as St. Moritz and Davos.
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GoldenPass Belle Époque
The GoldenPass Belle Époque offers a journey between Montreux and Zweisimmen
in restored vintage carriages from the 1930s. This luxurious experience combines
classic elegance with stunning views of Lake Geneva and the Bernese Oberland
while providing first-class service reminiscent of the golden age of rail travel.
Brienzer Rothorn Railway
The Brienzer Rothorn Railway, which uses steam locomotives from the early 20th
century to carry passengers from Brienz to the summit of Brienzer Rothorn, offers
spectacular views of Lake Brienz and surrounding peaks while maintaining its
historic charm with original steam engines.
Gornergrat Railway
The Gornergrat Railway climbs from Zermatt to the 1.9-mile Gornergrat ridge, offering incredible views of the Matterhorn. This cogwheel railway provides access to one of Switzerland’s most impressive mountain panoramas while passing through forests, tunnels, and bridges along its steep ascent.
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Glacier 3000
The Glacier 3000 train connects Gstaad to Les Diablerets, providing access to year-
round snow activities and magnificent alpine views. The journey culminates at the
summit station, offering panoramic views of 24 peaks over 2.48 miles and the
opportunity to walk on an actual glacier.
Monte Generoso Railway
The Monte Generoso Railway climbs from Capolago to the summit of Mount
Generoso, offering spectacular views of Lake Lugano and the surrounding region.
The journey takes passengers through diverse vegetation zones to reach the ‘Stone
Flower’ summit building while providing views extending from the Apennines to the
Alps.
Schynige Platte – Where Time Stands Still
Stepping onto the wooden carriages of the Schynige Platte Railway feels like
opening a treasured storybook from 1893. The lovingly preserved cogwheel train
creaks and winds its way up from sleepy Wilderswil, moving at a pace that allows
passengers to drink in views that have enchanted travelers for over a century.
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Brienz-Rothorn Railway
The Brienz-Rothorn Railway carries passengers to the summit of Rothorn using
Switzerland’s only steam-powered rack railway, which is still in regular operation.
This nostalgic journey provides panoramic views of the Bernese Alps and Lake
Brienz while maintaining its authentic historical character with vintage steam
locomotives.
Discover Swiss Rail Excellence Today
Switzerland’s rail network is a testament to engineering brilliance while offering
unparalleled access to the country’s most stunning landscapes. These scenic routes
combine comfort with adventure, allowing travelers to experience the best Swiss
natural beauty and cultural heritage from their train window.
From glacier-capped peaks to medieval towns, each journey promises a unique
perspective of this alpine nation that cannot be experienced anywhere else.
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