The Best of Swiss Rail Journeys

Switzerland was made for rail enthusiast with its spectacular journeys, efficient railway network and feats of engineering. Each town or village is networked into the railway system either by rail or post bus, and to journey through the country is a real experience. Don’t forget to check out the various rail passes for Swiss trains as they are a really cost effective way of seeing the country. Here are just a few of the best journeys in Switzerland to take by train. 

The Glacier Express

Image: Pixelshoot via Flickr

One of the classic train journeys in the world, the Glacier Express departs from Zermatt, home to the Matterhorn, and travels for eight hours across the Alps to St Moritz. This is a journey that traverses 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, gorges, valleys and the views are spectacular. The train runs all year round and one of the best times to travel is winter for the effects of the snowy landscape.

Jungfrau Railway to the Top of Europe

The cogwheel railway taking visitors to the summit of the Jungfrau is a feat of engineering and has been running since 1912. This is a journey to Europe’s highest railway station at 3454 metres and travels from Kleine Scheiddigg to the Jungfrau itself. Tunnels traverse the famous Monch and Eiger to the ice and snow at the Jungfrau. There are panoramic windows en route where passengers can see the famous Eiger wall.

The Bernina Express

Image: Fr Antunes via Flickr

The Bernina Express connects the alpine scenery around Chur to the palm fringed resorts in Italy at Tirano and is a magnificent journey across bridges, ravines, mountain passes and lakes. The scenery is breath-taking and the wonders of how the railway was constructed in the first place enthral rail enthusiasts. For a journey through the Grisons past St Moritz and into the Italian part of Switzerland this is a very special journey to take.

The Rochers de Naye

Image: Caux by Airflore via Flikr

One of the best kept secrets in Switzerland, the cog wheel train leaves Montreux Station and winds its way up the mountain through alpine meadows with flowers, chalets on the edge of the track and sweeping views of Lake Geneva. Go to the top on a sunny day and the panoramic views across the Bernese Oberland, the Matterhorn, French Alps and more is breath-taking. This is a very special journey and another way to enjoy it is to ride one way and walk down through the mountains to Montreux.

Switzerland is full of splendid railways to explore. Arm yourself with a rail pass, a map, and plan the journey of a lifetime.