Travel tips
Why the Swiss Alps Are Best Experienced by Train
Scenic rail journeys turn the route into part of the holiday. Discover how to slow down, connect mountain towns and see more of Switzerland between each stop.
Switzerland makes it wonderfully easy to turn travel days into sightseeing days. The trains are comfortable, the connections are beautifully coordinated, and the landscape changes every time you look out of the window.
Build the journey around a few memorable legs
Rather than trying to cover the whole country, choose two or three scenic journeys and let them shape the itinerary. A route through the Bernese Oberland can pair lakeside views with mountain villages, while the Glacier Express offers a slower cross-country perspective.
A few planning principles
- Pick a base for at least two nights whenever possible.
- Check the connection time before booking a mountain excursion.
- Keep one flexible day for weather changes.
The result is an itinerary that feels spacious instead of rushed. You can leave the station, find a bakery, and still know that the next view is waiting for you.
Make the train part of the experience
Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire journey looking through it. Some of the best moments are small: a snowfield appearing between tunnels, a lake catching the late afternoon light, or a local passenger pointing out a village you would have missed.
For more inspiration, browse our Europe travel ideas or tell us what kind of journey you are imagining.