Is there a train route in Switzerland that is not scenic? My answer would be no. This is why if you go to Switzerland you should always include at least one train trip in your itinerary. A train ride through Switzerland will be one of your best travel memories
Switzerland is landlocked, but it is a land of water. From alpine lakes to majestic waterfalls, from river gorges to the vast water bodies of Lac Leman and Bodeensee - just to name a few, you will never be far away from stunning water scenery,
It is also a land of mountains peaks, delightful valleys and beautiful medieval castles. Postcard-perfect mountain villages and lakeside resorts vie for attention with elegant cities and vine-covered hills. What is the best way to see all this beauty? The train of course!
Here are ten scenic train trips spanning the width and breadth of Switzerland.
What you might see from a Swiss train © Ricardo Gomez Angel
My experience of travelling through Switzerland by train
My first experience of travelling through Switzerland was on a night train between Milan and Paris. Switzerland was just a country I was passing through. When the train left Milano Centrale and crossed the border, for a while I kept reading my book. It was late autumn and the moment we left the city lights of Milano behind the world outside my window became dark and uninteresting. Then we entered Switzerland, and I lifted my head from the book I was reading. I realised we were travelling through forests and valleys covered in snow, with the outlines of some alpine peaks in the distance. For a couple of hours, all I did was stare out of the window, enthralled by the winter wonderland the train had brought to me. Every journey through Switzerland I have done ever since, has brought the gift of treasured memories.
This post will cover the reasons why you should consider train trips as part of your journey through Switzerland, and share with you my favourite scenic rides, to tempt you to fit train excursions into your Swiss holidays.
1: Why travel through Switzerland by train?
2: Switzerland's most scenic train trips
3: Discover Switzerland, one train journey at a timeÂ
Zurich train station© Ellen Jenni/Unsplash
1: Why travel through Switzerland by train?
The Swiss know that the train is the best way to see their country, and that is why their tourist office has always promoted train tourism, long before sustainability was on the agenda.
Switzerland is a paradise for sustainable travellers. Their tourist board coined the term 'swisstainable,' and it is an accurate reflection of your travel experience. Trains go almost everywhere, including on top of mountains. They connect with boats, buses, and even cable cars. No country tells you: 'Move around by train as clearly as Switzerland.' So, just do it,
While some of the most scenic Swiss train rides are designed for tourists, most of them are on what the Swiss would call ordinary rail routes. Try any one of them, and you'll realise that each and every train journey in Switzerland is simply extraordinary!
A view from Sion, Switzerland © Martin Adams/Unsplash
The Swiss train network is one of the prides of this small and beautiful country. Tunnels through alpine granite, spectacular viaducts overlooking valleys and gorgest, the steepest climb and the highest train station in Europe, and wherever you go, magnificent views of earth, sky, and water. So whether you are passing through or spending time in Switzerland, make the most of SSB (the Federal Swiss Railways), and their excellent services.
Switzerland can be an expensive country for food and accommodation, but I find their trains incredibly good value, reliable, inclusive, and scenic. For point to point journeys, if you are passing through, it makes sense to buy a ticket.
Children travel free until 6 and for half price between 6 and sixteen, dogs pay half second class price or a reasonable Day Dog Pass, and I believe it is the only country where you can even buy a monthly travelcard for your four-legged friend? Of course, bicycles are welcome on trains, although you may need a reservation - check your train before you travel - and pay a reasonable bike Day Pass.
If you are planning to spend a few days or more in Switzerland, and are not a Swiss resident, it makes sense to buy a Swiss Travel Pass, They can be of different durations, and included in the price is use of trains, buses, boats, local public transport in 90 towns or villages, and entry to over 500 museums,
So, without further ado, here are my 10 favourite Swiss train rides.
2: Switzerland's most scenic train trips
My principles for inclusion in the guide are: a variety of landscapes, from the Alps to the the lakes, including some of Switzerland's cities and resorts. Warning: in some cases the route is so incredibly beautiful that it makes sense to get off, explore and resume your journey. This is where the travel pass, even for one day, may prove useful!
1.The Bernina Express
Are you looking for an incredible way to enter Switzerland from Italy? The Bernina express service from Tirano in Italy to St Moritz (or Chur) in Switzerland is even included on the UNESCO World Heritage list does. 55 tunnels and 196 bridges; the highest railway tracks in Europe; and the steepest in the world; a masterpiece of engineering for a journey that takes you from the palm trees of Tirano past some of the most spectacular alpine scenery of peaks, waterfalls, turquoise lakes and glaciers.
The one-way journey takes 4 hours. The service is run by Rhetian Railways and you can book your tickets in advance here.
You can also do it as a return trip to enjoy the scenery. It will be just as beautiful the second time!
Morteratsch Glacier © Andreas Stutz/Unsplash
Alternatively, the Bernina Express bus takes you from Tirano to Lugano, via lake Como, so you can appreciate another bit of Italy before discovering another corner of Switzerland.
2.Lucerne to Interlaken
This journey begins in Lucerne, a city and area that have so much going for them you can easily spend a week there, swimming in the lake in summer or hiking up or around Mount Rigi (and maybe enjoying the thermal baths at the top) or Mount Pilatus.
The train to Interlaken is a 2-hour journey through a landscape of blue lakes that look like alpine jewels, mountains and waterfalls.
Lucerne © Gertjie Caliguire/Unsplash
After coasting the Sarnen and Lungern lakes, one of the most spectacular moments will be when you enter the Bernese Oberland via the Brünig Pass. The steep uphill is a marvel of Swiss engineering, and the stunning views from the top prepare you for more wonders on the other side. The train reaches the tourquoise waters of Lake Brienz, and stops at the appropriately names Interlaken - it sits between two lakes, Brienz, and Thun.
Lake Brienz © Timon Studler/Unsplash
The two lakes are right next to each other and yet feel very different. Thun is one of the bluest lakes I have ever seen, and overlooked by a a castle of the same name. On its shore is also the medieval village of Spiez. Brienz has a more 'natural' vibe, if you can use the term for Switzerland, with windsurfers against the backdrop of alpine huts.
In summer they are both crossed by boats and wonderful for a refreshing swim.
There are frequent direct trains - one per hour.
3. Interlaken to Jungfraujoch
From Interlaken, you can catch the Jungfrau railway and reach Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest-altitude railway station at 3454 metres. You can even send an old fashioned postcard from up there as there is a post office!
When you reach the top, you will the in the middle of a UNESCO-World Heritage area, which includes the Aletsch, the largest glacier in the Alps.
You will have to pinch yourself as the might and beauty is beyond imagination.
Interlaken © Tucker Monticelli/Unsplash
There are a few changes, but they are all opportunities for soaking the magnificence of the landscapes around you. From Interlaken Ost, you will change at Grindelwald and then Eigergletscher (Eiger Glacier), before reaching Jungfraujoch.
The train to Jungfraujoch © Patrick Robert Doyle/Unsplash
4. Interlaken to Montreux
If glaciers are not your thing, there is another journey from Interlaken that allows to appreciate the huge variety of Swiss landscapes in just over three hours. The ride between Interlaken and Montreux first runs alongside Lake Thun, then crosses the Simmen valley before entering the canton of Valais, so passing from German to French speaking Switzerland.
Spiez, Lake Thun © Alin Anderson/Unsplash
It follows the valley carved by the river Rhone, in what is considered the sunniest part of Switzerland.. While majestic alpine peaks form the backdrop, the hills either side of the valley are covered in vineyards and castle. This kind of landscape continues as the train enters the next canton, Vaud. There the UNESCO-Heritage Lavaux Vineyards give way to gentler landscapes as you approach Lac Leman at the height of the iconic Chillon Castle, before reaching the lush shores of Lac Leman at Montreux.
Montreux © Ilja Hantsch/Unsplash
The journey between Interlaken and Montreux takes just over 3 hours direct. The train takes its time to wind its way through the magnificent valleys.
There are also a number of indirect services. Although they require two stops , they are on faster trains. If you want a leisurely journey the slow service is better, but one advantage of the fast service is the opportunity to explore the beautiful medieval village of Spiez on Lake Thun.
5. Montreux to Zermatt
For a quintessential Swiss journey, Toblerone in hand, get yourself a ticket from Montreux to Zermatt.
You'll leave the lush shores of Lac Leman behind, ride along the Lavaux Vineyards and through sunny Valais to Visp, where you'll change for the car-free alpine resort of Zermatt. As the train climbs almost 1km in altitude, through stunning alpine scenery, you'll make out the unmistakable frame of the Matterhorn, the 'mountain of mountains.'
Matterhorn from Zermatt © Victor He/Unsplash
The journey takes 2 hours 40 including the change in Visp. If you have time, turn Visp into a stopover and explore the old town centre with delightful cobbled streets and old buildings.
From Zermatt you can catch the cog rail to Gornergrat, for the best views of Matterhorn.
6. Zermatt to Saint Moritz
This slow journey (about 8 hours) it is an incredible opportunity to process the beauty of the Alps from your seat. Called the 'Glacier Express' for obvious reasons, it leaves Zermatt behind to snake its way through the Cantons of Valais, Uri and Grisons, 91 tunnels and 291 bridges offer unobstructed views of magnificent mountains and gorges, including the spectacular Rhine gorge.
Landwasser viaduct © Johannes Hoffmann
If you need a break from the mountain scenery, Chur, Switzerland's oldes city, is one of the stops.
Rhine Gorge © Claudio Schwarz/Unsplash
7. Lugano to Lucerne
The Lugano to Lucerne line allows you experience two very different lakes, one with an almost Mediterranean flair - it is at the same latitude as Lake Maggiore and Lake Como - and one with a more northern, central European vibe. Between the two lakes, the rail tracks run along valleys surrounded by steep mountains, with idlyllic villages , forests and waterfalls.
Whichever direction you travel in, a stop in Bellinzona, the historic capital of Italian-speaking Ticino, is well worth it.
Lake Lugano © Antonio Sessa/Unsplash
The Treno Gottardo runs hourly all year round, and takes 2 hours 40 between Lugano and Lucerne.
In the warmer months you have the alternative of taking the train only from Lugano to Flüelen and then cross Lake Lucerne on a ferry boat.
Lake Lucerne © Zach Gilseth/Unsplash
If you travel in the other direction, you can continue on Locarno, the last stop of the train, on the Swiss shore of Lake Maggiore - and if you feel adventurous and have time get on a ferry through Lake Maggiore from there,
8. Luzern to St. Gallen
The journey starts in Luzern, whose lake is dominated by two mighty mountains, Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus, and the Central Swiss Alps are a solid backdrop. The landscape them becomes gentler and softer, but you'll never be far from mountains, water, castles and delightful villages.
The direct panoramic train called Voralpen Express rides along the top end of Lake Lucerne and the southern end of Lake Zug, then makes its way towards lake Zurich and actually crosses the southern end of the lake! It then reaches fairytale Rapperswill, known as 'the city of roses.' before another dramatic stretch culminating in the Sitterviadukt, Switzerland's highest railway bridge.
Rapperswil © Seb Mooze/Unsplash
The journey ends at the university city of St Gallen. The city centre, now dominated by the rococo basilica and elegant burger houses, started life in the dark ages as an abbey, and rose to be one of the great cultural centres of Carolingian and early medieval Europe. The abbey library (open to the public) houses one of the greatest manuscript collections in the world, and its rotating exhibitions help you appreciate the role that this small settlement by the Bodensee (Lake Constance) played in European history.
St Gallen cathedral square © Alin Andersen/Unsplash
The direct Voralpen express leaves every two hours and takes two hours and 16 minutes.
There are very frequent indirect services via Zurich. The route is slightly less scenic- we are talking of extremely high Swiss standards, but it is still a delightful ride along lake Zug, and you will travel through the pretty medieval city of Winterthur, a jewel with parks gardens castles and world class art collections, surrounded by a countryside dotted with castles, fortresses and vineyards. Definitely worth a stop!
9. St Gallen to Zürich via Schaffhausen
I admit to having a soft spot for Switzerland, but if I have to name my most loved destination in Switzerland Schaffhausen is definitely in my top three.
Leaving the history-steeped city of St. Gallen, the train heads towards Bodensee (Lake Constance). The Bodensee has a Swiss, a German and an Austrian side. The train follows the shoreline on the Swiss side in its entirety, before following the Rhine from Stein am Rhein to Schaffhausen. This stretch of the river is magnificent. Forests still fill both banks and when the occasional village or house appears it feels in harmony with the surrounding.
View from Munot fortress © Anthony Gomez/Unsplash
At the top of the postcard-perfect city of Schaffhausen, with oriel houses and cobbled streets, is the imposing Munot Fortress, on a hill covered in vineyards. If you think the city is splendid, wait until you reach the outskirts on the opposite side. After Schaffhausen the train snakes through the bends in the Rhine before a railway bridge offers you one of Europe's most magnificent views. First the tracks head very close to a beautiful castle perched on top of a rock and and almost immediately they turn into a railway bridge. You will actually ride above the continent's largest waterfalls: the Rhine Falls! Another wonder of Swiss engineer, the railway bridge of Eglisau, awaits you before the train heads for Zurich.
Rhine Falls © Harry Dona/Unsplash
The whole journey, with a change in Schaffhausen, takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. If you have the time, get off and explore the city. It is even possible to walk to the Rhine Falls from Schaffhausen, an experience I recommend. The walk takes just under one hour each way, and you arrive at the bottom of the falls, so you get a different perspective - and you can catch one of the boat trips on the Rhine too.
Then you can head back, catch your train to Zürich, and admire the waterfalls from thetop.
If you enjoy boat trips, in summer you can also get off the train at Stein am Rhein and arrive in Schaffhausen by boat!
10. The Centovalli
Going back to the beginning of the article, here is another incredible way to travel between Italy and Switzerland or viceversa.
The Vigezzina - Centovalli Railway runs between Locarno in Switzerland to Domodossola in Italy. In 50 km you go from the lush lemon-scented shores of Lago Maggiore, to vine-covered hills and thick deciduous forests.
Locarno © MIchael Gorog/Unsplash
To add to the magic these forests have grown over the dividing line between the African and European continental plates. It is wonderful at every time of the year. Waterfalls, forests and rocky outcrops whisks you literally away from modern life. But it is arguably one of Europe's best train rides for foliage, so if you are planning to visit Switzerland or northern Italy in autumn do bear it in mind.
Vigezzo valley © Giorgio Cantoni/Unsplash
The journey, run by the Vigezzina -Cent0valli Railways, takes under 2 hours, and you can buy the ticket here.
If you are coming from Italy, you can begin your journey in Milan, take a regional train do Domodossola (ca. 1h30), which follows for quite a while the western side of Lake Maggiore, so you can catch a glimpse of its blue waters and clusters of islands before heading inland to Domossola. Or you can get off the train in Stresa, and catch a lake ferry to Locarno from there before enjoying your Centovalli experience in the afternoon.
If you are coming from Switzerland, you can make this an add-on to your Lucerne-Lugano ride.
3: Discover Switzerland one train journey at a time
Whether you are passing through Switzerland or are making it your main destination, never give up the opportunity of going there and travelling around the country by train. It will be one of the highlights of your journey. And the size of the country means that many of these journeys can even be done as day trips!
The journeys I have listed are the most popular, but if there is a country where you can get on a train or bus almost at random and be sure to surprised by pristine beauty at every corner, it is Switzerland. I try and visit every year, so, stay tuned. I will write more posts on Swiss travel regularly.
If you have any questions reading this post, do get in touch through the contact form. And do not forget to subscribe to the blog to get my weekly posts on train and road trips through Europe directly into your inbox.
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