By Briana Seftel
Switzerland was meant to be explored by train! Every Swiss town is connected to the train system which means it is very easy to get around, whether you're in Lucerne or Lugano. Not only are the trains modern and comfortable, they also offer some of the best views of Switzerland's stunning scenery from the Alps to Lake Geneva. Hop aboard one of seven these scenic trains and enjoy the ride of a lifetime!
Glacier Express
Connecting St. Moritz and Zermatt, the Glacier Express is, despite its name, a 7.5-hour journey through World Heritage Sites, 291 jaw-dropping bridges, the Swiss Alps, and narrow valleys. Enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding scenery from the train's panoramic windows that go all the way to the roof.
Bernina Express
Crossing the Alps from the old town of Chur to Tirano in Italy, the Bernina Express is the highest railway in the Alps offering stunning views of glistening glaciers and beautiful villages. It crosses one of the most spectacular routes through the Swiss Alps - the 75-mile Rhaetian Railway - including the iconic Landwasser Viaduct bridge in Graubünden.
Golden Pass
Beginning in Lucerne and ending in Montreux, the Golden Pass train takes you through some of Switzerland's most iconic sights: the Brünig Pass, the lakes of the Bernese Oberland, Simmen valley, Gstaad, and Lake Geneva. Aside from spectacular scenery outside your window, you can choose to ride in coaches that are replicas of the elegant Belle-Époque trains.
Jungfraujoch Top of Europe
Take the famous red train from Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch, also known as the Top of Europe. At an elevation of 11,371 feet, this train station is the highest in Europe and is set against a majestic backdrop of icy mountain peaks. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy a number of activities like the spellbinding Ice Palace!
Gotthard Panorama Express
Formerly known as the Wilhelm Tell Express, the Gotthard Panorama Express is a boat and train journey from Lake Lucerne to Bellinzona or Lugano. Begin by boarding a steam boat across Lake Lucerne, then connect to the Swiss rail taking you through the Reuss Valley, the St. Gotthard mountain range, and several quiant villages before arriving in your destination.
Centovalli Express
Pass by the magnificent landscapes of Centovalli (Hundred Valleys) and Valle Vigezzo on the Centovalli Express! Linking Domodossola, Italy to Locarno, this 2-hour train is the closest thing to a roller coaster ride with its steep declines and inclines. You'll be witness to gushing waterfalls, vineyards, chestnut forests, and classic villages along the way.
Gornergrat Train
Enjoy the best views of Switzerland's iconic Matterhorn with a 33-minute ride on the Gornergrat tourist train. Europe’s highest open-air cog railway brings passengers direct from Zermatt station to the summit of the Gornergrat at over 10,000 feet.
