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There's no more complete way to admire the panoramic beauty of Switzerland than by sitting on luxurious train carriages, gliding through lush green valleys, pristine glaciers, magnificent snow-capped villages, or traversing deep gorges embracing the legendary Rhine River, creating breathtakingly beautiful and unspoiled landscapes.
Rigi-Kulm Railway
Despite adding a modern yellow train to its lineup this year, the Rigi-Kulm Railway still holds a special place in visitors' memories with its distinctive red color and its reputation as Europe's oldest mountain railway. Opened in 1871, this line is a "living heritage".
As Europe's first mountain railway, this line has comfortably transported travelers from Vitznau up to the majestic heart of the mountain range since 1871.
The trek to conquer Mount Rigi, also known as the "Queen of the Mountains," offers visitors a spectacular 360-degree view. From the summit, one can gaze out over 13 sparkling lakes and the entire snow-capped Alps, an unforgettable sight.
During the 30-minute boat ride, visitors can admire the spectacular scenery of the lake, passing herds of cattle grazing, traditional farms, and colorful wildflower meadows.
The area around Mount Rigi boasts extensive green vegetation and forests, with approximately 50km of trails ideal for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. In particular, visitors can experience a nostalgic feeling with the steam locomotive trains and classic carriages that operate every Wednesday.
Jungfrau Railway
The Jungfrau Railway is a marvel of engineering and one of the most coveted travel experiences. This railway line takes travelers to the summit of Europe, "Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe" - the highest train station in Europe.
This railway line is a marvel of engineering, largely running through tunnels in the Eiger and Mönch mountains to protect passengers from harsh weather.
The classic round-trip journey usually begins in Interlaken, passing through Grindelwald with its picturesque mountain scenery, then returning via Lauterbrunnen to admire the icy valleys with their cascading waterfalls. At Eiger Glacier station, the train begins its journey through the Eiger arc, where passengers can get a firsthand look at the icy northern slopes through cleverly carved observation windows in the rock.
From the Sphinx Observatory at an altitude of 3,454 meters, visitors can easily admire the magnificent Aletsch Glacier (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), half of the Swiss Alps, and breathtaking views stretching as far as Germany and France. To save time (approximately 2 hours each way), modern travelers can opt for the Eiger Express cable car service for part of the journey, making the trip quicker and more convenient.
Bernina Express
The Bernina Express is one of the world's most beautiful rail experiences, renowned for its vibrant red color and panoramic glass-windowed carriages. This route connects Chur, Switzerland's oldest town, with Tirano in Italy, taking travelers through the majestic snow-capped mountain landscapes of the Southeast.
The Bernina Express is a popular scenic train that runs through the Swiss Alps, connecting Chur (Switzerland) with Tirano (Italy).
Initially, the journey glides past ancient castles, orchards, and lush vineyards; then, the train begins its ascent into the Alps, crossing 55 bridges and 196 challenging tunnels. This route reaches the highest point of European railway travel (at the Ospizio Bernina pass, 2,253 m), where passengers can admire the sparkling Morteratsch glacier.
A highlight of the railway is the Montebello curve, where passengers can capture unforgettable photos of the striking red train against the backdrop of glaciers and snow-capped mountains. This railway line has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrating over 100 years of history and the magnificent blend of engineering and nature.
Glacier Express
Dubbed the "world's slowest express train," the Glacier Express takes approximately eight hours to complete its 291-kilometer journey through two of the world's most luxurious resorts: Zermatt and St. Moritz. The ride is a symphony of nature, crossing 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, and countless majestic landscapes such as valleys, canyons, and snow-capped mountain peaks.
The journey lasts approximately 8 hours, aiming to provide a relaxing experience and allow passengers to fully appreciate the beauty of Swiss nature.
The first half of the journey offers stunning views of the valleys and glaciers. But the latter part, starting from Andermatt, is truly spectacular, with panoramic views of the snowfields and magnificent mountains. In particular, the train runs a short distance through the Rhine Gorge (Rheinschlucht), where the Rhine River meanders between towering white cliffs, creating a pristine and breathtakingly beautiful landscape. The Albula Valley is famous for its architectural spirals, which can be dizzying for passengers due to the constant twists and turns, but are compensated by the breathtaking views from both windows.
Gornergrad Railway
Departing from the car-free town of Zermatt, the Gornergrat railway is the first railway line in Switzerland to be entirely electric. The train glides past traditional wooden villages, lush green meadows, and stunning pine forests that turn golden in autumn.
The Gornergrat Railway is the world's oldest electric cogwheel mountain railway.
Upon reaching the required altitude, passengers will be treated to one of the planet's most famous mountain landscapes: the Matterhorn (a perfect pyramid shape) and the Monte Rosa glacier and mountain are all breathtakingly beautiful. At the final station, passengers can enjoy outdoor dining on the terrace, along with amenities and stunning views. This train line operates throughout the winter, playing a vital role in transporting skiers and tourists, with slopes starting right at Riffellp station.
Swiss trains are the soul of the country's tourism industry, offering breathtaking natural landscapes. Each route tells a story, a vivid portrayal of the Alps, promising a journey that exceeds expectations, where travelers not only admire but truly experience the essence of Swiss nature.
