If you’re dreaming of jaw-dropping alpine landscapes, glittering lakes, and postcard-perfect villages—seen from the comfort of a panoramic train window—this guide is for you. Switzerland is the scenic train capital of the world. And we’ve rounded up 11 most iconic scenic trains in Switzerland that deserve a spot on every traveler’s Swiss itinerary.
If you love the mountains, and you’re passionate about train journeys, or maybe you’re just someone who enjoys the good things in life (Swiss chocolate, anyone?), the panoramic train journeys in Switzerland will blow your mind—in the best way possible.
Let’s discover from the bottom up what are the 11 most scenic Swiss trains.
11. Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn
This narrow-gauge marvel twists and turns from Zermatt through mountain passes, gorges, and deep valleys. It’s one of the core segments of the Glacier Express, but it’s also a stunner on its own.
What’s the ride on the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn like?
You pass through 84 tunnels and cross over 50 bridges. Withness the best views of the Matterhorn, Rhone Glacier, and Alpine villages that cling to cliffs.
You’ll ride through the Oberalp Pass, one of Switzerland’s highest rail crossings at 2,033 m/ 6,670 ft.
Route: Zermatt – Visp – Andermatt – Disentis Journey
Journey duration: time varies by segment (2 to 4 hours)
Season: year-round, but best in late spring or snowy winter for contrasts
Fun fact: In winter, this line often has deep snow walls flanking the tracks — it feels like the train is carving its way through a glacier.
10. Bernese Oberland Railway (BOB) – Into the Jungfrau Wonderland
Short and sweet, the Bernese Oberland Bahn (BOB) is the ultimate gateway train to the heart of the Swiss Alps. Departing from Interlaken Ost, it forks off toward two jaw-dropping valleys: Grindelwald (think of the Eiger North Face) and Lauterbrunnen (land of waterfalls and vertical cliffs).
What makes Bernese Oberland Railway so special?
- In summer, everything’s impossibly green and wildflowers are everywhere
- In winter, snow turns the landscape into a real-life snow globe
- It’s also your connection to Wengen, Mürren, and Jungfraujoch
Route: Interlaken Ost – Zweilütschinen – Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen
Ride time: 30–40 minutes
Season: all year-round incredible views
Insider view: Take the Lauterbrunnen route and sit on the left side for a curtain reveal of the valley’s iconic 300-meter-high Staubbach Falls.
9. Luzern–Interlaken Express
If you’re looking for a train that’s effortlessly beautiful from start to finish, the Luzern–Interlaken Express is your ride. It connects two iconic destinations — Lucerne and Interlaken — and the journey is pure Swiss postcard perfection.
What to expect on board the Luzern-Interlaken Express?
This is a Premium Panorama Train, so yes, you get extra-large windows, comfy seats, and an onboard infotainment system that tells you exactly what mountain or lake you’re looking at. Spoiler: it’s always something breathtaking.
Highlights that make this train part of Switzerland’s 11 most scenic trains:
- Lake Lucerne & Lake Lungern, deep blue, mirror-still, and framed by Alpine slopes
- Brünig Pass, the train switches to cogwheel mode here for the climb (yep, there’s drama)
- Meiringen, home of meringue desserts and Sherlock Holmes lore
- Lake Brienz, turquoise waters so vivid you’ll think it’s CGI
- Waterfalls, gorges, and traditional wooden chalets peppered across green hillsides
Route: Lucerne – Meiringen – Brienz – Interlaken Ost
Ride time: 2 hours
Season: year-round, and it’s a stunner in every season
Pro tip: sit on the left side going toward Interlaken for the best lake views!
8. Pilatus Cogwheel Train – The Steepest Railway in the World
Are the panoramic trains in Switzerland worth it? When you’re clattering up the face of a mountain at a jaw-dropping 48% incline, trust us — the answer is yes.
The Pilatus Cogwheel Train is not just scenic, it’s a white-knuckle marvel of engineering that feels like part roller coaster, part Alpine pilgrimage.
What makes the Pilatus Cogwheel part of the 11 most scenic Swiss trains?
The Pilatus It’s the steepest cogwheel railway in the world. No exaggeration. The specially designed trains grip the mountain like a mountain goat. Along the ride, you’ll feel like you’re defying gravity.
At the summit, the views are breathtaking. On clear days, you can see as far as the Jura Mountains and the Black Forest, with Lake Lucerne shimmering below. You’ll find restaurants, viewing terraces, short hikes, and even a dragon legend (Pilatus was once believed to be home to dragons!).
Route: from Alpnachstad (easily reached by boat or train from Lucerne) to the summit of Mount Pilatus (2,132 m/ 6,995 ft)
Ride time: 30–35 minutes
Season: mid-May to mid-November (the train hibernates in winter — use the cable cars then)
You can hop aboard the steepest cogwheel train while joining us for an incredible Pilatus day tour. You will feel the mountain breeze as you ascend and descend this legendary peak, and soak in the awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Swiss Alps all along the way.
7. Rigi Cogwheel Train – Europe’s First Mountain Railway
Rigi Cogwheel Train — a historic, charming, and soulfully scenic experience that’s been delighting travelers since 1871. That’s right: this was Europe’s first-ever mountain railway, and to this day, it still runs on its original route with a lovingly preserved blend of heritage and modern comfort.
There are two starting points for your ascent up Mount Rigi (also known as ‘Queen of the Mountains’)
- Vitznau: you board right on the edge of Lake Lucerne, and this route is iconic — it’s the original cogwheel line.
- Arth-Goldau: a slightly steeper, more dramatic climb through thick woodland, with panoramic windows framing the rugged Alps and the lakes far below.
As the cogwheel train chugs up the mountainside (1,798 m / 5,899 ft) at a wonderfully unhurried pace, you’ll pass traditional Swiss chalets nestled into the landscape like something out of a storybook and the Alpine farms with grazing cows (and the soothing sound of cowbells) living their best life.
With every meter of elevation, the air gets crisper, the views more dramatic, and the atmosphere more peaceful. This is slow travel at its finest — where every minute is about enjoying the ride.
The Summit – 360° Views and Wellness Bliss
Once you reach Rigi Kulm, the mountain’s peak, you’re rewarded with some of the best panoramic views in all of Switzerland. On a clear day, you can see:
- 13 lakes
- The Black Forest in Germany
- Even the Vosges Mountains in France
Many visitors grab a coffee or hot chocolate at the summit restaurant and just sit still to admire the panorama. Others head out for a scenic hike or snowshoe trail, depending on the season.
Route: Vitznau – Rigi Kulm (or from Arth-Goldau on the other side)
Ride time: 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your starting point
Season: year-round (snow season adds extra magic )
If you look for a storybook alpine adventure, on our Rigi day tour, you’ll ride Europe’s first mountain railway while enjoing a refreshing day hike surrounded by stunning lake and mountain views. The perfect blend of history, nature, and Swiss serenity.
6. GoldenPass Line – A Cinematic Swiss Cross-Country Ride
If the question is what are the most scenic trains in Switzerland for movie-worthy views? The GoldenPass Line is the answer, this is your “sit back and sigh” route, gliding from Lucerne to Lake Geneva through some of the most dramatic terrain imaginable. The full route spans three different train companies, and every stretch is a showstopper.
Highlights along the way:
- Lucerne to Interlaken: travel aboard the Luzern–Interlaken Express
- Interlaken to Zweisimmen: This stretch bridges the Bernese Oberland’s rugged peaks with the more pastoral Simmental Valley.
- Zweisimmen to Montreux: Here’s your crown jewel. The GoldenPass Panoramic or GoldenPass Express train glides through lush green pastures, dramatic rock faces, and classic Swiss farmland before making a jaw-dropping descent into the Lavaux vineyards — a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Route: Lucerne – Interlaken – Zweisimmen – Montreux
Journey duration: 5.5 hours
Season: all year long, with something special every season
This is definitely a must journey when visiting Switzerland, and if you’re short on time, at ECHO Rails, we crafted the perfect 3-day Interlaken & Montreux rail tour, designed to give you the full GoldenPass Line experience so you can bring home an unforgettable adventure.
5. Jungfraujoch Railway – The Top of Europe Experience
Are the most scenic trains in Switzerland worth it if they go through the mountain? One hundred times yes. The Jungfraujoch Railway is pure Alpine drama — a cogwheel train that climbs inside the Eiger and Mönch to reach Europe’s highest railway station at 3,454 m (11,332 ft). Talking about extreme altitude with extreme views here.
Highlights at the summit:
- Aletsch Glacier – the longest in Europe
- Sphinx Observatory – glass platform hanging over the Alps
- Ice Palace – tunnels carved into solid glacier
Route: Kleine Scheidegg – Jungfraujoch
Ride time: 50 minutes from the base station
Season: year-round
PS: Start early in the morning to beat the tour crowds and get the clearest views.
A journey to Jungfraujoch is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and our 3-day Grindelwald & Jungfraujoch rail tour is the perfect way to make it happen. Thoughtfully designed for those with limited time, this tour takes you deep into the heart of the Bernese Alps, where you’ll ride one of the most iconic railways in the world and stand at Europe’s highest train station.
4. Gornergrat Railway – Matterhorn’s Front Row Seat
Iconic mountain views anyone? If seeing the Matterhorn in all its jagged glory is on your bucket list, this is the train for you. The Gornergrat Bahn is Europe’s highest open-air cogwheel railway, climbing from Zermatt to 3,089 m (10,135 ft).
What makes this Swiss train so epic?
- Views of 29 Alpine peaks over 4,000 m/13,123 ft
- The Gorner Glacier – a vast river of ice stretching across the landscape
Route: Zermatt – Gornergrat
Journey duration: 33 minutes
Season: runs all year, including Christmas morning!
Ultimate Moment: That unobstructed view of the Matterhorn from the summit deck — especially at sunrise. Magical doesn’t even cover it.
So, as you can imagine, no visit to Zermatt is complete without a ride on the legendary Gornergrat Railway, and our 3-day Zermatt Rail Tour is the perfect way to experience it.
3. Furka Pass Line – Swiss Steam Nostalgia
What are the most famous scenic trains of all time for vintage lovers? This isn’t just a train — it’s a time machine. The Furka Cogwheel Steam Railway runs on the original Glacier Express route (before it was re-routed via tunnel) and is powered by authentic steam engines. It’s run by a team of passionate volunteers and only runs in summer.
Riding this train feels like stepping back in time. With its charming wooden carriages, nostalgic steam whistles, and staff dressed in vintage uniforms, the journey is pure old-world magic. As the train climbs, you’re treated to sweeping panoramic views of the majestic Rhone Glacier and the legendary Furka Pass. One of the most thrilling moments? Crossing the dramatic Steinstafel Viaduct — a scene so stunning it could stop any photographer in their tracks.
Route: Realp – Furka – Oberwald
Journey duration: 2 hours
Season: Late June to early October
For rail buffs: This is one of the great heritage railways of Europe, and a must-ride for any train enthusiast.
2. Bernina Express – From Glaciers to Palm Trees
Which Switzerland scenic train is best for jaw-dropping contrasts? The Bernina Express is pure theater. It starts in the glacial heights of St. Moritz and ends in the sunny Italian town of Tirano — all in one glorious, unforgettable ride. It’s the only north–south Alpine crossing entirely by rail, and it’s UNESCO-listed for a reason.
What are the highlights of the Bernina Express?
The Bernina Express doesn’t just take you through landscapes — it takes you through climate zones. You’ll glide across the stunning Bernina Pass at 2,253 m/7,392 ft, where snow blankets the ground even in summer. The train sweeps so close to the Morteratsch Glacier, it feels like you could reach out and touch the ice. Then comes a marvel of rail engineering: the famous Brusio Spiral Viaduct, where the train gracefully loops over itself in a perfect circle. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, you arrive in Tirano — greeted by swaying palm trees and charming Italian vibes. It’s alpine to Mediterranean magic, all in one unforgettable ride.
Route: St. Moritz – Pontresina – Bernina Pass – Poschiavo – Tirano
Journey duration: 4 hours
Season: year-round
Tip: pair it with the Glacier Express for a full Alpine experience!
The journey transcends ordinary rail travel, which is why we’ve crafted a dedicated Bernina Express day trip to Tirano, offering the perfect opportunity to experience this spectacular route in all its glory.
1. Glacier Express – The Slowest Express Train in the World
We finally got at the end of our list, so now, what is the top 1 of the 11 most scenic Swiss trains? Drumroll, please — it’s the Glacier Express, the crown jewel of Swiss scenic trains. Known as the “slowest express train in the world,” this 8-hour journey connects Zermatt to St. Moritz, cutting straight through the heart of the Swiss Alps in panoramic luxury.
Why the Glacier Express is so legendary?
The Glacier Express weaves its way across an astonishing 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels, and over three dramatic Alpine passes. Along the way, you’ll marvel at icons like the towering Landwasser Viaduct, the snow-swept Oberalp Pass (the highest point on the route), and the breathtaking Rhine Gorge — often called the “Swiss Grand Canyon.” Inside, it’s just as impressive: panoramic coaches wrap you in views, gourmet meals are served right to your seat, and a multilingual audio guide brings the landscapes to life. It’s eight hours of pure wonder — and every second is unforgettable.
First-Class Treat: Order a 3-course lunch, sip local Swiss wine, and just melt into the scenery.
Want even more luxury? Book the Excellence Class: private concierge, gourmet meals, and leather lounge seating. Yes, it’s as fabulous as it sounds.
Route: Zermatt – Brig – Andermatt – Chur – St. Moritz
Journey duration: 8 hours
Season: runs all year except for a short maintenance break in fall
If you come to Switzerland just to hop aboard the Glacier Express (which we totally understand) then you need to experience our 3-day Zermatt & St. Moritz rail tour. This carefully crafted journey is the ultimate way to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps.
Embark On The 11 Most Scenic Swiss Trains
Whew! That’s a wrap on Switzerland’s 11 Most Scenic Trains — each one a once-in-a-lifetime journey just waiting to happen.
Ready to ride every one of these legendary trains? With ECHO Rails, you can. Our 13-day Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is thoughtfully designed to bring you aboard all 11 scenic trains, from the iconic Glacier Express to hidden gems like the Rigi and Pilatus cogwheels. And if you’re wondering about the best time to travel in Switzerland by train, we’ll guide you to the perfect season to enjoy every panorama, every village, and every alpine peak at its finest.
But this journey isn’t just about the rails — it’s about immersing yourself in authentic Swiss culture, soaking in jaw-dropping alpine landscapes, and experiencing the beauty of slow travel with the precision and comfort Switzerland is famous for. Every train, every view, every story — it’s all woven into one seamless, unforgettable adventure. Let us handle the details, while you sit back, relax, and fall in love with Switzerland — one panoramic window at a time.
