The Bernina Express
One of the most beautiful train journeys on earth begins in the eastern Swiss Engadin Alps, in Chur, Switzerland’s oldest town, and ends in Tirano, in Italy. It travels along the steepest railway line in the world, and the highest in Europe, across spectacular glacial landscapes and alpine forests. Part of the railway line – Thusis to Tirano – is Unesco listed.
The Glacier Express
Spend the day on the train. In winter, the landscape is an expanse of white meeting blue on the horizon; in summer, its vivid pastures are covered in wildflowers. Whenever you go, stop at Landwasser Welt, an outdoor attraction that brings Unesco-listed Landwasser Viaduct and its environs to life through five terrific, themed adventures, focussing on railway, culture, agriculture, forest and water.
The Jungfrau Railway
This route travels between Kleine Scheidegg, at the foot of the Elger, Mönch and Jungfrau Mountains, and Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station. From your seat you’ll see the Jungfrau Tunnel, a feat of engineering cut through the Eiger and Mönch mountains, and the Jungfraujoch’s Sphinx observation platform, in Unesco-listed Jungfrau-Aletsch. Use your Swiss Travel Pass for a 25% discount
The Gornergrat
Switzerland’s first electric cogwheel railway and still Europe’s highest became the first to reach the top of Gornergrat Mountain in 1898. The platform at the summit gives 360° views of the Matterhorn and 28 other peaks higher than 4,000m. The railway scores high on sustainability: it’s powered by 100% renewable hydropower and returns the energy generated to the power grid.
Gotthard Panorama Express
The Gotthard Panorma Express – a combined train and boat journey – provides land and water views of the mountains. Crossing Lake Lucerne, the natural beauty of Central Switzerland will envelop you, with Mount Riga to the east, Mount Pilatus to the west and Bürgenstock to the south. Disembark to enjoy lakeside villages such as Weggis and Vitznau, then jump back on to Flüelen for the train to Lugano.
Voralpen Railway
The Voralpen Railway takes you through countryside that resembles a Sound of Music filmset – gentle hills, pastures and pretty villages. Before boarding, take time to explore St Gallen, especially its Unesco-listed abbey district, the cathedral and the library. The 125km journey can be split with stops in Wattwil, Rapperswil and Arth Goldau.
Centovalli Railway
With a name that means “100 valleys”, you have a hint of what to expect on this wonderful route between Locarno in Switzerland and Domodossola in Italy. Crossing 83 bridges and 31 tunnels, through wild chestnut forests and vineyards, teasing with glimpses of waterfalls and tempting with cliffs, this is a magical trip.
Golden Pass Express
When the Golden Pass Express was launched three years ago it opened up a direct service between Montreux, Gstaad and Interlaken. Passengers can take their seat to enjoy incredible views of Lake Geneva, before climbing high into the mountains, travelling through Jaman Tunnel and out into the Gruyere region.
Luzern-Interlaken Express
In just two hours, this train takes in some of Switzerland’s most enchanting scenery. Starting in Lucerne, you’ll move to the dense forests, peaks and lake of Sarnen, then climb to the summit of the route. Here the landscapes stretch out towards the Bernese Alps, with the Giesbbach Falls plunging down 14 tiers into Lake Brienz.
The Grand Tour of Switzerland
If you would rather do an epic rail journey that combines a few routes, including the Bernina and Glacier Express, consider the Grand Tour. Among the highlights are the Eiger and Mönch mountains, five alpine passes and several unesco-listed sites. The Swiss Travel Pass is valid throughout.
