As it slowly rolls into the platform, Voralpen Express Switzerland resembles a golden arrow. This slender, modern, single-decker train painted gold is sure to leave an impression. Stadler FLIRT3 “Traverso” has been in operation since 2019 and runs as Voralpen Express, connecting Lucerne and St. Gallen, and as Treno Gottardo, connecting Basel with Lugano.Â
Let’s have a look at what Voralpen Express Switzerland has to offer.
Lucerne and St. Gallen with Voralpen Express
Two cultural centres
Both cities boast a rich cultural offer. Besides multiple museums and art galleries, Lucerne is a Swiss center of classical music. KKL (Kultur- und Kongresszentrum Luzern), whose prominent silhouette tower over the lakeside right next to the train station, has a world-class concert hall with almost perfect acoustics.
St. Gallen Abbey, on the other hand, is famous for its magnificent library with one of the world’s richest collections of precious manuscripts. Its opulent rococo interior was designed in the mid-18th century.
If you have a zest for exploring historical places, a trip on Voralpen Express Switzerland might be just perfect for you.Â
Rail tour across the Prealps
If you’d like to travel with Voralpen Express Switzerland, we have a perfect offer for you. On our ECHO Rail 12-day Grand Train Tour of Switzerland, we explore both cities traveling across the Swiss Prealps. In Lucerne, we stroll around the old town, visiting the medieval Chapel Bridge, the church of St. Leodegar, and other historic sites.
In St. Gallen, we visit the abbey and the library. Here, we can admire a fantastic collection of old manuscripts and literary treasures, for instance, a manuscript of the Gospel of St. John from 800 AD.Â
The Highlights of Voralpen Express Switzerland Rail Tour
The trip with Voralpen Express Switzerland is an exhilarating one.
The word “Voralpen” translates literally to Prealps, the area stretching north of the Lake of Four Cantons marking the border of the alpine terrains. Starting from Lucerne, one can admire the contrast between the gently rolling hills in the foreground and the famous rugged peaks of the Schwyzer Mythen in the backdrop.
One passes by multiple lakes and medieval towns, such as Zug, and then the cozy area of Toggeburg, with its charming villages, farms, and cows grazing peacefully in the distance, before arriving in the medieval town of St. Gallen.
While the entire route is very scenic, we think the section between Lucerne and Arth-Goldau is the prettiest if you’re looking for lakes and mountain scenery. On the other hand, if you want a change of scenery after spending time in the mountainous regions of Switzerland, the lowlands around Rapperswil and Lake Zurich, along with the viaducts close to St. Gallen, can’t be beaten. In any case, you will not get bored traveling on the route of Voralpen Express Switzerland!
Our 12-day Swiss Alps Grand Train Tour includes 11 of the world’s most legendary trains, including the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Voralpen Express, GoldenPass Line and the Furka Steam Train.
Click here below to find all the details.Â
