Train tours in Switzerland

Switzerland train tours : the story

Switzerland's railways tell a fascinating story of innovation, precision, and progress. Initially a latecomer to Europe's railway revolution in the mid-19th century, Switzerland quickly caught up by building a dense and efficient rail network. By 1860, it had the densest rail system in the world. Today, the country still holds the world record for annual kilometres travelled per capita by train: over 2,000 km! This enduring rail culture has made the Switzerland train tour one of the best ways to experience the country’s stunning landscapes and efficient infrastructure.

The development of rail travel in Switzerland owes much to trade and pioneering technologies like the rack-and-pinion railway. These innovations allowed the Swiss to conquer the challenging terrain of the Alps, bringing mountain villages and resorts within reach of wealthy tourists. This, in turn, spurred the growth of tourism and led to the first organized train tours in Switzerland, laying the foundation for the country's renowned tourism industry today.

The Grand Tour of Switzerland by train

The "Grand Tour of Switzerland" is a well-known circuit for road travelers, covering a 1,643 km loop across the country. But did you know that this iconic tour has a rail counterpart? The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland offers a 1,280 km journey through the same breathtaking landscapes, with the added charm of traveling by train.

A Switzerland train tour along the Grand Train Tour route takes you past UNESCO World Heritage sites, alpine peaks, pristine lakes, and charming villages. Highlights include:

• St. Gallen - Zurich route: Discover the Abbey District of St. Gallen, an 8th-century Benedictine abbey known for its magnificent library.
• Interlaken - Montreux route: Explore the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO site famous for its terraced vineyards overlooking Lake Geneva.
• Lugano - Lucerne route: Visit the castles of Bellinzona, three medieval fortresses that are architectural marvels.
• St. Moritz - Tirano route: Experience the Rhaetian Railway, a UNESCO-listed feat of engineering featuring tunnels, viaducts, and panoramic views.

While the full Grand Train Tour offers a comprehensive way to see the country, travelers can also opt for shorter, more focused train tours in Switzerland. Discovery Trains helps travelers craft personalized itineraries to explore the best of Swiss railways, whether it’s a scenic day trip or an in-depth journey spanning several days.

Switzerland’s iconic scenic trains

Switzerland is home to some of the world’s most famous scenic trains, making it a must-visit destination for rail enthusiasts. These trains combine cutting-edge technology with breathtaking natural beauty, ensuring every journey is as comfortable as it is awe-inspiring. Here are some of the highlights of any Switzerland train tour:

• The Glacier Express: Known as the "slowest express train in Europe," this eight-hour journey connects Zermatt and St. Moritz. It crosses 291 bridges and offers spectacular views of the Matterhorn and Rhine Gorge, all while passengers enjoy gourmet meals in the train's restaurant cars.
  
  
• The Bernina Express: Often called the "red train of the peaks," this route climbs to the glaciers of the Alps, reaching an altitude of 2,253 metres. Highlights include the iconic Brusio spiral viaduct and the Landwasser viaduct. In summer, the journey continues by panoramic bus to Lugano, offering views of Lake Como.
  
  
• The Gotthard Panorama Express: Combining a scenic boat ride across Lake Lucerne with a train journey through the historic Gotthard tunnel, this tour links the Italian-speaking south to the German-speaking heart of Switzerland.

These iconic routes are not just transportation—they are destinations in themselves. Each journey offers a unique perspective on Switzerland’s diverse landscapes, making train tours in Switzerland a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

When to travel to Switzerland by train

A Switzerland train tour is an all-season adventure. Summer showcases lush green meadows and sunny skies, while winter offers snow-covered landscapes and magical alpine views. Some panoramic trains, like the Bernina Express, run year-round, allowing travelers to experience Switzerland’s beauty in any season. Others, such as the Gotthard Panorama Express, operate from spring to autumn, offering travelers seasonal flexibility.

For winter enthusiasts, Discovery Trains offers a "Panoramic Switzerland in Winter" tour, where you can marvel at frozen lakes, snow-dusted villages, and glistening peaks. This experience proves that train tours in Switzerland are just as magical during the colder months.

switzerland train tours (ref.)

train tours in switzerland (ref.)