Bernina Express Marvel
The Bernina Express is a quintessential Swiss rail experience, traversing the 144km route from Chur to Tirano in approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Its highlight is the ascent to the Bernina Pass, reaching an impressive 2328 meters. This journey unfolds through a fascinating linguistic tapestry, moving from German-speaking regions to the Italian-speaking town of Tirano. A shorter, equally scenic option is available from the elegant St. Moritz through alpine splendor to the Italian-speaking town of Poschiavo, perfect for a day trip. Here, you can savor authentic Italian cuisine in the picturesque central square, just 13km from the Italian border. Throughout the journey, onboard commentary enriches the experience with historical facts and route highlights. For the more adventurous, the 'Stop On Request' feature allows spontaneous exploration at any station, where local information and hiking suggestions are often provided, adding a layer of personalized discovery to this classic route.
Glacier Express Grandeur
Often hailed as one of the world's greatest rail journeys, the Glacier Express covers 290km from St. Moritz to Zermatt in about 8 hours, making it the 'slowest express train.' Since its inception in 1930, it has been a crowning achievement of Swiss engineering and scenic beauty. The route offers unparalleled vistas of the Swiss Alps, punctuated by remarkable feats of civil engineering like the Landwasser Viaduct, a gravity-defying six-arched structure. Natural wonders abound, including the Oberalp Pass at 2033m, a common stop for passengers to admire the scenery, and the Mattertal, Switzerland's deepest canyon. While every carriage promises a wonderful journey, opting for first class elevates the experience with red-carpet boarding, expansive windows, a five-course meal, and an interactive tablet detailing the route's history and points of interest, truly making it a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Gornergrat Railway Ascent
For those seeking unparalleled mountain vistas, the Gornergrat Railway, originating from Zermatt, is an essential experience. This narrow-gauge line, operational since 1898, climbs a steep 20% gradient over its 9km route to a summit station at 3089 meters above sea level, taking just 30 minutes. The destination, Gornergrat, offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama encompassing 29 peaks exceeding 4000 meters, including the iconic Matterhorn, famously recognized from the Toblerone packaging. This vantage point also provides views of Monte Rosa, Switzerland's highest mountain at 4634 meters. Visitors can choose to stay overnight in the Gornergrat hotel for exceptional stargazing in the absence of light pollution, dine on the terrace with spectacular views, or even ski down the mountain, all while immersed in awe-inspiring natural beauty.
Jungfrau Railway Expedition
The Jungfrau Railway offers a unique adventure, not just for viewing mountains but for traveling through them. This journey, the highest railway in Europe, covers 9.5km in about 40 minutes, ascending to the Jungfraujoch. For a significant portion, the route winds through tunnels carved directly into the Eiger and Mönch mountains, a design intended to shield the service from the harsh alpine weather. Passengers can begin their journey from the charming villages of Grindelwald, known for outdoor activities, or Lauterbrunnen, famous for its picturesque, waterfall-laden valley. Both towns provide convenient access to Kleine Scheidegg, the departure point for the railway. The final destination, Jungfraujoch Station, is nestled between peaks and provides views that rival the impressive engineering that made the ascent possible.
Schilthorn Cable Car
While technically a series of cable cars rather than a traditional train, the ascent to the Schilthorn deserves inclusion for its dramatic alpine experience and cinematic connections. The 5.6km journey, taking approximately 30 minutes, culminates at the summit, offering spectacular views and a link to the James Bond film 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service.' The Piz Gloria revolving restaurant at the summit, largely unchanged since filming, provides a memorable dining experience. From the 2970m observation deck, visitors are treated to views of three celebrated Alpine peaks: the Eiger, the Jungfrau, and the Mönch. The cable cars connect seamlessly, with a worthwhile stop at the Birg station. Here, thrill-seekers can test their nerve on the 'Skyline Walk,' a cliff-hugging platform with a glass floor, and the 'Thrill Walk,' which includes a rope bridge over a dramatic drop, all protected by safety nets.
