Train travel is often called the highlight of a Swiss vacation. It's the most romantic and thorough way to experience Switzerland's breathtaking natural beauty. To make the most of your Swiss train journey, I highly recommend taking one of Switzerland's panoramic trains. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, these scenic trains are free, only requiring a separate seat reservation fee.

01. Glacier Express

Known as the "slowest express train in the world," the Glacier Express is a themed tourist train connecting Zermatt, home to the Matterhorn, and St. Moritz. It's often cited as a "must-ride train before you die." Over approximately 8 hours, you'll traverse 91 tunnels and 291 bridges, witnessing the snow-capped Alps, deep valleys, and gorges - postcard-perfect scenery come to life.

Route: Zermatt - St. Moritz or vice versa
Distance: 291 km (approximately 181 miles)
Duration: Approximately 8 hours

02. Bernina Express

If you're looking for the most dramatic scenery in Switzerland, this is the train for you. Departing from Chur, Switzerland, the Bernina Express crosses through glacial landscapes, passing through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges, reaching the highest points of the Alps on its way to Tirano, Italy. The scenery is truly a work of art. The highlight is undoubtedly the Landwasser Viaduct, a 65-meter (approximately 213 feet) high stone bridge that offers a thrilling ride and a breathtaking view. You'll also experience the Brusio Circular Viaduct, a 360-degree spiral, and the winding descent between Bergün and Preda. A unique feature of this train is that the windows can be opened! Don't miss the chance to capture stunning photos, especially on the curves.

Route: Chur - Tirano (Italy)
Distance: 156 km (approximately 97 miles)
Duration: 4 hours 13 minutes

Route: Tirano (Italy) - Lugano
Distance: 90 km (approximately 56 miles)
Duration: 3 hours 10 minutes

03. GoldenPass Line

A ride on the GoldenPass Line treats you to views of Lake Geneva, Switzerland's largest lake, along with lush green fields and fir forests. There are two types of GoldenPass trains that operate between Zweisimmen and Montreux: the GoldenPass Panoramic train and, running in the opposite direction, the GoldenPass Classic train.

The panoramic train, with its ceiling-high windows, offers an immersive experience in nature. The VIP seats at the very front of the train offer a 180-degree panoramic view, but with only 8 seats per train, they are highly sought after. However, if you book in advance, you can enjoy this incredible scenery from the best seat in the house! The GoldenPass Classic train, with its retro-style carriages, evokes a sense of nostalgia, like stepping into a scene from a classic film, such as the Orient Express.

Route: Lucerne - Interlaken - Zweisimmen - Montreux or vice versa
Distance: 191 km (approximately 119 miles)
Duration: Approximately 5 hours

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