Do you dream of discovering the unspoiled natural settings of Switzerland in an original way? Why not get on a scenic train? Travel to the heart of stunning mountainous landscapes, admire impressive glaciers and crystal clear lakes, cross authentic villages and peaceful valleys. Switzerland is known for its spectacular panoramas which change with each season and the Panorama Train offers a unique, comfortable, and relaxing way to enjoy them. Discover the 10 Swiss scenic routes that you shouldn’t miss.
Glacier Express
Known as “the slowest Express in the world”, the Glacier Express connects the famous resorts of St. Moritz and Zermatt, a distance of 291 km covered in 8 hours, an average speed of 36 km/h. A dream opportunity to visit Switzerland differently! From the impressive Matterhorn to the fascinating Rhine Gorges, the train crosses the Alps, over 91 tunnels, and 291 bridges. Onboard, you can enjoy spectacular landscapes thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows. With the Excellence class, enjoy luxurious service on board. Admire the panorama while savoring champagne and appetizers, followed by a delicious 5-course menu accompanied by wine.
Bernina Express
From Landquart to Tirano, the Bernina Express connects the glaciers of northern Switzerland to the palm trees of Italy, crossing breathtaking landscapes, summer, and winter. Travel 156 km, climb without a rack to an altitude of 2,253 meters, and take 55 tunnels and 196 bridges, including the Landwasser viaduct, an emblematic and very photogenic structure located 65 meters above the precipice. In summer, take advantage of the open panoramic wagons for total immersion in nature, unique sensations, and incredible photos without reflections.
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Jungfraubahn
Do you want a unique experience to live at least once in your life? Board the Jungfraubahn, Europe’s tallest train. This journey takes you from Kleine Scheidegg to the Jungfraujoch-Top of Europe station, the highest in Europe, located at an altitude of 3,454 meters. There, you will be faced with a breathtaking landscape of eternal snow, rock, and ice. To gain height, even more, take the ultra-fast elevator (108 meters in 25 seconds) to reach the Sphinx Observatory, an international research station. A memorable adventure!
Golden Pass MOB Panoramic
This train connects Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva to Zweisimmen in the heart of the Bernese Alps. Cross lush pastures where the cows graze peacefully, surrounded by the magnificent Alpine peaks. Thanks to large panoramic windows, you are totally immersed in the surrounding nature for an unforgettable experience. You can also take this train in a Belle Epoque version for a timeless journey in a romantic atmosphere.
Grand Train Tour of Switzerland
This is an original way to discover the riches of Switzerland by train. Embark on Swiss panoramic trains to travel 1,280 km through magnificent panoramas and admire must-see sites including 11 large Swiss lakes and UNESCO heritage sites. The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland allows you to take the eight most beautiful panoramic lines in the country at your leisure to discover Switzerland as you have never seen it.
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Gornergrat Bahn
Fancy a breathtaking view of the Matterhorn, which rises to 4,478 meters? Board the Gornergrat Bahn from Zermatt station. Built-in 1898, it is the first 100% electric cogwheel train in Switzerland and the second in the world. The journey takes just over 30 minutes and from the platform, you can admire 29 peaks reaching more than 4,000 meters (out of 48 in Switzerland) as well as marmots and chamois.
Gotthard Panorama Express
This journey takes you from Lucerne to Flüelen by boat, then from Flüelen to Bellinzona by panoramic train. You pass through the historic heart of Switzerland and enjoy a cruise by steamboat or motorboat on Lake Lucerne. By train, you take the famous and ingenious helical tunnels of the historic Gotthard line. Finally, on the train as in the boat, you can taste delicious Swiss culinary specialties.
Luzern Interlaken Express
As the name suggests, this scenic train connects the two tourist towns of Lucerne and Interlaken in 1 hour 50 minutes, and winds towards the Brünig Pass. Enjoy the comfort and the spectacular view from the large windows. Relax and marvel at the stunning panorama that unfolds before your eyes: Alpine peaks, five sparkling lakes, waterfalls, and rivers. Peckish? Take advantage of the trip to taste the cuisine of the bistro.
Mont Blanc Express
A true legendary train, the Mont Blanc Express takes you on an unforgettable journey that links Martigny to Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains via Chamonix. In circulation for more than a century, this panoramic train, a link between Switzerland and France, takes you through the Trient valley and crosses grandiose landscapes in the heart of unspoiled nature where forests, gorges follow one another wild and authentic alpine villages. In Chamonix, at the foot of the majestic Mont Blanc, take the cable car to the Aiguille du Midi or the cog train to the Mer de Glace for unforgettable memories.
Wengernalpbahn
This is the longest continuous cogwheel train ride. The Wengernalp line is located in the Jungfrau region and connects Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg in 45 minutes. From there you can take the Jungfraubahn, the highest train in Europe. The Wengernalpbahn carries passengers as well as provisions for the car-free station of Wengen. It is equipped with panoramic windows to enjoy the grandiose landscapes that it traverses.
To satisfy your thirst for unspoiled nature, spectacular landscapes, and a total change of scenery, Switzerland is the ideal destination. Embark on one of these 10 Swiss panoramic trains to discover Helvetia in a different way. Green pastures, alpine wooden chalets, sparkling lakes, steep peaks, bluish glaciers, and wild gorges, make yourself comfortable and admire grandiose panoramas that change according to the season. A more ecological and relaxing way to travel during which you are sure to be amazed.
