Switzerland is renowned for its snow-capped mountains, charming alpine villages, and idyllic winter landscapes. When the country is covered in a blanket of snow, there’s no better way to explore its winter wonderland than by train. The Swiss rail system is famous for its efficiency, punctuality, and the stunning routes it offers through some of the most picturesque scenery in the world.
If you’re planning to visit Switzerland during the winter months, here are some of the most breathtaking train journeys that allow you to experience the country’s natural beauty in all its winter glory.
1. The Glacier Express
The Glacier Express is one of Switzerland’s most iconic train journeys, taking you through majestic alpine scenery and snow-covered landscapes. This scenic route connects Zermatt in the south, at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn mountain, to St. Moritz in the Engadine Valley, in the northeast.
Throughout the winter months, the Glacier Express offers a captivating ride through snow-capped mountains, frozen rivers, and picturesque villages. The route crosses 291 bridges, travels through 91 tunnels, and offers stunning views of the Alps, including the Oberalp Pass, one of the highest points on the route at 2,033 meters above sea level.
What to Expect:
- Panoramic windows offering unobstructed views of snow-covered peaks and frozen lakes.
- Cozy interiors, perfect for winter travel, with the option to enjoy a meal or snack as you take in the views.
- A relaxing pace that allows you to fully appreciate the winter landscapes.
Best For: Travelers who want a luxurious, comfortable ride through Switzerland’s most stunning winter landscapes.
2. The Bernina Express
The Bernina Express is another iconic route that travels through the Swiss Alps and provides breathtaking views, especially during the winter months. This train journey runs from Chur to Tirano in Italy, passing through some of the most scenic regions of Switzerland, including the Engadine Valley and the Bernina Range.
The Bernina Express is particularly famous for crossing the Bernina Pass, which reaches an altitude of 2,253 meters. Along the way, passengers can enjoy panoramic views of snow-covered peaks, frozen lakes, and the picturesque Swiss Alps. The Alp Grüm station offers spectacular views of the Palü Glacier, and the train travels through rugged landscapes, including deep valleys and forest-clad mountains, all covered in snow during the winter.
What to Expect:
- A journey through some of the most remote and untouched alpine landscapes.
- Stunning winter views of glaciers, lakes, and mountain peaks.
- Opportunities to experience Switzerland’s natural beauty from the comfort of a cozy, heated carriage.
Best For: Those seeking an immersive winter experience through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Switzerland.
3. The GoldenPass Line
The GoldenPass Line is a beautiful route that connects Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva to Lucerne in central Switzerland. While the route is stunning throughout the year, it offers a particularly magical experience during the winter months, when the surrounding landscapes are blanketed in snow.
This train journey is a perfect blend of lakeside, mountain, and forest views. As you travel from the lowlands of Montreux up to the mountain village of Gstaad, you’ll pass through snow-covered forests and picturesque alpine villages. In the winter, the views become even more enchanting, with the mountains and valleys covered in a pristine layer of snow. The GoldenPass Line is also known for its luxurious panorama carriages that allow you to fully enjoy the beauty of the journey.
What to Expect:
- A combination of lakeside views, snow-dusted forests, and picturesque villages.
- A comfortable ride with panoramic windows for unobstructed winter views.
- The option to enjoy traditional Swiss snacks or drinks as you take in the stunning scenery.
Best For: Travelers who want a varied train journey that combines winter landscapes with cultural charm.
4. The Gotthard Panorama Express
The Gotthard Panorama Express offers one of Switzerland’s most scenic and historic train routes, combining a lake cruise on Lake Lucerne with a train ride through the heart of the Swiss Alps. In winter, this journey takes on a magical quality as snow covers the mountains, creating a dramatic contrast against the shimmering waters of the lake.
The route travels through the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world’s longest railway and deepest traffic tunnel, which makes it an impressive engineering feat. But what truly makes the journey special is the combination of snowy landscapes outside and the cozy warmth inside, as you pass through towns like Flüelen, Andermatt, and Bellinzona.
What to Expect:
- A combination of lake cruise and scenic train ride through the Swiss Alps.
- Panoramic views of the snow-covered mountains and traditional Swiss villages.
- A historic route that takes you through the heart of the country’s mountain landscape.
Best For: Travelers looking for a diverse winter experience that combines both lake and mountain views.
5. The Voralpen Express
The Voralpen Express is a scenic journey that connects Lucerne to Zürich while passing through picturesque alpine valleys and snow-covered mountains. This train ride is perfect for those who want to experience Switzerland’s stunning winter scenery at a more leisurely pace.
The route takes passengers through the Sihl Valley, providing picturesque views of frozen lakes, snow-covered hills, and the Swiss Alps in the background. The Voralpen Express is known for its comfortable coaches, with large windows that allow for panoramic views of the winter wonderland outside.
What to Expect:
- Beautiful views of alpine valleys, snow-covered mountains, and quaint villages.
- A comfortable and relaxing ride with opportunities for photography and sightseeing.
- A relatively short journey that offers a great introduction to Switzerland’s winter landscapes.
Best For: Those who want a relaxing ride through scenic winter landscapes without taking a long train journey.
6. The Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscapes
The Rhaetian Railway is another must-ride route, especially if you’re looking for dramatic views of the Swiss Alps. The train passes through the Albula and Bernina landscapes, which are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their breathtaking scenery and engineering marvels.
In the winter, the snow-capped peaks, glacial rivers, and frozen valleys create a serene and magical atmosphere. The train travels through tunnels, over viaducts, and around sharp curves, providing travelers with an intimate connection to the Swiss alpine environment. The route also passes through the small town of Samedan, where you can witness the picturesque, snow-covered streets and traditional Swiss architecture.
What to Expect:
- Panoramic views of glaciers, snow-covered villages, and alpine passes.
- A journey through remote and rugged parts of the Swiss Alps, offering a unique perspective on the country’s winter beauty.
- Historical and modern engineering feats, including the Landwasser Viaduct.
Best For: Adventurous travelers who want to experience some of the most impressive winter landscapes in Switzerland.
Conclusion
Switzerland’s train journeys in the winter months are nothing short of breathtaking. Whether you’re taking the luxurious Glacier Express, the Bernina Express through alpine valleys, or the charming GoldenPass Line, these journeys offer the perfect way to experience the natural beauty of Switzerland during the colder months. The country’s well-maintained and efficient train system ensures that you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning views of snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, and quaint villages while you travel in comfort and style. So, grab your winter coat, board one of these spectacular trains, and get ready for a journey you’ll never forget.
