Switzerland’s panoramic Trans-Alpina trains whisk you through the Alps along the most incredible stretches of railway, the large windows ensuring you don’t miss a thing. It’s one of the most relaxing ways to travel the country – being Switzerland, things run like clockwork – and you can keep itineraries completely flexible.
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Travelling by train is a great way to reach areas of Switzerland and the Alps that may otherwise be inaccessible by car. It is also a much more sustainable way to travel. The scenery on offer is truly spectacular, and the trains can reach altitudes that can be challenging on foot. So instead of hiking, sit back and enjoy views in comfort.
It’s worth pointing out that these trains are more comfortable and reliable than in other parts of the world (mainly the UK, USA and other parts of mainland Europe). In addition, train travel in Switzerland is surprisingly cost-effective and can add flexibility to your travels – routes are abundant.
Watch, and Cow specialises in unique trips in Switzerland and has crafted a series of journeys by train to show you what’s possible. You can travel by train, hop on and off and add in unique experiences and accommodations along the way.
Suggested routes include:
- Milan to Geneva
- Geneva to Zurich via Mont Blanc
- Geneva to Geneva via Lucerne, Lugano, St Moritz and Zermatt
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Switzerland train journey highlights.
Cross iconic mountain passes.
One of the highlights of travelling by panoramic train is, of course, the views. And as you travel through the Alps, there are endless spectacular scenes to soak in from your seat. Many of the trains climb iconic mountain passes, like the Golden Pass Train from Montreux to Interlaken via the Bernese Alps. Travel in a Belle Époque carriage that brings you back in time as you travel. Green pastures lay on either side of the tracks, with peaks rising in the distance.
Watch a video HERE
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Take the Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt
Board the legendary Glacier Express train, a surprisingly sedate way to travel from St. Moritz to Zermatt, a distance of 300km. Lunch is served on board, so all you have to do is enjoy the scenes from the vast windows, specially designed to see the peaks’ summits as you pass by. The route crosses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels.
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Enjoy views of the Eiger from a traditional cogwheel train.
Take the Jungfrau railway, a traditional cogwheel train that’s travelled to the highest station in Europe for the last 100 years. Starting at the Kleine Scheidegg station, the train climbs through the mountains to reach a cool 3,454 m. Pass through a tunnel in the rock built in the late 19th Century and pause as you emerge to soak in views of the north face of the Eiger.
You’ll climb out of the lush green valleys into snow-capped mountains as you reach the top. Then, disembark and enjoy the views from the observation platform, which looks out over the Aletsch glacier and a series of 4,000m peaks.
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Board a scenic steam train to the summit of Rothorn.
Cruise across shimmering lake waters to Brienz, boarding an 1892 steam train to the summit of Rothorn at 2,350m. You’ll see Lake Brienz and the Bernese Alps, surrounded by picturesque wildflower meadows. Then, descend by cable car to Sörenberg, capital of Entlebourg. The area is a protected biosphere reserve, as the extensive marshland forms a unique habitat for abundant flora and fauna.
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Catch the Bernina Express from the palm trees of Italy to glittering glaciers.
The contrast from start to finish doesn’t get much better than this. Jump aboard the Bernina Express at Tirano station, bound for Pontresina. This route takes you along the highest altitude route in the Alps, bridging the gap between the two languages and cultures.
Along the way, you’ll cross 55 tunnels and 196 bridges to reach the Ospizio Bernina, the highest part of the journey. The route is so iconic that it’s been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Travel on Switzerland’s first electric cogwheel train for startling views. Built in 1898, the Gornergrat Train is Switzerland’s first 100% electric cogwheel train and the second in the world. This 30-minute train ride brings you to the top of Gornergrat at 3,089m. A viewing platform awaits, providing panoramas of 29 peaks, many of which are over 4,000m – the standout is the Matterhorn at 4,478m. Keep your eyes peeled for chamois and marmots, too!
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This article covers just a small selection of all the incredible train journeys in Switzerland. To see how they fit together in one seamless itinerary, check out examples from Watch and Cow. If you’d like training on any of the train routes and itineraries in Switzerland or even details of how you can make it work for a specific guest, we’d love to put you in touch with the team at Watch and Cow.
Get in touch to see how you can make train travel in Switzerland part of your product portfolio.
