The journey can start anywhere and go in any direction. But Zurich – the largest city in Switzerland and a multicultural metropolis – will be one of the key destinations and departure points.
The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland includes eight different routes across the country
Glacier Express (St. Moritz – Zermatt)
The journey from Engadin to the Matterhorn (or back) takes 7 and a half hours. There are faster alternatives, but the Glacier Express offers the most pleasant experience.
On the Glacier Express, you can enjoy a three-course lunch or the special of the day: culinary masterpieces are served directly to your seat
The slowest express in the world is also the most famous. It connects the fashionable Alpine resorts of St. Moritz and Zermatt, impressing with the beauty of the surrounding landscape and engineering solutions. The red-and-white train passes through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges. But don't worry – you won't miss a thing.
From the panoramic cars with huge windows, there are magnificent views, for example, of the Grand Swiss Canyon up to 400 meters deep, the Oberalp Pass at an altitude of 2033 meters, and, of course, the mighty Matterhorn. Along the entire route, majestic mountain ranges, crystal-clear lakes, and villages straight out of fairy tales appear. Listing all the attractions along the route would take a long time. Why not become a passenger on the Glacier Express and see it all with your own eyes?
Bernina Express (Chur/Davos – Tirano (Italy))
The Bernina Express connects the cool north with the warm south and easily handles steep climbs. This railway route is one of the most beautiful in the world.
The Bernina Express delights with the most spectacular crossing of the Alps
From Chur, the crimson train climbs to Engadin, passes over the Bernina Pass (2253 meters) and through Poschiavo, then through Italy – through the Valtellina valley to Tirano. First impressions are made by the 65-meter-high Landwasser Viaduct near Filisur. In total, the train passes through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges, sometimes climbing incredible slopes. The Albula and Bernina railway lines, which cross the border with Italy, were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2008, thanks to attractions such as the Morteratsch Glacier and the Brusio spiral viaduct. And nothing compares to the first glint of the glacier appearing on the horizon.
GoldenPass Line (Montreux – Zweisimmen – Interlaken – Lucerne)
The GoldenPass Line connects two parts of Switzerland. Enjoy the traditions of German-speaking Central Switzerland and the French spirit on Lake Geneva. All in one day.
On the GoldenPass Line between Montreux and Zweisimmen, you can take one of the few VIP seats right at the front of the train, where you can easily imagine yourself as the driver
A ride on the GoldenPass Line is like a short vacation passing through picturesque places. First, the new Lucerne-Interlaken Express climbs to the Brünig Pass. This is followed by a descent to Meiringen, the train passes Brienz with its lake and the Giessbach Falls on the way to Interlaken. Here you change to another train that goes along the shore of Lake Thun opposite the mountain peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The next change is in Zweisimmen, from where the train with golden cars departs to the lush Gstaad. Lake Geneva appears for the first time when passing through vineyards on the way to Montreux.
Wilhelm Tell Express (Lucerne – Flüelen – Lugano/Locarno)
The Wilhelm Tell Express differs from other panoramic routes, combining a beautiful train journey and a charming boat cruise.
The route passes through two of the most beautiful regions of the country – Central Switzerland and the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. It is hard to say which part of the journey is the most memorable. The three-hour cruise on Lake Lucerne? Or the train ride through the famous Gotthard Pass? Not known for high speed, this route offers a variety of impressions.
The Wilhelm Tell Express route includes a cruise on a classic steamship
On board the classic steamship, you will enjoy a three-course lunch in a Belle Epoque-style restaurant while the vessel passes such sights as the Rütli Meadow, Schiller Stone, and Tell Chapel. In Flüelen, you change to a first-class panoramic train that goes to the canton of Ticino. The route includes an altitude difference from 470 to 1100 meters, passing through the 15-kilometer Gotthard Tunnel, which was built over 10 years in the second half of the 19th century. The train then emerges on the sun-drenched southern side of the Alps. In summer, a guide provides commentary about the Gotthard region.
Voralpen Express (St. Gallen – Lucerne)
Switzerland can offer not only exciting journeys through mountains and gorges. The Voralpen Express reveals a completely different side of the country – with graceful hills, charming villages, and blooming gardens.
The Voralpen Express crosses the highest railway bridge in Switzerland – the Sitter Viaduct at a height of 99 meters near St. Gallen
This route definitely cannot be called the fastest. Passengers on this train from St. Gallen to Lucerne need to allow extra time to fully enjoy the views. The journey begins in St. Gallen, home to the famous Abbey Library. The route continues through the picturesque countryside of the canton of Appenzell with its characteristic landscape and the Alpstein massif. Hills and rustic villages glide past the panoramic windows as the train winds through idyllic Toggenburg. The peaks of the Kurfürsten appear in the background.
The Swiss Tourism Office recommends making a stop in Rapperswil on the eastern shore of Lake Zurich and taking a leisurely stroll through the attractive old town. Admire the old church and try the local ice cream – simple pleasures that serve as a good start to a journey to the heart of Switzerland.
Based on materials from the Swiss Tourism Office.