Do you want to discover Switzerland's unspoiled natural beauty in an exclusive way? Why not take a scenic train ride?
Travel through stunning mountain scenery, marvel at spectacular glaciers and crystal lakes, and drive through real villages and tranquil valleys. Switzerland is known for its stunning panoramas that shift with the seasons, and the panoramic train provides a one-of-a-kind, quiet, and calming way to enjoy them. Discover the top ten Swiss panoramic routes not to be missed, by trains in Switzerland.
The best panoramic trains in Switzerland
1. The Glacier Express
The Glacier Express, known as the “slowest express in the world,” links the famed resorts of St-Moritz and Zermatt, covering a distance of 291 km in 8 hours at an average speed of 36 km/h. A fantastic way to see Switzerland in a new light! This trip is protected by the Swiss Travel Pass, a pass that will allow you to save money on your Swiss travels. The train crosses the Alps, going through 91 tunnels and 291 bridges, from the spectacular Matterhorn to the fascinating Rhine Gorge. Because of the roof-top windows, you can admire breathtaking landscapes while on board.
Enjoy luxurious service on board with the Excellence class. Admire the view while sipping champagne and nibbling on appetizers, accompanied by a delectable 5-course wine-paired meal.
2. Bernina Express
The Bernina Express links the glaciers of northern Switzerland with the palm trees of Italy, running through stunning landscapes in both summer and winter. It runs from Landquart to Tirano. Travel 156 kilometers, gain 2,253 meters in height without using a rack and pinion, and ride across 55 tunnels and 196 bridges, including the Landwasser viaduct, an iconic and photogenic building that rises 65 meters above the precipice. In the season, take advantage of the transparent panoramic cars for a complete immersion in nature, one-of-a-kind sensations, and stunning images with no reflections.
3. The Jungfraubahn
If you want to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Take a ride on the Jungfraubahn, Europe’s highest coaster. This journey takes you from Kleine Scheidegg to the highest station in Europe, the Jungfraujoch-Top of Europe, at 3,454 meters above sea level. You will be met with a stunning landscape of perpetual snow, rock, and stone. Take the ultra-fast elevator (108 meters in 25 seconds) to the Sphinx Observatory, an international observation station, to go much higher. A thrilling adventure!
4. Golden Pass Panoramic MOB
The Golden Pass train runs from Montreux on Lake Geneva to Zweisimmen in the Bernese Alps. Pass through lush green pastures with cows grazing happily, framed by majestic Alpine peaks. You are fully absorbed in the natural nature thanks to the big panoramic screens, making for an enjoyable experience. This train is also available in a retro edition for a timeless ride in a romantic setting.
5. Switzerland's Grand Train Tour
This is a unique way to explore Switzerland’s wealth by rail. On the Swiss panoramic trains and ride 1,280 kilometers through breathtaking scenery, admiring must-see places such as 11 massive Swiss lakes and UNESCO heritage sites. The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland allows you to travel at your convenience around the country’s eight most spectacular scenic paths, allowing you to see Switzerland as you’ve never seen it before.
6. The Gornergrat Bahn
If you want a stunning view of the 4,478-meter-high Matterhorn? From the Zermatt train station, take the Gornergrat Bahn. It was built in 1898 and is Switzerland’s first 100% electric cogwheel train, as well as the world’s second. The journey takes just over 30 minutes, and from the bridge, you will see 29 of Switzerland’s 48 4,000-meter peaks, as well as marmots and chamois.
7. Gotthard Panorama Express
This journey takes you by boat from Lucerne to Flüelen, and then by panorama train from Flüelen to Bellinzona. You will ride through Switzerland’s ancient center and take a steamer or motorboat tour on Lake Lucerne. By rail, you can pass through the historic Gotthard line’s iconic and ingenious spiral tunnels. Finally, both the train and the cruise offer delectable Swiss cuisine specialties
8. Interlaken-Luzern Express
This panoramic train, as the name implies, links the two tourist cities of Lucerne and Interlaken in 1 hour and 50 minutes and winds its way to the Brünig Pass. The large windows provide comfort as well as a spectacular view. Relax and take in the breathtaking scenery that unfolds before you: Alpine hills, five sparkling lakes, waterfalls, and rivers. Are you hungry? Make the most of your journey by sampling the bistro’s cuisine.
9. Mont Blanc Express
The Mont Blanc Express is an iconic train that will take you from Martigny to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains via Chamonix. This panoramic train, which has been in operation for over a century and connects Switzerland and France, carries you across the Trient valley and passes grandiose landscapes in the heart of a restored nature where trees, wild gorges, and authentic alpine villages accompany one another. Taking the cable car to the Aiguille du Midi or the cogwheel train to the Mer de glace in Chamonix, at the foot of the magnificent Mont Blanc, for unforgettable memories.
10. Wengernalpbahn
This is the longest uninterrupted cogwheel train journey in the world. The Wengernalp line, located in the Jungfrau area, takes 45 minutes to connect Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg. From there, you can take the Jungfraubahn, Europe’s highest train. The Wengernalpbahn transports passengers and equipment to Wengen, a car-free destination. It is outfitted with panoramic windows to allow passengers to take in the stunning scenery as it travels through it.
Switzerland is the perfect destination for those seeking unspoiled beauty, beautiful landscapes, and a change of scenery. Take a ride on one of these ten Swiss panoramic trains to see Switzerland in a new light. Kick back and admire breathtaking views that vary with the seasons, from lush green pastures to wooden alpine chalets, sparkling lakes, steep hills, blue glaciers, and wild gorges. A more environmentally friendly and calming mode of transportation that would leave you speechless.
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