Switzerland is renowned for its scenic beauty and stunning landscapes. With towering snow-capped peaks, glistening glaciers, and pristine lakes, Switzerland is a haven for nature lovers. One of the best ways to experience Switzerland’s beauty is by taking a train ride. Switzerland boasts of having some of the most picturesque train rides in the world, offering a unique way to explore the country’s diverse regions. In this article, we will explore the best train rides in Switzerland that offer breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences.
1. The Glacier Express
The Glacier Express is undoubtedly one of the most famous train rides in Switzerland, running between St. Moritz and Zermatt. The journey takes approximately eight hours, covering 291 km through the Swiss Alps. The train travels at a leisurely pace, allowing you to take in the stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks, alpine forests, and quaint mountain villages. The Glacier Express is also famous for its panoramic windows, providing passengers with uninterrupted views of the Swiss Alps.
2. The Bernina Express
The Bernina Express is another iconic train ride in Switzerland, connecting Chur with Tirano in Italy. The journey takes approximately four hours, passing through 55 tunnels and crossing 196 bridges. The train climbs up to the Bernina Pass, reaching a height of 2,253 meters, offering breathtaking views of the Alps. The Bernina Express is also famous for its spiral viaducts, including the famous Brusio spiral viaduct.
3. The GoldenPass Line
The GoldenPass Line runs between Lucerne and Montreux, passing through the heart of Switzerland. The journey takes approximately five hours, covering 191 km, and passing through the Brünig Pass and the Swiss Alps. The train also passes through scenic towns such as Interlaken, Gstaad, and Zweisimmen. The GoldenPass Line is famous for its panoramic windows, providing passengers with stunning views of the Swiss countryside.
4. The Gotthard Panorama Express
The Gotthard Panorama Express runs between Lugano and Flüelen, offering a unique way to experience Switzerland’s beauty. The journey takes approximately five hours, passing through the Gotthard Pass and the historic Gotthard Tunnel. The train also passes through quaint villages, crystal-clear lakes, and snow-capped peaks. The Gotthard Panorama Express is also famous for its panoramic windows, offering uninterrupted views of the Swiss Alps.
5. The Jungfraujoch Railway
The Jungfraujoch Railway is the highest railway station in Europe, offering stunning views of the Swiss Alps. The journey starts at Kleine Scheidegg and ends at the Jungfraujoch station, located at a height of 3,454 meters. The train passes through tunnels carved into the mountains, providing passengers with incredible views of the Aletsch Glacier and the Swiss Alps.
6. The Centovalli Railway
The Centovalli Railway connects Domodossola in Italy with Locarno in Switzerland, passing through
scenic valleys, deep gorges, and over 83 bridges. The journey takes approximately two hours, passing through picturesque towns such as Intragna and Santa Maria Maggiore.
7. The Lötschberger
The Lötschberger is another scenic train ride in Switzerland, running between Bern and Brig. The journey takes approximately two and a half hours, passing through the Lötschberg Base Tunnel and the Kander Viaduct. The train also passes through the stunning Lötschberg mountain range, offering passengers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps.
8. The Voralpen Express
The Voralpen Express runs between St. Gallen and Lucerne, passing through the rolling hills and lush green countryside of Eastern Switzerland. The journey takes approximately two and a half hours, passing through quaint villages and charming towns. The train also passes through the scenic Ricken Pass and the Lake Zurich region.
9. The Schilthorn Cableway
The Schilthorn Cableway is a unique way to experience the beauty of the Swiss Alps. The journey starts at the town of Stechelberg and ends at the Schilthorn peak, located at a height of 2,970 meters. The cable car ride offers stunning views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. The Schilthorn peak is also famous for its panoramic revolving restaurant, offering breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps.
10. The Furka Steam Railway
The Furka Steam Railway is a historic train ride in Switzerland, running between Realp and Oberwald. The journey takes approximately one and a half hours, passing through the stunning Furka Pass and the Rhone Glacier. The train also passes through the scenic Goms Valley, offering passengers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps.
11. The Brienzer Rothorn Railway
The Brienzer Rothorn Railway is a scenic train ride in Switzerland, running between Brienz and the Brienzer Rothorn peak, located at a height of 2,244 meters. The journey takes approximately one hour, passing through lush green meadows, alpine forests, and quaint mountain villages. The train is also famous for its steam locomotives, offering passengers a nostalgic experience of Switzerland’s past.
12. The Matterhorn Gotthard Railway
The Matterhorn Gotthard Railway runs between Zermatt and St. Moritz, passing through the Swiss Alps. The journey takes approximately seven hours, passing through the stunning Furka Pass and the Oberalp Pass. The train also passes through picturesque towns such as Andermatt and Chur, offering passengers breathtaking views of the Swiss countryside.
13. The Rhaetian Railway
The Rhaetian Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering passengers a unique way to explore the Swiss Alps. The train runs between Chur and Tirano in Italy, passing through the stunning Albula and Bernina Passes. The journey takes approximately four hours, passing through scenic valleys, glistening glaciers, and quaint mountain villages.
14. The Montreux-Oberland Bernois Railway
The Montreux-Oberland Bernois Railway runs between Montreux and Zweisimmen, passing through the scenic Lavaux Vineyards and the Simmen Valley. The journey takes approximately two hours, passing through charming towns such as Gstaad and Rougemont. The train is also famous for its Belle Epoque carriages, offering passengers a nostalgic experience of Switzerland’s past.
15. The Pilatus Railway
The Pilatus Railway is a unique way to experience the beauty of the Swiss Alps.
The journey starts at Alpnachstad and ends at the Pilatus peak, located at a height of 2,132 meters. The train climbs up the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, passing through tunnels and over bridges, offering passengers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Pilatus peak is also famous for its panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and the Lake Lucerne region.
Conclusion
Switzerland is a country of unparalleled beauty and stunning landscapes, and the best way to experience it is by taking a train ride. The country boasts of having some of the most scenic train rides in the world, offering passengers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps, pristine lakes, and quaint mountain villages. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride or an adventure, there’s a train ride in Switzerland for everyone. So, pack your bags, hop on a train, and experience the beauty of Switzerland like never before.
FAQs
- What is the best time to take a train ride in Switzerland?
- The best time to take a train ride in Switzerland is during the summer months, from June to September. The weather is mild, and the scenery is at its best.
- Can I book train tickets in advance?
- Yes, you can book train tickets in advance through the Swiss Federal Railways website or app.
- What is the most scenic train ride in Switzerland?
- The most scenic train ride in Switzerland is a matter of personal preference. However, the Glacier Express, the Bernina Express, and the Jungfraujoch Railway are among the most popular train rides.
- Are the train rides in Switzerland expensive?
- Train rides in Switzerland can be expensive, but there are various travel passes and discounts available that can help you save money.
- Can I take a train ride in Switzerland in winter?
- Yes, you can take a train ride in Switzerland in winter, but some routes may be closed due to snow. It’s always best to check with the Swiss Federal Railways before planning your trip.
