A panoramic Swiss rail journey
Zurich, Switzerland – In this central European country known for its high peak alps, the journey often is just as rewarding as the destination.
This was clear during the recent Grand Train Tour of Switzerland, which brought together journalists from Asia, Latin America, and Europe to explore the country via its most scenic panoramic trains.
“The Grand Train Tour is a combination of all our premium panoramic trains, like the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Gotthard Panorama Express, and GoldenPass Express,” said Tanja Blumer, manager for media marketing at Switzerland Tourism.
“These routes highlight the best of public transport in Switzerland,” she said
Gstaad and the Soul of the Swiss Chalet
In Gstaad, architecture is identity. The Swiss chalet style, deep eaves, carved balconies, timber exteriors, is beyond just a visual theme, it's a commitment to heritage.
“Even the new houses are built this way, we want to keep everything sustainable and traditional. We have 11,000 cows and 11,000 people,” said Ariane Ludwig of Destination Gstaad.
Unlike other Alpine towns, Gstaad enforces strict building regulations to preserve its look and feel. The village logs over one million overnight stays annually. The scenery, calm atmosphere, and access to outdoor adventures make it an ideal base for exploring the region, whether in summer or winter.
Travel Summary
Route: Zürich HB - Bern - Spiez - Zweisimmen - Gstaad
Scenic Routes: Spiez to Zweisimmen: vineyards and lakes; Zweisimmen to Gstaad: GoldenPass alpine views
Swiss Travel Pass: Covered
Where to stay: Huus Gstaad, a 4-star hotel in Saanen combining modern design with alpine charm
Glacier thrills: Glacier 3000
From Gstaad, the journey to Glacier 3000 brought a rapid shift in altitude and climate. A PostBus to Col du Pillon followed by a two-stage cable car led to the snow-covered summit, even in June.
The highlight: the Peak Walk by Tissot, a 107-meter suspension bridge connecting two mountain peaks. Afterward, lunch at Restaurant Botta offered warm views and local cuisine. For adventure seekers, the Alpine Coaster operates in the summer, offering the highest-altitude toboggan ride in the world.
Travel Summary
Route: Gstaad - Col du Pillon (bus) - Glacier 3000 (cable car)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Swiss Travel Pass: Bus covered; 50% off cable car
Highlights: Peak Walk, Alpine Coaster (summer), Restaurant Botta
Golden hour on the rails: Montreux to Lucerne
The GoldenPass Express, which connects Montreux to Interlaken Ost, eliminates transfers with its adjustable chassis. Prestige Class features forward-facing seats and full panoramic windows.
We traveled past Lake Geneva, then through the Bernese Oberland to Interlaken. Along the way, we passed filming locations from “Crash Landing on You” near Saanen and Zweisimmen.
In Interlaken, passengers can stop for lake cruises or outdoor activities before continuing to Lucerne aboard the Luzern–Interlaken Express, which winds past Lakes Thun and Brienz before arriving in the historic city.
Travel Summary
Route: Montreux - Zweisimmen - Interlaken Ost - Lucerne
Duration: 5.5 hours
Swiss Travel Pass: Covered
Highlights: Lake Geneva, Oberland chalets, lakes Thun & Brienz, Lucerne
Stanserhorn: Where History Lifts You Up
From Lucerne, a vintage funicular and the world’s only open-top cable car, the CabriO, took us to the top of Stanserhorn. At the summit, sweeping views spanned lakes and peaks. On clear days, more than 100 mountain peaks are visible.
Lunch at the Culinarium Alpinum, a former monastery, featured alpine ingredients sourced locally. It also serves as a culinary training center focused on traditional Swiss food.
Gotthard Panorama Express: Linking north and south
From Lucerne, a boat carried us to Flüelen, where the Gotthard Panorama Express began. This historic route, opened in 1882, winds through spiral tunnels and viaducts. The Church of Wassen appears multiple times due to the line’s looping design.
Crossing the Gotthard summit, we descended into Ticino, where alpine villages give way to palm-lined streets. This scenic descent also marks a shift from German-speaking to Italian-speaking Switzerland.
Travel Summary
Route: Lucerne - Flüelen (boat) - Bellinzona (train)
Duration: ~5.5 hours
Swiss Travel Pass: Covered
Where to stay: Grand Hotel Europe, lakeside, walking distance to Lucerne’s old town
Ticino: A southern shift
In Locarno and Ascona, we joined a food and wine tour featuring local cheeses, risotto, and Ticino Merlot. In Gandria, a boat-accessed, car-free village on Lake Lugano, the pace slowed further.
Later, we visited Bellinzona, known for its UNESCO-listed castles. The next morning, we boarded the Centovalli Express, winding through remote valleys to Domodossola. The route offers panoramic windows and a chance to experience a more rustic side of Switzerland often overlooked by major rail lines.
Travel Summary
Main Stops: Locarno, Ascona, Gandria, Bellinzona, Centovalli
Swiss Travel Pass: Fully covered (small surcharge on Italian section if no reservation)
Where to stay: Hotel Muralto, renovated and modern hotel is located in the town center, close to Locarno's old town with the famous Piazza Grande and Lake Maggiore with
Glaciers and Reflections: Aletsch
From Domodossola, we continued to Brig, then up to Riederalp, a car-free village. A gondola took us to the Moosfluh Viewpoint, overlooking the Great Aletsch Glacier – the largest in the Alps. Hiking trails and educational panels at the top help explain the glacier's formation and environmental importance.
Travel Summary
Route: Locarno - Domodossola - Brig - Riederalp - Moosfluh Viewpoint
Duration: Full day
Swiss Travel Pass: Fully covered
Where to stay: Hotel Stockalperhof, located in the middle of Brig’s old town.
Plan Your Swiss Rail Journey: Swiss Travel Pass Guide
The Swiss Travel Pass is a convenient all-in-one ticket that gives visitors unlimited access to Switzerland’s public transportation system. Designed specifically for tourists, the pass covers trains, buses, boats, and even many mountain railways and cable cars.
With this pass, travelers can take premium panoramic trains, including the Glacier Express, GoldenPass Express, Bernina Express, and Gotthard Panorama Express, without buying separate tickets. Museum entry is also included at over 500 institutions nationwide.
Prices (as of mid-2025):
3 days: CHF 232 (PHP 15,100)
4 days: CHF 281 (PHP 18,300)
6 days: CHF 359 (PHP 23,300)
8 days: CHF 389 (PHP 25,300)
15 days: CHF 429 (PHP 27,900)
1st class starts at CHF 369 (PHP 24,000)
Benefits:
Unlimited public transport across Switzerland
Full access to premium panoramic trains
Free entry to 500+ museums
50% off most mountain excursions (e.g., Glacier 3000, Aletsch)
Free for children under 16 with Swiss Family Card
Optional seat reservations on scenic trains
Luggage transfer service and mobile planning app
Where to buy: Available online, at major train stations, or via official Swiss Travel System partners
A country measured in moments, not miles
From chalet villages to glacier summits, Switzerland invites travelers to slow down and look closer.
Here, the trains don’t just connect towns - they connect cultures, landscapes, languages, and time. Whether by boat, cogwheel, or panoramic coach, each ride becomes part of the destination itself.
