Switzerland, with its magnificent landscapes of towering mountains, pristine lakes, lush valleys, and charming villages, offers some of the most breathtaking train journeys in the world. For nature lovers, there is no better way to experience the country’s diverse beauty than by traveling through its scenic train routes. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely ride through the Alps, an adventure through historic tunnels, or panoramic views of tranquil lakes, Switzerland’s train journeys provide an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in nature from the comfort of a train. Here are the best train journeys in Switzerland for nature lovers:
1. Glacier Express: A Journey Through the Swiss Alps
The Glacier Express is one of the most famous and scenic train journeys in Switzerland, offering a stunning, 8-hour ride between Zermatt and St. Moritz. This panoramic journey crosses 291 bridges, travels through 91 tunnels, and climbs over 3,000 meters above sea level, providing a unique and immersive view of Switzerland’s Alpine landscapes.
- What to Expect: As the train meanders through the Alps, you’ll be treated to incredible views of snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, rivers, and alpine meadows. The train travels through Oberalp Pass (the highest point), where you can witness sweeping vistas of the Swiss Alps, and passes by the famous Rhine Gorge, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Switzerland.”
- Best For: Nature lovers who want a leisurely yet comprehensive tour of the Swiss Alps. It’s a great option for those who enjoy being surrounded by mountain peaks, glaciers, and dense forests.
2. Bernina Express: From Alps to Mediterranean
For a journey that spans two vastly different landscapes, the Bernina Express is a must-do for nature enthusiasts. This scenic route travels from Chur to Tirano in Italy, crossing the Bernina Range and descending through the Engadine Valley and onto the sunny region of Lombardy in Italy.
- What to Expect: The Bernina Express provides panoramic views of the Bernina Range, which includes some of the highest peaks in the Alps, and the Morteratsch Glacier. As you travel through the Alp Grüm region, you can gaze out at the posh alpine meadows and lakes, like Lake Poschiavo, offering serene views of the landscape. From there, the route drops into the Italian-speaking regions of Switzerland and finishes in Tirano, where the views shift dramatically toward the Mediterranean climate.
- Best For: Nature lovers who enjoy a journey through diverse landscapes—Alpine peaks, glaciers, valleys, and southern warmth—as well as those looking to experience both Swiss and Italian charm.
3. GoldenPass Line: Connecting Lakes and Mountains
For a train journey that brings together both lakeside beauty and alpine grandeur, the GoldenPass Line is a dream come true. Connecting the cities of Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva with Lucerne, this panoramic train journey offers stunning views of Swiss lakes, vineyards, and mountainous terrain.
- What to Expect: The first section of the journey runs alongside the stunning Lake Geneva, passing through vineyards and the charming village of Vevey, before climbing into the hills, offering vistas of the majestic Jura Mountains. Further on, the train traverses lush valleys, wooden forests, and rolling hills, providing a perfect blend of lakeside relaxation and alpine exploration. The route also passes through picturesque towns like Gstaad, famous for its traditional Swiss charm.
- Best For: Nature lovers who prefer a combination of lake views and mountain panoramas. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to experience both Swiss lakes and the majestic Swiss Alps in one journey.
4. Gotthard Panorama Express: Lake Views and Mountain Peaks
The Gotthard Panorama Express offers a unique combination of train and boat, making it perfect for nature lovers who enjoy both mountain and lake views. The journey starts in Lucerne, where you take a scenic boat ride across Lake Lucerne, before hopping onto a luxury panoramic train to Ticino, the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland.
- What to Expect: After the boat ride, you’ll board the train and follow the historic Gotthard railway, which passes through the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the longest and deepest railway tunnel in the world. The train ride then winds through the rugged mountains, past the idyllic lakes, and down into the sun-drenched Ticino region, which offers a completely different landscape, with Mediterranean-like flora and vineyards.
- Best For: Nature lovers who want to experience the diversity of Switzerland’s landscapes—from serene Swiss lakes to rugged Alpine peaks and Mediterranean vibes.
5. Rhaetian Railway: A UNESCO World Heritage Journey
The Rhaetian Railway in the Swiss Engadine region offers a variety of scenic routes that pass through stunning valleys, impressive bridges, and lush forests. The most famous of these is the route from Chur to Arosa.
- What to Expect: This journey offers some of the best views of Switzerland’s untouched natural beauty, including dramatic mountain vistas, winding rivers, and charming Alpine villages. The Landwasser Viaduct, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most iconic features of this journey, with the train crossing a series of stunning bridges high above the valley below. The route also takes you through lush forests and offers picturesque views of valleys surrounded by towering peaks.
- Best For: Those seeking a scenic and relatively quiet journey that showcases the natural beauty of the Swiss Engadine. It’s ideal for anyone wanting a peaceful and scenic escape into nature.
Conclusion: A Journey Through Nature’s Wonders
Switzerland’s extensive train network offers a treasure trove of scenic routes for nature lovers. From towering alpine peaks to serene lakes, glaciers, and charming villages, each journey presents a new way to experience the country’s breathtaking beauty. Whether you choose the iconic Glacier Express, the versatile GoldenPass Line, or the Bernina Express to explore diverse landscapes, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in Switzerland’s natural wonders than by train. So, hop on board and let the stunning views unfold as you travel through one of the world’s most scenic countries.
