The Most Beautiful Train Ride in Switzerland, Ranked

Choose the train ride you think is the most beautiful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 30, 2024 06:25
Choosing the most scenic train ride in Switzerland can be a delightful yet daunting task, given the multitude of breathtaking options available. Each journey offers a unique view of the country's pristine landscapes and historic sites. This ranking aims to help travelers identify which routes best fit their expectations and itinerary preferences by consolidating public opinion. By casting your vote, you contribute to a broader consensus, assisting others in making informed decisions about their travel plans. Whether you're a local enthusiast or a visitor planning your next adventure, your input is invaluable. Participate now and see how your favorite measures up against others.

What Is the Most Beautiful Train Ride in Switzerland?

  1. 1
    77
    votes

    Glacier Express

    Known as the world’s slowest express train, it connects Zermatt and St. Moritz, offering panoramic views of the Swiss Alps.
    • Route Length: 291 km
    • Duration: Approximately 8 hours
  2. 2
    48
    votes

    Bernina Express

    A breathtaking train ride from Chur to Tirano, passing through the Engadin Alps and showcasing the UNESCO World Heritage site of the RhB.
    • Highest Point: Ospizio Bernina, 2253 meters above sea level
    • Duration: 4 hours
  3. 3
    18
    votes

    GoldenPass Line

    Connecting Montreux and Lucerne, it offers diverse landscapes from Lake Geneva to the high Alps.
    • Route Length: 210 km
    • Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
  4. 4
    14
    votes

    Gotthard Panorama Express

    Combines a train and boat journey from Lucerne to Lugano, showcasing the historic Gotthard route.
    • Unique Feature: Combination of train and boat
    • Duration: Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes
  5. 5
    4
    votes

    Voralpen Express

    Travels between Lucerne and St. Gallen, offering views of the Swiss Plateau, lakes, and the Pre-Alps.
    • Route Length: 123 km
    • Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
  6. 6
    0
    votes

    Andermatt-Oberalp-Sedrun

    Part of the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn, it offers a spectacular journey through the Swiss Alps, including the Oberalp Pass.
    • Highest Point: Oberalp Pass, 2044 meters above sea level
    • Duration: Approximately 2 hours
  7. 7
    0
    votes

    Jungfrau Region Railway

    A network of trains and cable cars in the Bernese Oberland, leading to Europe’s highest railway station at Jungfraujoch.
    • Highest Station: Jungfraujoch, 3454 meters above sea level
    • Key Attraction: Aletsch Glacier
  8. 8
    0
    votes

    Montreux-Oberland Bernois Railway

    Links Montreux with the Gstaad and Lenk in the Bernese Oberland, known for its scenic beauty.
    • Route Length: 62.4 km
    • Duration: Approximately 3 hours
  9. 9
    0
    votes

    Centovalli Railway

    Connects Locarno in Switzerland to Domodossola in Italy, traversing the 'Hundred Valleys' with stunning views.
    • Route Length: 52 km
    • Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes
  10. 10
    0
    votes

    RegioExpress Lötschberger

    Runs from Bern to Brig, offering views of the Kander valley, traditional Swiss villages, and the Lötschberg Base Tunnel.
    • Route Length: 74 km
    • Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful train ride in Switzerland. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or journey is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2118 views
  • 161 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each journey once every 24 hours. The rank of each journey is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More about the Most Beautiful Train Ride in Switzerland

Glacier Express
Rank #1 for the most beautiful train ride in Switzerland: Glacier Express (Source)
Switzerland boasts some of the most scenic train rides in the world. The country's landscape offers a stunning backdrop for rail journeys. Travelers experience a mix of majestic mountains, serene lakes, and lush valleys. The Swiss rail network is renowned for its efficiency and punctuality. It connects many picturesque routes that wind through the heart of the Alps.

The journey begins in a bustling city. As the train leaves the urban area, the scenery changes rapidly. Towering peaks come into view, often capped with snow. Forests stretch out as far as the eye can see. Rivers and streams run alongside the tracks, their waters clear and cold. The train climbs steadily, offering ever-changing views.

Passengers sit in comfortable seats with large windows. These windows allow an unobstructed view of the passing landscape. The train moves smoothly, with little noise or vibration. It often feels like gliding through a postcard. Each turn of the track reveals a new and breathtaking scene. Sometimes, the train passes through tunnels carved into the mountains. Emerging from these tunnels, the view seems even more spectacular.

In the warmer months, the valleys are green and vibrant. Wildflowers add splashes of color to the scene. Cows graze in the meadows, their bells tinkling softly. Small villages dot the landscape, their traditional chalets adding charm. The air is fresh, filled with the scent of pine and blooming flowers.

In winter, the scene transforms. Snow blankets the ground, creating a pristine white landscape. The mountains appear even more imposing, their peaks sharp against the sky. Frozen lakes and rivers reflect the sunlight, adding a magical sparkle. Skiers and snowboarders can be seen on the slopes, adding a dynamic element to the view. The train itself may be equipped with heating, ensuring a cozy journey despite the cold outside.

The journey often includes crossing impressive bridges. These structures span deep gorges and wide rivers. From these vantage points, the view is both thrilling and beautiful. The engineering marvel of the bridges adds to the overall experience. The train continues its steady climb, reaching higher altitudes. Here, the air is thinner, and the landscape more rugged. The peaks are closer now, almost within reach.

At times, the train stops at small stations. These stops allow passengers to stretch their legs and take in the surroundings. Local vendors may offer regional snacks and drinks. These brief interludes add a touch of local flavor to the journey. The train then resumes its journey, pressing onward through the mountains.

As the train descends, the landscape changes once more. The valleys open up, revealing expansive views. The journey concludes in another city, bustling and vibrant. Passengers disembark, carrying with them memories of the stunning vistas they have seen. The train ride through Switzerland leaves a lasting impression, a testament to the beauty of this remarkable country.

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