Take the Train to Switzerland's Most Beautiful Cities
Whether you take the famous Glacier Express route from Zermatt to St Moritz, see fields of wildflowers along the Golden Pass, or climb up to ‘the top of Europe’ at the continent’s highest station near the peak of the Jungfrau Mountain, Switzerland by train promises the experience of a lifetime. The following classic Swiss cities are easily accessible by scenic train, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination!
1. Chur
Dating back 5,000 years, Chur is one of Switzerland’s oldest cities. It is also one of the most breathtaking, situated in a deep valley and encircled by towering, snow-covered peaks, deep in the country’s Graubünden region. The city boasts an attractive, car-free center and plenty of naturally magnificent vistas for wanderers and hikers alike. The popular Fontana Park is a great choice for a relaxing amble, and the Old Town is home to an 800-year-old Gothic Cathedral, fascinating galleries and authentic Swiss eateries. Two of our favorite rail journeys featuring Chur are the Classic Bernina Express and Switzerland's Lakes and Mountains.
2. Interlaken
Meaning ‘between lakes,’ the clue to Interlaken’s spectacular beauty is in the name. Embracing the valley between the emerald lakes of Thun and Brienz, the traditional timber houses and verdant countryside of the city bask in the shadow of the icing-sugar-dusted Jungfrau, Eiger and Mönch mountains, and delight visitors with their beauty. Begin your Alpine adventures heading to the ‘top of Europe’ at the continent’s highest railway station, some 11,333 feet above sea level, or explore the stalactites and waterfalls of the St Beatus caves. We're in love with these two trips featuring Interlaken: Grand Italian Lakes and Swiss Mountains and The Golden Pass and Mountain Peaks.
3. Lucerne
On the shores of Lake Lucerne and close to some of the highest peaks of the Swiss Alps, Lucerne is a German-speaking Swiss city in an idyllic location. There is plenty of classic Swiss architecture to see from the half-timbered houses of the Old Town to the elegant spires of the city's churches and the medieval wooden bridges. Discover the wonderful Chapel Bridge, which doubles as an art gallery displaying illustrations of local history from the 1600s, and leads to an imposing 700-year-old Water Tower, once part of the city’s walls. In the summer, take the world's steepest cogwheel railway up to Mount Pilatus. We couldn't mention this picturesque town without mentioning some of our favorite journeys. The Best of Switzerland and Scenic Switzerland from Zurich are sure to impress.
4. Montreux
Nestled amidst one of Lake Geneva's many picturesque bays, Montreux is known as the capital of the Vaud Riviera and boasts a wonderful Mediterranean climate. The city draws visitors eager to experience its annual Jazz festival, the spectacular Golden Pass railway and Chillon castle, a fortified prison set on a rocky island. Walk along the pretty lakefront, decorated with beautiful beds of flowers or take the cogwheel train to Rochers-de-Naye for panoramic views. It would be hard to mention Montreux and not mention The Swiss Riviera or Gems of Switzerland trips, two trips filled with the most beautiful parts of Switzerland.
5. St Moritz
You’ll find St Moritz nestled in the Engadine Valley, perched some 5,905 feet above sea level in the snowy heights of the stunning Swiss Alps. With an average of 322 days of sunshine a year, holidays here are sun-drenched and glamorous – the city is considered one of the most exclusive ski resorts in the world. Indulge in the Champagne-soaked atmosphere or search out a peaceful spot by riding a chair lift to one of the surrounding peaks for spectacular views of the glacier landscapes. Many visitors will use St Moritz as a railway hub, ambling to Zermatt along the Oberalp Pass aboard the gleaming carriages of the Glacier Express. Lucerne, Zermatt, and St Moritz trip and Basel to Milan via St Moritz and the Bernina Express are sure to capture St Moritz and Europe in the best light.
6. Zermatt
Lying in the shadow of the Matterhorn and almost entirely surrounded by mountains, Zermatt is a traditional Alpine gem! The village is car-free so the best way in is by train, usually along a portion of the famous Glacier Express route. Zermatt is a great base for exploring the local area and a trip up to the summit of the Gornergrat by rack railway is a must. Take one of the many cable cars and chair-lifts up into the mountains for skiing or walking, or visit the Matterhorn museum for a history of the surrounding area, including the story of the first ill-fated attempt to scale the Matterhorn in 1865. Check out these two trips for some of our favorite journeys that stop in Zermatt: Grand Swiss Mountain Peaks from Basel and Grand Glacier Express - Excellence Class.
7. Zurich
Zurich is known worldwide as being Switzerland’s sophisticated financial capital, but it’s so much more than that. Fringed by distant mountains and gracing the banks of the winding River Limmat, the international banks and financial institutions add a contemporary edge to the scenes of intricate stained glass windows, cobbled pavements and characteristic spires that reveal glimpses into the city’s rich past. Amble down the Lake Promenade and the winding streets of the Old Town, unearthing the artistic masterpieces of the Kunsthaus, watching operatic perfection at the famed Schauspielhaus, or shopping along Bahnhofstrasse, Switzerland’s answer to the Champs- Élysées. Here are two journeys that capture Zurich, and many other cities: Scenic Switzerland from Zurich and Basel to Zurich via Mount Pilatus and the Jungfrau.
