Switzerland, a land of breathtaking landscapes, delicious food and amazing rail system. If you’re planning to visit Switzerland, there’s no better way to explore its natural beauty than through its world-renowned rail network.
Switzerland’s rail journeys are more than just transportation, they’re an experience. Whether you’re riding up to the “Top of Europe“, or travelling through UNESCO World Heritage sites, each route offers a unique blend of scenic wonder and, I’m telling you, hard to beat Swiss precision.
In this guide, we’ll take you through six of the most spectacular train journeys in Switzerland, showcasing why these rail adventures are bucket-list experiences for travelers worldwide.
So if you’re e a nature enthusiast and a culture lover, or simply seeking some away time, our professional insights will help you embark on a memorable Swiss adventure.
What do you say? Let’s get on board.
Rigi & Pilatus Rail Tours
Let’s first talk about Rigi & Pilatus railways. The route begins in Lucerne, the most beautiful city of Switzerland, located on the shores of Lake Lucerne, and takes travelers to two of the region’s most famous peaks: Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus.
Mount Rigi, affectionately known as the “Queen of the Mountains”, is one of Switzerland’s most iconic peaks, and it offers a breathtaking experience to anyone, from . Standing at 1,798 meters/5,898 feet, Rigi is located at the crossroads of Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug, and Lake Lauerz, providing some of the most panoramic views in the region. The mountain is not only famous for its sweeping vistas but also for its rich history, which dates back centuries, making it a must-visit destination.
The Rigi Railway, which first opened in 1871, is the oldest cogwheel railway in Europe. This historic train journey is an essential part of the Mount Rigi experience. The journey starts from Vitznau, a lakeside town at the base of the mountain, where passengers board the cogwheel train to begin their ascent. As the train makes its way up, it passes through lush meadows where you can spot the authentic Swiss cows, and small mountain villages, all while offering stunning views of Lake Lucerne, the Swiss Alps, and the Engadine region in the distance.
On clear days, the vista stretches across Lake Lucerne to the Swiss Alps, including Mount Pilatus and Mount Titlis, and further out to the Black Forest in Germany and the Vosges Mountains in France. The summit also boasts several restaurants, observation decks, and hiking paths, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the alpine landscape. The iconic Rigi Kulm, the peak of Mount Rigi, is the highest point, where the views are especially breathtaking at sunrise and sunset, making it a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers.
For those looking to explore the mountain on foot, Mount Rigi offers a variety of well-marked hiking trails suitable for all levels of experience. The Rigi Panorama Trail offers easy to moderate routes that take visitors around the peak, providing stunning views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. There are also more challenging hikes for avid adventurers, including trails that lead to the neighboring peaks or descend to other scenic villages.
Mount Pilatus
One of the most striking peaks in Switzerland, located just a short distance from the city of Lucerne, making it easily accessible for travelers seeking an unforgettable mountain experience. Rising to 2,132 meters/6,995 feet, Pilatus is a prominent landmark that offers visitors not only spectacular views but also a wide range of activities and unique features that make it a must-visit destination in the Swiss Alps.
The journey to the summit of Pilatus is an adventure in itself. The Pilatus Railway, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, takes travelers from Alpnachstad (located on the shores of Lake Lucerne) to the peak of Mount Pilatus. The railway reaches gradients of up to 48%, making the ride a thrilling experience. As the train ascends, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of Lucerne, Lake Lucerne, and the surrounding Swiss Alps, including the Rigi and Bürgenstock mountains.
At the summit, visitors are greeted with 360-degree views that are truly unparalleled. On clear days, you can see as far as the Black Forest in Germany, the Vosges Mountains in France, and the towering peaks of the Swiss Alps. The panoramic views of Lake Lucerne, with its crystal-clear waters and surrounding towns, offer a spectacular contrast to the rugged beauty of the alpine landscape. There are several viewing platforms, including the PILATUS Kulm, where visitors can enjoy the sweeping vistas and capture photographs of the dramatic scenery.
The mountain is also a popular destination for hiking, with numerous trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging routes. One of the highlights is the Pilatus Summit Trail, which offers a thrilling hike with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. For those looking for a more relaxed way to explore, there are also circular walks that provide fantastic views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding countryside.
One of the more exciting attractions is the Dragon Ride, a modern cable car that offers a thrilling descent from the summit. The cable car’s name comes from the mountain’s mythological connection with dragons. According to legend, the mountain was home to a dragon that caused storms and was later slain by a brave knight.
Pilatus also holds a place in Swiss history and folklore. The mountain was long believed to be inhabited by dragons, and its name is derived from the Latin “Pilatus,” believed to be named after Pontius Pilate, who was said to have been buried on the mountain. Over the centuries, Pilatus has attracted visitors for its legend, as well as for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Grindelwald: Jungfrau Railway
The Jungfrau Railway is one of the most extraordinary rail journeys in the world. Starting from Grindelwald, a picturesque alpine village nestled at the foot of the towering Eiger and Wetterhorn mountains, the journey leads to Jungfraujoch, often referred to as the “Top of Europe”, located at a staggering 3,454 meters/11,332 feet above sea level.
The train ride offers a front-row seat to some of the most spectacular alpine vistas in Switzerland. The line also passes through the Eiger North Face, one of the most famous and challenging mountain faces in the world, a highlight that thrill-seekers and mountaineering enthusiasts will certainly appreciate.
The final destination, Jungfraujoch, is a unique experience in itself, it offers 360-degree panoramic views of some of the highest peaks in the Bernese Alps, including the mighty Mönch, Eiger, and Jungfrau mountains, along with sprawling glaciers like the Aletsch Glacier, the longest in Europe.
At the station, visitors can explore several attractions, including the Ice Palace, where sculptures are carved into the ice, and the Sphinx Observatory, one of the highest observatories in the world, offering breathtaking views and a chance to marvel at the surrounding snowfields and glaciers.
Beyond the spectacular views, the Jungfrau Railway journey is a feat of engineering. The line travels through tunnels, viaducts, and over steep gradients to reach the high-altitude Jungfraujoch, where the combination of dramatic landscapes and technological innovation creates an unforgettable adventure.
This train journey offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the Swiss Alps in all their grandeur.
Rail Tours Switzerland: The Golden Pass Line
The GoldenPass Line is not only one of the most scenic train routes in Switzerland but also a remarkable engineering feat that offers both technical and historical intrigue. Spanning around 191 kilometers/119 miles, the GoldenPass Line connects Montreux, located on the shores of Lake Geneva, to Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz in the heart of the Bernese Oberland.
Beginning in Montreux, the journey starts along the shores of Lake Geneva, where passengers are treated to sweeping views of the lake’s crystal-clear waters framed by vineyards and the distant snow-capped Alps. The train travels through picturesque villages, each with its own distinct charm, such as Vevey and Chillon, where the famous Chillon Castle overlooks the lake. The route is especially popular during spring and summer when the lush vineyards are in full bloom, adding to the vibrancy of the landscape.
As the train moves away from the lake and ascends into the Alps, the landscape transforms dramatically. The GoldenPass Line takes passengers through Gstaad, a glamorous alpine village known for its upscale charm, before heading deeper into the mountains.Along the way, the train passes charming Swiss towns and peaceful meadows, with the impressive Bernese Oberland mountains rising in the background.
Arriving in Interlaken, the route ends in a town known for its adventure sports and proximity to some of Switzerland’s most famous peaks, like the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The GoldenPass Line not only provides an opportunity to travel between two of Switzerland’s most iconic destinations but also immerses you in a variety of landscapes—from the serene lakeside to alpine meadows and rugged mountain views—making it one of the most scenic and varied train journeys in the country.
Gotthard Panorama Express
The Gotthard Panorama Express offers one of Switzerland’s most unique and scenic rail journeys, combining the charm of a leisurely boat ride across Lake Lucerne with a panoramic train ride through the heart of the Swiss Alps. This captivating route not only showcases Switzerland’s natural beauty but also offers a glimpse into the country’s rich rail history, making it a must-do for any traveler looking to explore the Alps in style.
The journey can begin from Lucern or from Lugano, depending on your preference. Starting from the city of Lucerne, travelers embark on a scenic cruise ride across Lake Lucerne, which offers stunning views of the crystal-clear waters framed by the surrounding peaks, including Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus. The boat ride is a leisurely and relaxing way to take in the views, with the calm waters of the lake reflecting the majestic mountains and picturesque villages along the shoreline.
Once the boat arrives at the lakeside town of Flüelen, the scenic train portion of the journey towards Lugano begins. Passengers board the Gotthard Panorama Express, a specially designed train offering panoramic windows for unobstructed views of the spectacular Swiss Alps. The train winds its way through the Gotthard Pass, an important historical route that has been used for centuries to cross the Alps.
The Gotthard Panorama Express is also a celebration of Switzerland’s rail history. The Gotthard Pass, one of the most significant and oldest rail routes in Europe, was first traversed in 1882 by the Gotthard Railway, which was instrumental in connecting the north and south of Switzerland. Today, this route offers a glimpse into Switzerland’s heritage while providing a modern-day journey through stunning landscapes.
This journey is perfect for those looking to experience the essence of Swiss landscapes and history in a relaxed, immersive manner, whether in the clear, calm waters of Lake Lucerne or the towering, breathtaking peaks of the Swiss Alps.
Rail Tours Switzerland: Bernina Express
The Bernina Express is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and breathtaking scenic train journeys in the world, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience through some of Switzerland’s most spectacular landscapes. This route takes travelers from Chur to Tirano in Italy. What sets the Bernina Express apart is its ability to traverse the Swiss Alps, weaving through some of the most dramatic and diverse terrains while offering passengers unparalleled views of glaciers and towering, snow-capped peaks.
The journey is a true celebration of natural beauty, with the train passing through UNESCO World Heritage sites, specifically the Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscapes. This designation highlights the historic and engineering significance of the railway, which has been connecting the Alpine region since the early 20th century.
The train’s route is renowned for crossing 196 bridges and passing through 55 tunnels, including the famous Spiral Viaduct near Brusio. These feats of engineering allow the train to navigate the steep gradients of the Alps, giving passengers a unique perspective of the stunning landscapes. As it ascends towards the Bernina Range, the Bernina Express passes through forests, picturesque valleys, and pristine lakes, such as the emerald Lago Bianco, before reaching the highest point of the journey, the Bernina Pass, at 2,253 meters/7,392 feet above sea level.
One of the highlights of the journey is the view of the Morteratsch Glacier and the stunning vistas of the surrounding mountain peaks, including Piz Bernina, the highest peak in the Eastern Alps.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Bernina Express is a triumph of railway engineering. The route was designed to conquer the difficult Alpine terrain while minimizing environmental impact, and it remains a feat of technological innovation. The journey is conducted in modern, panoramic carriages that allow for unobstructed views of the surroundings, making it the perfect way to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps in comfort and style.
Zermatt: The Glacier Express route
The Glacier Express, often celebrated as the “slowest express train in the world,” offers an extraordinary journey through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Spanning 291 kilometers/181 miles, this iconic route connects the glamorous mountain resorts of Zermatt, home to the legendary Matterhorn, and St. Moritz, a playground for the world’s elite. Taking approximately 8 hours, the Glacier Express allows passengers to enjoy a leisurely exploration of Switzerland’s most stunning alpine landscapes, combining natural beauty, technical ingenuity, and unparalleled comfort.
The route begins in Zermatt at an altitude of 1,600 meters/5,250 feet and ascends to its highest point at the Oberalp Pass, reaching 2,033 meters/6,670 feet. This stunning alpine pass offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and tranquil mountain lakes. As the train descends, it crosses into the Rhine Gorge, often called the “Grand Canyon of Switzerland,” with its dramatic cliffs and rugged terrain.
Along the way, the Glacier Express crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels, showcasing Swiss engineering expertise in navigating the rugged alpine terrain.
The Glacier Express trains are designed with panoramic windows that stretch from floor to ceiling, ensuring passengers enjoy uninterrupted views of the breathtaking surroundings.
The onboard experience is just as memorable as the scenery. Passengers can choose from second class, first class, or the ultra-luxurious Excellence Class, which features wide, comfortable seats, a personal concierge, and a gourmet six-course meal. In all classes, freshly prepared meals are served at your seat, with a menu that highlights Swiss culinary traditions and fine wines. Multilingual audio guides provide fascinating commentary about the landmarks, history, and culture along the route.
