Switzerland boasts one of the world’s most impressive railway networks, seamlessly blending engineering marvels with breathtaking natural landscapes. The country’s train system doesn’t merely connect destinations—it transforms the journey into an unforgettable experience.
From glacier-capped mountains to lush valleys dotted with traditional Swiss chalets, the panoramic views from these train windows capture the essence of Alpine beauty.
The Swiss have perfected the art of scenic rail travel, with routes specifically designed to showcase the country’s most spectacular scenery.
Here is a list of 14 magnificent Swiss destinations that serve as gateways to the most breathtaking train journeys in the world.
Zermatt
This charming car-free village sits at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn and serves as the starting point for the Glacier Express. The journey from Zermatt winds through untouched mountain landscapes and crosses nearly 300 bridges during its 8-hour route to St. Moritz.
Floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows ensure unobstructed views of dramatic gorges, peaceful alpine meadows, and remote mountain villages that seem frozen in time.
St. Moritz
The glamorous mountain resort town provides access to multiple scenic rail routes, including both ends of the Glacier Express and Bernina Express. The Bernina Express route from St. Moritz traverses the Bernina Pass at over 7,000 feet above sea level, showcasing spectacular glacier views without requiring any special climbing gear or experience.
The train passes within touching distance of ancient glaciers before descending through distinctly Mediterranean landscapes toward Tirano, Italy.
Lucerne
This medieval lakeside city serves as the departure point for the legendary GoldenPass Line that connects Central Switzerland with Lake Geneva. The route climbs from Lucerne through the Brünig Pass, offering sweeping views of Lake Lucerne framed by surrounding mountain peaks.
Traditional Swiss farmhouses dot emerald green pastures, while rugged limestone cliffs create a dramatic backdrop that changes with every curve of the track.
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Montreux
Nestled on Lake Geneva with views of the French Alps, Montreux marks the western terminus of the GoldenPass Line. The journey from this jazz-festival-famous town includes the Chocolate Train route through Gruyères, home to the world-famous cheese and Cailler chocolate factory.
The vintage Belle Époque carriages transport travelers through the rolling countryside where vineyards cascade down hillsides toward the shimmering blue waters of Lake Geneva.
Interlaken
Positioned between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken serves as the gateway to the Bernese Oberland and the starting point for the Jungfrau Railway. This engineering marvel tunnels through the Eiger and Mönch mountains before arriving at Jungfraujoch—Europe’s highest railway station at 11,332 feet.
Along the route, observation stops provide stunning panoramas of the Aletsch Glacier, stretching nearly 14 miles through the Alpine landscape.
Andermatt
Located at a crossroads between northern and southern Switzerland, this historic mountain town serves as a key junction for the Glacier Express and the Gotthard Panorama Express. The latter follows the historic Gotthard route, spiraling through the famous Gotthard Loop Tunnels that represented groundbreaking engineering when completed in the 1880s.
The train climbs through rugged terrain where weathered stone bridges span dramatic gorges carved by centuries of rushing Alpine waters.
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Chur
As Switzerland’s oldest city, Chur provides access to the UNESCO World Heritage Albula/Bernina railway line incorporated into the Bernina Express route. The train navigates the spectacular Landwasser Viaduct, where six towering limestone arches curve gracefully before plunging directly into a mountain tunnel.
The dramatic landscape transitions from snow-capped peaks to Mediterranean palm trees as the train descends nearly 6,000 feet in altitude.
Visp
This small town in the Rhône Valley serves as the connection point for trains to Zermatt and the Monte Rosa region. The journey from Visp follows the Matter Valley, with the narrow-gauge Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn climbing steadily alongside mountain streams and through small villages where traditional timber houses cluster around ancient church steeples.
Glimpses of the Matterhorn appear between the peaks as the train approaches Zermatt.
Davos
The highest town in the Alps connects to the Rhaetian Railway network, offering access to the Glacier Express and Bernina Express routes. The journey from Davos includes passage through the Zügen Gorge, where the track clings to sheer cliff faces with the Landwasser River churning far below.
The engineering required to carve this route through seemingly impassable terrain stands as a testament to Swiss determination and precision.
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Lugano
This Italian-influenced city in southern Switzerland serves as a terminus for the Gotthard Panorama Express coming from Lucerne. The journey showcases Switzerland’s cultural diversity as Germanic landscapes transition to Mediterranean scenery with palm trees and vineyards.
The route descends through numerous helical tunnels and across elegant stone viaducts before revealing the sparkling blue waters of Lake Lugano surrounded by forest-covered mountains.
Brig
Situated at the foot of the Simplon Pass, Brig serves as an important junction for trains heading to Italy and the Centovalli Railway. The Centovalli line crosses the ‘hundred valleys’ between Switzerland and Italy, traversing nearly 83 bridges and viaducts along its 52-mile route.
The journey offers spectacular views of cascading waterfalls, chestnut forests, and traditional stone villages perched on steep mountainsides.
Brienz
This lakeside village famous for its woodcarving tradition is the starting point for the Brienz Rothorn Railway, Switzerland’s oldest steam cogwheel train still in operation. The vintage steam locomotives climb nearly 5,500 feet to the summit of the Rothorn, offering panoramic views of Lake Brienz’s turquoise waters contrasting with the surrounding Alpine peaks.
From the summit, travelers can see no fewer than 693 mountain peaks when weather conditions are favorable.
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Pontresina
This traditional Engadine village near St. Moritz provides access to the Bernina Express and serves as the starting point for the Alp Grüm route. The train climbs through the Val Bernina to Alp Grüm station, the only place in Switzerland accessible exclusively by railway or hiking trail.
The restaurant terrace at the station offers uninterrupted views of the Palü Glacier and the Poschiavo Valley stretching toward Italy.
Filisur
This small village in the Albula Valley boasts arguably the most photographed railway landmark in Switzerland—the curved Landwasser Viaduct. The local train from Filisur to Davos crosses this spectacular six-arch limestone bridge that curves directly into a mountainside tunnel.
The surrounding hiking trails offer photographers numerous vantage points to capture trains traversing this engineering masterpiece against a backdrop of pristine mountain forest.
Rails Through Paradise
Switzerland’s scenic train routes represent much more than transportation—they embody the nation’s commitment to making even the most remote Alpine beauty accessible while preserving its pristine character. These carefully engineered railways allow travelers to experience dramatic mountain landscapes that would otherwise require advanced mountaineering skills to witness.
The dedicated panoramic carriages, precision timetables, and impeccable service transform these journeys into moving showcases of Swiss innovation and natural splendor.
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