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Louise takes Switzerland's most scenic train journeys

3rd June 2024

Experience the unrivalled beauty of this small yet breathtaking country, as you traverse train-accessible routes that reveal verdant valleys, awe-inspiring waterfalls, and majestic mountain summits. Embark on a journey like no other, with some of the world's most scenic train rides awaiting their exploration.

Wondering how to visit Switzerland by train? There's no other country that does stunning scenery quite like Switzerland, and it's all accessible by train. Rolling hills dotted with wooden chalets, snowy peaks, dramatic waterfalls and mountain-fringed lakes and choose from a variety of itineraries and activities, from scenic gondola rides to hiking adventures.

Louise was lucky enough to enjoy some of the highlights of Switzerland recently working with Zermatt Tourism, Glacier Express and Bernina Express

Highlights

• Overnight in Zermatt, home of the Matterhorn
• Experience the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and the Gornergrat
• Travel on the Glacier Express with a 3-course lunch on board
• Experience the Bernina Express journey
• Traditional cooking class in Poschiavo, in the Italian speaking region of Switzerland

Swiss Travel Pass - 4 advantages

• Unlimited travel by train, bus and boat
• Public transportation in more than 90 cities and towns
• Including mountain excursions: Rigi, Stanserhorn and Stoos
• Free admission to more than 500 museums throughout Switzerland

What to pack

• A travel adaptor – plug type J (not the standard European 2 pin)
• Sunglasses (the snow can be very blinding)
• Suncream (believe it or not in winter)
• Winter hat, scarf, gloves
• Sensible (all weather) footwear, boots for mountain excursions
• A waterproof coat and layers
• Day bag (small rucksack or sensible day bag to carry your day-to-day items)
• Water bottle

Take a look on @switzerlandtravelcentre Instagram or search the hash tag #switzerlandtravelcentre for so much more information and inspiration

You can also search the hashtag from Switzerland Tourism #inlovewithswitzerland or #ineedswitzerland

Louise's Journey

Louise flew into Zurich airport via Amsterdam from Humberside with KLM before boarding the first train to Zermatt, via Visp.

Staying at the Hotel Derby, centrally located in Zermatt – this is beautiful traditional Swiss family run hotel. In Zermatt we enjoyed traditional cheese fondue at a local restaurant which was such a treat !

Experienced both Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Gornergrat, using the Peak2Peak Pass. Took the cable car up to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise to enjoy the fantastic views. Gornergrat train from Riffelberg station up to Gornergrat top station, predominantly used in ski season by the skiers but we got great seats and enjoyed the journey to top – breathtaking.

Enjoy the panoramic views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding peaks from the 360° viewing platform, visit the ZOOOM the Matterhorn exhibition and the brand new Photo point “Golden Spot”.

Glacier Express from Brig to Chur in 2nd class

Excitement was building the morning as we boarded the Glacier Express, the slowest ‘express’ in the world. Lunch onboard the Glacier Express was included to enjoy at your seat – this was a silver service experience all whilst admiring the scenery through the panoramic windows, travelling to Chur. It was a very snowy day so the views were magical and a winter wonderland but you could see too far – this didn’t take away from the enjoyment.

Bernina Express to Poschiavo from Chur - a personal favourite!

Board the Bernina Express in Chur for fabulous, breath-taking views from your panoramic carriage as you travel over bridges and viaducts, through galleries and switch-back tunnels hewn into the rock, past waterfalls, ravines and rushing mountain streams. Marvel at the snow-capped mountains as the train descends into the beautiful – this was my personal favourite – less formal and felt more bale to move around the carriage taking photographs – only coffee and snack service on this train but the weather was clearer and the views were unrivalled!

Poschiavo is the Italian speaking part of Switzerland and we were also lucky enough to take part in a unique cooking class learning how to make a traditional Puschlav dish, using local ingredients from the region, we ate with the family that taught us and enjoyed some local wine too.

Railway back through Switzerland to get to the Airport

• Train from Poschiavo to Pontresina
• Train from Pontresina to Samedan
• Train from Samedan to Chur
• Train from Chur to Zurich HB
• Train from Zurich HB to Zurich airport