Discovering Switzerland’s Most Iconic Panoramic Trains
Embark on Iconic Alpine Journeys
Switzerland boasts one of the world’s most captivating railway networks, offering a dazzling blend of engineering marvels and breathtaking mountain views.
From famous routes like the Bernina Express, Glacier Express, and GoldenPass Express to lesser-known gems such as the Pilatusbahn or the Furka Steam Railway, each line offers its own unique window into the country’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage.
Whether you’re crossing soaring viaducts, winding along crystal-clear lakes, or climbing steep cogwheel tracks, Swiss trains promise an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Alps.
Switzerland’s Three Classic Scenic Railways:
Bernina, Glacier, and GoldenPass
The Bernina Express, Glacier Express, and GoldenPass Express are undeniably Switzerland’s railway jewels, renowned worldwide for their prestige and breathtaking landscapes. The Bernina Express, linking Chur to Tirano (Italy), traverses exceptional Alpine scenery, crossing UNESCO-listed landmarks such as the Landwasser Viaduct and the Brusio Spiral Viaduct.
The Glacier Express, affectionately nicknamed « the slowest express train in the world, » elegantly connects Zermatt to St. Moritz over a mythical 291-kilometer journey, crossing 91 tunnels and 291 bridges through the heart of the Swiss Alps, offering majestic views of glaciers, peaks, and valleys.
Finally, the GoldenPass Express provides a direct, luxurious connection from Montreux on Lake Geneva to Interlaken, famed for its refined historic carriages offering a premium journey through the idyllic landscapes of the Bernese Oberland. These three trains perfectly embody the blend of comfort, history, and Swiss natural beauty, attracting travelers worldwide each year.
Gotthard Panorama Express
The Gotthard Panorama Express offers a unique experience combining a steamboat cruise on Lake Lucerne with a scenic train journey across the Swiss Alps, connecting Lucerne to Lugano. Known until 2017 as the William Tell Express, the journey begins with a picturesque boat cruise passing historic sites related to Switzerland’s founding, such as the Rütli. At Flüelen, passengers board a first-class panoramic train traveling along the historic Gotthard line, featuring special presentations on the myths, legends, and history surrounding the Gotthard Massif.
Luzern–Interlaken Express
The Luzern–Interlaken Express provides a two-hour journey between Lucerne and Interlaken, passing impressive mountainous landscapes and five crystal-clear lakes. This route is part of the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland, a 1,280-kilometer network connecting the country’s most scenic routes. Passengers enjoy spectacular views of mountains, lakes, and waterfalls from the comfort of modern panoramic trains.
Gornergrat Bahn
The Gornergrat Bahn, inaugurated on August 20, 1898, is Switzerland’s first electric cogwheel railway. Connecting Zermatt to the summit of Gornergrat at an altitude of 3,089 meters, this route provides extraordinary panoramic views of the Matterhorn and 28 other peaks over 4,000 meters high. Gornergrat is also a gateway for numerous hiking trails, surrounded by glaciers and stunning alpine scenery.
Jungfrau Railway
The Jungfrau Railway, opened in 1912, connects Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway-accessible station at 3,454 meters altitude. The concept of this railway emerged at the end of the 19th century during the Swiss mountain railway boom. The train route traverses tunnels carved into the Eiger and Mönch mountains, offering spectacular views of surrounding glaciers. The final station, aptly named « Top of Europe, » offers breathtaking views of the UNESCO-listed Aletsch Glacier.
Pilatus Railway
The Pilatusbahn, operational since 1889, is the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, with a maximum gradient of 48%. Connecting Alpnachstad to the summit of Mount Pilatus at 2,073 meters, this 4.62-kilometer journey provides spectacular panoramic views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Alps. Its unique rack-and-pinion system, designed by engineer Eduard Locher, safely enables trains to climb these remarkably steep slopes.
Mont-Blanc Express
The Mont-Blanc Express connects Martigny in Switzerland to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains-Le Fayet in France, passing through Chamonix. Opened in 1908, this mountain railway route offers exceptional panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif. The journey traverses deep gorges, tunnels, and impressive bridges, highlighting the engineering ingenuity of its builders. Today, the Mont-Blanc Express is popular among tourists and hikers exploring the Mont Blanc region.
Jura Railway – Watchmakers’ Train
The Jura Railways (Chemins de fer du Jura – CJ), founded in 1944 through the merger of several independent companies, offer a special « Watchmakers’ Train. » This historical train, featuring renovated coaches from 1953, travels through the Franches-Montagnes region, immersing passengers in the rich culture and heritage of Swiss watchmaking.
Rochers-de-Naye Railway
The Montreux–Glion–Rochers-de-Naye railway, opened in 1892, connects Montreux to Rochers-de-Naye summit at 2,042 meters. This cog railway offers spectacular ascents from the shores of Lake Geneva to Alpine peaks, providing panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Electrified in 1938, the railway ensures increased efficiency and comfort.
Blonay-Chamby Railway
The Blonay-Chamby heritage railway, inaugurated in 1968, aims to preserve and operate the metric gauge line connecting Blonay to Chamby. This initiative safeguards an impressive collection of historic rolling stock, providing visitors with an immersive Swiss railway history experience. The trains journey through picturesque landscapes, passing through viaducts and tunnels, offering stunning views of Lake Geneva.
Rigi Railway
The Vitznau–Rigi Bahn, opened on May 21, 1871, was Europe’s first cog railway. Designed by engineer Niklaus Riggenbach, it connects Vitznau to Mount Rigi, offering panoramic views of Lake Lucerne and the Alps. This historic railway significantly boosted Alpine tourism development in Switzerland.
Furka Steam Railway
The Furka Steam Railway is a historic line crossing Furka Pass at 2,160 meters. Originally part of the Glacier Express route, it was abandoned after the construction of the Furka Base Tunnel. Thanks to volunteers’ efforts, this scenic railway was restored and reopened, enabling visitors to relive the steam train era amidst spectacular Alpine scenery.
Mürren Railway
The village of Mürren, first mentioned in the 13th century, is accessed via the Lauterbrunnen–Mürren mountain railway. This route connects Lauterbrunnen to Mürren through Grütschalp, offering spectacular views of Lauterbrunnen Valley and surrounding peaks. Mürren is famed for its authentic charm, ski areas, and hiking trails.
Nyon–Saint-Cergue Railway
The Nyon–Saint-Cergue–Morez railway (NStCM), inaugurated in 1916, connects Nyon on Lake Geneva to Saint-Cergue in the Jura mountains. Initially extended to Morez in France, the cross-border section closed in 1958. Today, the NStCM provides picturesque travel through the Jura Mountains, beloved by commuters and tourists alike.
Brienz Rothorn Railway
The Brienz Rothorn Bahn (BRB), inaugurated in 1892, is a steam-powered cog railway linking Brienz to Brienzer Rothorn summit at 2,244 meters altitude. Initially closed in 1914 due to financial issues and World War I, the line reopened in 1931. Uniquely, the BRB has never been electrified, preserving its nostalgic charm, offering panoramic views of the Bernese Alps and Lake Brienz.
Centovalli Railway
The Domodossola–Locarno line, known as Centovalli, opened in 1923. Its 52-kilometer route crosses 83 bridges and 31 tunnels, offering stunning views of alpine valleys and picturesque villages. Connecting Simplon and Gotthard lines, this railway celebrated its centenary in 2023/24.
Yverdon–Sainte-Croix Railway
The Yverdon–Sainte-Croix railway, inaugurated in 1893, connects Yverdon-les-Bains to Sainte-Croix, overcoming a 633-meter elevation difference. Initially steam-operated and electrified in 1945, it became part of TRAVYS in 2001 and remains operational today.
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