Travelzoo: Best of Switzerland by Rail

You have a day to explore this glamorous town overlooking the eastern side of the mighty Lake Geneva.  Explore the local Lavaux vineyards or take a trip to the fascinating Chateau de Chillon, protruding onto the lake.

Whilst there is an easy direct train from Montreux to Brig, today you will be taking a more scenic route, travelling on the picturesque Golden Pass route up into the mountains.  The Golden Pass Express train takes you through the upmarket resorts of Chateau d’Oex and Gstaad, and into Spiez, on the shores of Lake Thun. Here, you connect onto another spectacular train over the Lötschberg Pass to the pretty town of Brig, in the Valais region.

Check in for a 2-night stay at the Hotel Ambassador (or similar).

Enjoy a day trip to the famous resort of Zermatt today, with its signature Matterhorn mountain and array of cosy bars and restaurants.  If the weather is fine, you may even wish to take a trip up the Gornergrat cog railway for unparalleled views across to the Matterhorn and surrounding area (payable locally).

You’ll be following the route of the Glacier Express today, but using efficient Swiss regional services, making very easy changes across the platforms in Andermatt and Disentis, with an opportunity to take in the fresh mountain air – and take lots of pictures!  The highlight of the journey is travelling up over the Oberalp Pass and into the valley beyond.

Once you arrival into Chur, check in for a 2-night stay at the ABC Swiss Quality Hotel (or similar).

Switzerland’s oldest town, Chur is more of a hub for locals than a resort.  Take a cable car up the Braumbuesch mountain, visit the relaxing open air swimming pool or take a hike in the surrounding mountains.

The highlight of today is doubtless your journey over the Bernina Pass to Tirano in Italy.  The first part of the journey takes you on the Albula Railway which involves the often-photographed Landwasser Viaduct, and then you rise up and over the Bernina Pass itself descending down into the magnificent Poschiavo Valley and into Tirano.

You then briefly dip into Italy, heading down to Monza, skirting the shores of Lake Como, and back up into Switzerland for your stay in Lugano.

Ticino, the southern part of Switzerland, “where Swiss efficiency speaks Italian” is an absolute delight.  Public transport that runs to time and where buses dovetail with trains, Como-esque lake scenery and a “Ticino Ticket” which entitles you to free train and bus transport throughout the region to use today.

Your journey here takes you over the sublime Gotthard Pass, one of the earliest crossings from southern to northern Europe.  Twisting and turning up through curved tunnels and out into more and more spectacular scenery.  Catch a glimpse of Lake Lucerne to the left, as you wind your way north to Basel, where you change onto the French network for a local train up to Strasbourg. Check in for an overnight stay at the Hotel des Vosges (or similar).

The railway from Strasbourg to Paris is the fastest in Europe, and you will be whisked across the vast distance to Paris, where you connect onto a Eurostar through the Channel Tunnel to London.  If you are based outside London, there is still enough time to head back to most parts of the UK on the same evening, as you reflect on your Swiss adventure.