Contents
- 1 Discover the Ultimate Switzerland Train Tour Itinerary for a Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
- 2 Start Your Journey
- 3 The Jungfrau Express to the Top of Europe
- 4 Golden Pass Express: Interlaken → Montreux
- 5 Travel to Zermatt and the Matterhorn and the Gornergrat Mountain Railway
- 6 Gornergrat Mountain Railway: Witness the Majestic Matterhorn
- 7 The Iconic Glacier Express: Travel Through the Land of Glaciers and Waterfalls
- 8 Bernina Express: Cross the Swiss-Italian Border on a UNESCO World Heritage Route
- 9 Gotthard Panorama Express: A Historic and Picturesque Journey Across Switzerland
- 10 Conclusion
Discover the Ultimate Switzerland Train Tour Itinerary for a Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
Imagine embarking on a journey through Switzerland, where every turn reveals a new breathtaking vista of snow-capped peaks, charming villages, and pristine lakes. This meticulously planned train tour itinerary promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you in awe of the beauty of the Swiss Alps. From the majestic Matterhorn to the UNESCO World Heritage routes, get ready to discover the ultimate Switzerland train tour itinerary that will take you on a mesmerizing adventure through Europe’s most scenic country. We are recommending an 11-day vacation as the best way to truly get to explore Switzerland. Get ready to witness the best of Switzerland on this unforgettable Grand Train Tour of Switzerland.
Switzerland Train Tour: Route Map
Shown below, please view a map of the recommended 11-day vacation tour that we suggest you take to truly enjoy Switzerland, and learn about the the German, French and Italian diverse regions of Switzerland.
If you wish to learn more about the cities we visited on this train tour, please see our post “Ten Best Cities to Visit in Switzerland in Fall by Train Tour.”
Start Your Journey
Most Likely you will be traveling to Switzerland by either plane or train as the country is entirely landlocked, or you may enter via Basel which is the southernmost port stop on the Rhine River Boat Tours. However, most likely, your entry points are either Geneva, on the French side of Switzerland, or Zurich on the German side. Since, Zurich is the entry point that is most popular we will plan the Itinerary starting in Zurich, travel to Lucerne by normal regional rail transport, and then onto Interlaken on the Luzern-Interlaken Express.
Should you decide to start your journey in Geneva, instead of Zurich, then we suggest you take the regional trains across the shores of Lake Geneva to the town of Montreux, where you will start your journey on the way to see the Matterhorn in the beautiful town of Zermatt (see below).
Bernese Oberland Region
Interlaken is the central administrative city of the Bernese Oberland Region where we will find Jungfraujoch, often called the “Top of Europe.” There we will catch local regional trains to little towns where we might stay overnight, and then catch the first of what we are calling the Six Premium Panoramic Trains, the Jungfrau Express. Train travel through Switzerland is a wonderful experience which will provide you with breathtaking views of Switzerland’s majestic mountains.
On the tour that Robin and Cos took in the Fall of 2025 (See our post on the Best Cities Switzerland), we stayed in Grindelwald which is a popular place for tour groups to stay in the Bernese Oberland. Rick Steves, is very specific in his Switzerland Tour Guide and recommends staying in Gimmelwald, as it is a more rustic classic Swiss mountain town. In any case, all are easily reached from Interlaken, which is also a fine place to stay for the first night of your train journey.
The Jungfrau Express to the Top of Europe
The Jungfrau Express—more formally known as the Jungfrau Railway (Jungfraubahn)—is one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world. It climbs through the heart of the Swiss Alps to reach the Jungfraujoch, often called the “Top of Europe.”
The journey begins at Kleine Scheidegg, already high in the Bernese Oberland between the Eiger and Lauberhorn mountains. From there, the Jungfrau Express ascends through a 7-kilometer (4.3-mile) tunnel that was blasted right through the Eiger and Mönch mountains—a remarkable feat of early 20th-century engineering.
Along the way, the train makes two short stops inside the mountain, where passengers can step out to panoramic viewing windows:
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Eigerwand (Eiger Wall): A window overlooking the famous North Face of the Eiger.
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Eismeer (Sea of Ice): A window revealing a dazzling glacier vista.
As the train continues climbing, the air thins and the light brightens—until suddenly you emerge at the Jungfraujoch station, perched between the peaks of the Mönch and Jungfrau.
At the Summit (Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe)
At the top, you’re met with a surreal, high-alpine world of snow, ice, and rock. Attractions include:
- Sphinx Observatory: An observation deck with 360° views over the Aletsch Glacier, the longest in Europe.
- Ice Palace: A tunnel of hand-carved ice sculptures within the glacier itself.
- Snow Fun Park (in summer): Tubing, skiing, and sledding in perpetual snow.
- Restaurants & Shops: Including one of the world’s highest chocolate shops and a Lindt boutique.
History & Significance
- Construction began in 1896 and finished in 1912, a monumental engineering project led by Adolf Guyer-Zeller.
- The goal: to make the high Alps accessible to ordinary travelers—without climbing gear.
- The Jungfraubahn still uses electric power, making it one of the earliest mountain railways to do so sustainably.
- Jungfraujoch is Europe’s highest railway station.
Fun Facts
- The gradient reaches 25%, one of the steepest in Europe.
- The line operates year-round, even in deep winter.
- The journey is often combined with routes from Interlaken → Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald → Kleine Scheidegg → Jungfraujoch.
Golden Pass Express: Interlaken → Montreux
The GoldenPass Express is one of Switzerland’s most enchanting train journeys, seamlessly linking the Bernese Oberland with the Swiss Riviera. Traveling from Interlaken to Montreux, it unfolds a cinematic transition—from snow-kissed peaks to palm-lined shores—in just over three unforgettable hours.
Switzerland Train Tour: The Journey
Departing Interlaken Ost, cradled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, the train glides past alpine chalets and emerald meadows framed by the mighty Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The crisp mountain air, dotted with church steeples and grazing cows, gives this leg a storybook serenity.
As the train winds toward Zweisimmen, you’ll pass through charming villages such as Gstaad, beloved by royals and celebrities alike for its understated luxury and wooden chalets. This section of the journey is pure alpine poetry—lush pastures, waterfalls, and peaks reflected in glassy streams.
At Zweisimmen, the train’s innovative gauge-changing technology quietly shifts beneath you, allowing the same train to continue on toward Montreux without interruption—a modern marvel that fulfills a century-old Swiss dream.
Then the mood begins to change. Forested slopes give way to terraced vineyards, and French language signs begin to appear as the train descends toward Lake Geneva. The air feels warmer, softer—Mediterranean almost. By the time you arrive in Montreux, you’ve traded alpine grandeur for the glamour of the Riviera, complete with palm trees, Belle Époque architecture, and shimmering lake views.
Design & Comfort
Every seat on the GoldenPass Express feels like the best seat in the house. Panoramic windows stretch into the ceiling, ensuring every twist and turn offers a postcard view. The Prestige Class elevates the experience further, with raised swivel seats, fine wood interiors, and at-seat dining—perfect for sipping wine as vineyards roll by.
A Legacy of Swiss Ingenuity
The GoldenPass route has linked Interlaken and Montreux for over a century, but the direct, no-change journey became possible only in 2022, thanks to variable-gauge technology. Operated by MOB and BLS, it’s both a nostalgic nod to golden-age train travel and a showcase of Swiss innovation.
Travel to Zermatt and the Matterhorn and the Gornergrat Mountain Railway
As you continue your Switzerland train tour, you will depart the feeling of the French Riviera and the calm waters of Switzerland, and return to the ruggedness of the Swiss Alps. Your three-hour train ride from Montreux will take you to Zermatt and one of the greatest mountain peaks in the whole world, the Matterhorn.
Gornergrat Mountain Railway: Witness the Majestic Matterhorn
As you reach the Gornergrat Mountain Railway, get ready to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the iconic Matterhorn peak. The panoramic views from the railway are nothing short of extraordinary, with the snow-capped mountains and rolling hills painting a picturesque scene around you. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture the breathtaking landscapes that unfold before your eyes.
The Gornergrat Mountain Railway is one of Switzerland’s most iconic and breathtaking train journeys—an alpine masterpiece that carries passengers from Zermatt up to the Gornergrat summit at 3,089 meters (10,135 feet), where the full majesty of the Matterhorn reveals itself.
Overview
- Route: Zermatt → Gornergrat
- Distance: 9.3 km (5.8 miles)
- Elevation gain: About 1,500 meters (4,900 feet)
- Duration: 33 minutes (each way)
- Type: Electric cogwheel railway
- Opened: 1898 — the first fully electrified cogwheel train in Switzerland
The Journey
The Gornergrat Railway begins its climb right beside Zermatt’s main station. Within minutes, the village rooftops fade away and you’re gliding above alpine meadows dotted with chalets and grazing sheep. The air cools quickly, the views open wider, and suddenly the Matterhorn—that perfect pyramid of stone and snow—dominates the horizon.
The train ascends steadily through forests, bridges, and tunnels, stopping at several scenic stations such as Findelbach, Riffelalp, Riffelberg, and Rotenboden, each with its own hiking trails and panoramic lookouts. The windows frame a living postcard at every turn: glaciers shimmering in the sun, waterfalls tumbling down cliffs, and wildflowers carpeting the slopes in summer.
As you approach Gornergrat, the world seems to open completely. The summit platform offers a 360° panorama of 29 mountain peaks over 4,000 meters, including the Monte Rosa massif and the vast Gorner Glacier. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the Alps—and for good reason.
At the Top
At the summit, you’ll find:
- The Kulmhotel Gornergrat, the highest hotel in Switzerland, housing an observatory and restaurant.
- Viewing terraces with direct lines of sight to the Matterhorn, changing hues with the light throughout the day.
- In winter, access to ski slopes and sled runs; in summer, hiking paths that wind through the high alpine landscape.
- It’s a place where time seems to pause—where the silence of snow and rock contrasts sharply with the steady hum of the cogwheel train below.
Engineering Marvel
Built in the late 19th century, the Gornergrat Railway was a technological triumph: the first electric cog railway in Switzerland, and among the highest in Europe. Even today, it runs entirely on hydroelectric power, making it both historic and sustainable.
Fun Facts
- The railway operates year-round, with open-air carriages in summer and heated ones in winter.
- On a clear day, you can see as far as the Dufourspitze, Switzerland’s highest peak (4,634 m / 15,203 ft).
- The Matterhorn reflection in nearby Riffelsee Lake (a short walk from Rotenboden station) is one of the most famous photos in the Alps.
After experiencing the majestic Matterhorn, your journey continues with the Glacier Express, where you will travel through the enchanting land of glaciers and waterfalls.
Embark on a journey through the land of
The Iconic Glacier Express: Travel Through the Land of Glaciers and Waterfalls
glaciers and waterfalls as you board the Glacier Express, a scenic train ride that promises an unforgettable experience. Marvel at the stunning landscapes that pass by your window, from cascading waterfalls to icy glaciers glistening in the sunlight. The Glacier Express offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Switzerland, providing a one-of-a-kind perspective of this captivating country.
As you traverse through this picturesque terrain, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the wonders of nature at every turn. The Glacier Express is not just a mode of transportation, but a gateway to a world of breathtaking scenery and unforgettable memories. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey as you make your way through the land of glaciers and waterfalls, taking in the beauty of Switzerland in all its glory.
The Glacier Express is clearly one of the best train rides, not just in Switzerland, but certainly all of Europe. However, to be honest, it is a bit overrated. It will offer you a great time and a full day of rail travel, especially if you go the full route from Zermatt to St Moritz. However, global warming has made the glaciers less evident, and the scenic routes are even more spectacular on the next train.
Next, get ready to cross the Swiss-Italian border on the Bernina Express, a UNESCO World Heritage Route that promises to take your Switzerland train tour to the next level.
Bernina Express: Cross the Swiss-Italian Border on a UNESCO World Heritage Route
As you continue your train journey through Switzerland, the Bernina Express offers a unique opportunity to cross the Swiss-Italian border on a UNESCO World Heritage Route. This iconic train ride promises to showcase the stunning beauty of the Alps while taking you on a captivating adventure through some of the most picturesque landscapes in Europe. Get ready to be mesmerized by the snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and charming villages that you’ll pass by along the way.
The Bernina Express is one of the world’s most spectacular scenic train journeys, operated by the Rhaetian Railway (RhB), and connecting parts of Switzerland with Italy. The route goes from cool alpine scenery (glaciers, high passes) down to more Mediterranean landscapes (trees, milder environs) as you approach Tirano, Italy. The full route is generally Chur (Switzerland) → Tirano (Italy) for the Bernina Express Route, (or sometimes St. Moritz ↔ Tirano) depending on the service.
Total distance is about 144 km (≈ 90 miles) and takes around 4 hours (some sources say 4h 30m for additional time depending on stops). It ascends to a high point at Ospizio Bernina (2,253 m above sea level), and goes through the Bernina Pass
Along the journey, the train crosses:
- 55 tunnels
- 196 bridges / viaducts
Famous structures include:
- Landwasser Viaduct (on the Albula line)
- Brusio spiral viaduct (loop viaduct) on the Bernina line in the descent into Italy
Tickets, Reservations & Practicalities
For the special Bernina Express panoramic service, seat reservations are mandatory. In summer, there is a bus connection from Tirano to Lugano (along Lake Como) which you can optionally take as an extension. That bus leg has its own reservation and cost.
Best Time & Tips
- The train operates year-round, though service patterns may differ in winter (snow landscapes) vs summer (green valleys).
- For photography and views, daylight hours are key; in winter days are shorter.
- Pick a seat on the side of the train with the more dramatic views for your direction of travel (depending which way you go).
- If possible, travel when there’s a clear sky to maximize scenic vistas.
- Arrive early or reserve ahead, as the panoramic train is popular with tourists.
Next, immerse yourself in a historic and picturesque journey across Switzerland on the Gotthard Panorama Express, where you’ll experience the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking scenery that this beautiful country has to offer.
Gotthard Panorama Express: A Historic and Picturesque Journey Across Switzerland
The Gotthard Panorama Express is a scenic “premium” route in Switzerland combining a boat and a panoramic train journey, linking Central Switzerland (Lucerne) with Ticino (Lugano) via the historic Gotthard mountain route.
Travel through time as you pass by historic sites, including the famous Gotthard Tunnel, which represents a significant engineering feat. The panoramic windows of the train will give you uninterrupted views of the stunning Swiss landscapes, from lush green valleys to towering mountains. The Gotthard Panorama Express is not just a train ride; it’s a full sensory experience that will leave you in awe of Switzerland’s natural beauty and rich history.
Prepare to be enchanted as you embark on this unforgettable journey that combines history, culture, and unparalleled beauty. The Gotthard Panorama Express is a must-do for anyone looking to truly experience the heart and soul of Switzerland on an immersive and unforgettable train tour.
Overview & Route
The Gotthard Panorama Express travels north–south (or vice versa) between Lucerne and Lugano, via the Gotthard mountain route and crossing Lake Lucerne. The trip is split into two main legs:
- Boat / steamer / motor vessel on Lake Lucerne from Lucerne to Flüelen (or via intermediate stops)
- Panoramic train from Flüelen (or Arth-Goldau) over the historic Gotthard railway line, passing through engineering features (spiral loops, tunnels, scenic valleys) toward Lugano / Bellinzona
The route is celebrated for combining two modes (boat + train), offering contrasts: serene lake waters, mountain terrain, and a transition from the German-speaking north to the more Mediterranean Ticino in the south.
When It Runs / Schedule
The service is seasonal, typically operating from mid-April to mid-October. The total journey time is around 5 h 30 min (boat + train) for the full Lucerne ↔ Lugano route. Reservations and supplements are required.
Highlights & Scenic / Technical Features
- The train portion traverses classic alpine engineering: spiral loops, helical tunnels (looping design) to gain altitude gently, dramatic valleys, etc.
- One famous viewpoint is the church at Wassen, which the train passes such that it is visible from multiple angles (thanks to loops).
- Swiss Flag waivers often great the train as it passes by the church.
- On the lake leg, you pass historic / symbolic sites: Rütli Meadow (legendary birthplace of Swiss Confederation), Tell’s Chapel, Schiller Stone, etc.
- Onboard, there is typically an audio / visual commentary guide about the route, history, and landscape.
- The panoramic coaches have large windows, and in some parts, coaches allow you to move between them for better photo-angles. The panoramic coaches require 1st class reservations, so be sure to request first class if you want a great view.
Practical Tips & Things to Watch Out For
- Since it’s seasonal, if you travel outside April–October, the official “Panorama Express” won’t operate. But you can still travel on standard trains (via the classic Gotthard route) or via the newer Gotthard Base Tunnel (faster but less scenic) for much of the same path.
- Always reserve in advance, especially for high season, because there is limited capacity.
- Make sure your travel pass / discount status is compatible and understand the extra costs (supplement, first-class upgrade, etc.).
- If your itinerary allows, consider doing the route one way via the Panorama Express and the return by a standard train to contrast speed vs scenery.
- Switzerland Train Tour Packages, Swiss Travel Pass, ans Swiss Half Fare Card
Conclusion
Embark on the journey of a lifetime through Switzerland’s breathtaking landscapes with this meticulously planned train tour itinerary. From the majestic Matterhorn to the UNESCO World Heritage route of the Bernina Express, each leg of the journey offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the best that Switzerland has to offer, from must-see destinations to hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Start planning your own adventure today and let the beauty of Switzerland captivate your senses. As you board these iconic trains and witness the wonders of this picturesque country, you’ll find yourself immersed in the magic of Europe’s most scenic landscapes. A once-in-a-lifetime experience awaits – all you hav
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