Grand Train Tour
of Switzerland.
The most beautiful panoramic routes –
in one unique travel experience.
mystsnet.com/grandtraintour
Version 1, 2017
The great train experience.
Switzerland’s panoramic routes never fail to fascinate visitors. And the best way to discover
the delights of this small Alpine nation is to take the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland.
The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is a unique travel experience. It extends over 1280 captivating kilometres and
­comprises the most beautiful panoramic routes across the country. The tour takes travellers to all of Switzerland’s four
language regions – through attractive towns and villages, past glistening glaciers, lakes and rivers, and over mountains.
It highlights the best of the nation’s public transport system and selected excursion destinations. The tour also inspires
travellers to explore attractions off the recommended rail routes. There is no prescribed travel direction and the tour
can be started all year round from any point. For example from Zurich, Switzerland’s largest and most multicultural city.
Zürich – ­Schaffhausen – ­St. Gallen
"133km 2h 50 min
Schaffhausen
Basel
EuroAirport
St. Gallen – ­Luzern
"125km 2h 15 min
Zürich
Appenzell
Luzern
Neuchâtel
Montreux – ­Visp – ­Zermatt
"148km 2h 31 min
Bern
Fribourg/
Freiburg
Lausanne
Brienzer
Rothorn
Stanserhorn
Engelberg
Flüelen
Interlaken
Titlis
Schynige Platte
Schilthorn
Jungfraujoch
Zweisimmen
Chur
Davos
Andermatt
St.Moritz
Gstaad
Montreux
Genève-Aéroport
Rochers-de-Naye
Glacier 3000
Visp
Brig
Genève
Bellinzona
Tirano
Locarno
Martigny
Zermatt
Luzern – ­Zürich
"57km 46min
Rigi
Pilatus
Bern Flughafen
Zermatt – ­St. Moritz
"291km 8h 3 min
Lugano / Bellinzona – ­Flüelen – ­Luzern
"182km 5h 21 min
St.Gallen
Säntis
Luzern – ­Interlaken – ­
Zweisimmen – ­Montreux
"191km 5h 8 min
St. Moritz – ­Tirano (Italy) – ­
Lugano
"183km 6h 42 min
Zürich
Flughafen
Basel
Gornergrat
Lugano
Matterhorn Glacier
Paradise
rand Train Tour
G
Mountain excursion tips
The eight most beautiful routes in Switzerland – with one ticket.
The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is divided up into several route sections. Each highlights specific scenic sights,
­attractions and opportunities for exploration, so that travellers can experience the country in all its delightful diversity.
Eight-day or four-day tour options are available. And best of all, travellers require only one ticket – the Swiss Travel
Pass. With the complimentary Swiss Family Card, children under the age of 16 travel free of charge if accompanied by
at least one parent.
Swiss Travel Pass.
The Swiss Travel Pass is the key to trouble-free travel by public transport throughout Switzerland. With a single ticket
visitors can travel 3, 4, 8 or 15 days throughout the entire country by train, bus and boat. The ticket includes trams
and buses in no fewer than 90 towns and cities, free admission to more than 500 museums nationwide as well as 50 %
reduction on most mountain railways.
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1st stage: Zurich to ­St. Gallen.
Landlocked – but a water wonderworld.
Linking up with Lake Constance.
Switzerland is a landlocked country. But it does have navigable
­access to the world’s seven oceans – thanks to the River Rhine.
Maritime flair is also reflected in Lake Constance, the second main
aquatic attraction during the train trip from Zurich to ­St. Gallen.
­Passengers’ first encounter with the Rhine is the impressive railway
bridge over the river at Eglisau. The journey continues northwards
and crosses briefly into neighbouring Germany before reaching
Neuhausen, famous for its Rhine Falls (the largest waterfalls
in ­Europe). The route follows the Rhine upstream, passing
­Schaffhausen with its historic Munot fortifications. On reaching
Lake ­Constance, the train continues for some 40 kilometres
to Romans­horn. This first stage of the tour ends in ­St. Gallen,
the main ­metropolis of Eastern Switzerland. The city is famous for
its Abbey precinct (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and collection
of 170,000 historic books and hand-written documents housed
in the ancient library – an architectural jewel in Baroque style.
An important part of Switzerland’s 19th century trade with neighbouring Germany was developed over Lake Constance. The railway
link with Zurich was also of great importance, with the building
of the Swiss Northeastern Railway (Nordostbahn) from 1856. The
Zurich-Schaffhausen-Romanshorn line was fully completed in1897,
and five years later was taken over by the Swiss Federal Railways
(SBB). The route from Romanshorn to ­St. Gallen was opened in
1910 as part of the Bodensee-Toggenburg-Bahn, which in 2001
was acquired by the Swiss Southeastern Railway (Südostbahn).
­Today’s route between Schaffhausen and Romanshorn is operated
by the Thurbo Regional Railway.
Highlights.
The roaring Rhine Waterfalls.
The roaring mass of water is thundering down over an impressive width
of some 150 metres. The Rhine Falls between Neuhausen and Laufen
are the largest in Europe and can be reached in a matter of minutes from
the train stop “Neuhausen am Rheinfall”. On platforms and boats,
visitors get a chance to experience a close-up of this natural spectacle.
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2nd stage: ­St. Gallen to Lucerne.
Soft hills and snow-capped summits.
A top timetable service.
The Matterhorn, Titlis and Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau – these peaks
are the undisputed super stars of the Swiss Alps. But the country’s
rolling green hills and soft pre-Alpine landscape also have their
charm. Here between the cantonal capitals of S
­ t. Gallen and Lucerne,
the Voralpen-Express takes pride of place in one of the country’s
most pleasant and panoramic regions. The train travels over the
highest railway bridge in Switzerland – the Sitter Viaduct; then after
Rapperswil (town of roses) it crosses a dam over Lake Zurich to
travel through the Rothenthurm upland moor. But views of distant
summits are also to be enjoyed, among them the 2502-metre
­Säntis, the Churfirsten chain, Mythen and the Rigi. On the scenic
stretch between Arth-Goldau and Lucerne, the Voralpen-Express
circuits the Rigi, also popularly known as the “Queen of the
­Mountains.” Along with the Pilatus and Bürgenstock, the Rigi
­summit symbolizes the Central Swiss Alpine panorama.
The railway line from ­St. Gallen through the Toggenburg to Rappers­wil
became fully operational in 2010. The stretch from Rapperswil
to Arth-Goldau had entered into operation in 1891 and to Lucerne
in 1897. The year 1940 saw the first fast trains running between
Romanshorn on Lake Constance and Arth-Goldau on the Gotthard
route. Seven years later this service was extended to Lucerne, with
two to three fast trains linking the city daily with Romanshorn. In
1982, with the introduction of a regular interval timetable, departures
increased to every two hours. The name Voralpen-Express appeared
in the Swiss timetable for the first time in 1992. Hourly departures
were introduced in 1999 and on the entire Südostbahn (SOB)
in 2013. Now ­St. Gallen – and not Romanshorn – is the terminus
station of the Voralpen-Express.
Highlights.
Switzerland’s tallest railway bridge.
Shortly before reaching ­St. Gallen, the train crosses the spectacular Sitter
­Viaduct, completed in 1910. It is 365 metres long and at 99 metres still
the tallest railway bridge in Switzerland. The two stone side-approaches are
linked by a 1000-ton iron girder.
Lucerne’s Glacier Garden.
The Glacier Garden (opened nearly 150 years ago) includes exhibits dating
back to the Ice Age. Another display dates back to the time when Lucerne
­resembled a sub-tropical beach. Also not to be missed – the Mirror Maze
from the 1896 Swiss National Exhibition.
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3rd stage: Lucerne to Montreux via Interlaken Ost.
A trio of top trains.
Olden times and golden times.
The GoldenPass Line links eight lakes, three regions and two
­languages – all in one delightful day. In the morning the timeless
tradition of German-language Central Switzerland, in the afternoon
the beautiful Bernese Oberland, and in the evening the French
flair of Lake Geneva. First the modern Luzern-Interlaken Express
passes the lovely lakes of Alpnach, Sarnen and Lungern, climbing
the Brünig Pass and then descending to Meiringen. The trip continues past Lake Brienz to Interlaken Ost, where passengers change
to the BLS Regio Express along Lake Thun, and through the scenic
Simme Valley to Zweisimmen. From here the third train, the GoldenPass Panoramic/Classic, travels via the fashionable resort of
Gstaad to the Pays d’Enhaut region and resort of Châteaux-d’Oex.
Before reaching Montreux, the train passes the vineyards along
Lake Geneva.
As early as the 1920s the idea emerged of the railways of Central
Switzerland and the Lake Geneva Region teaming up to offer a joint
travel experience. Many English-speaking visitors travelled the route
in late autumn in particular, enjoying the season’s captivating colours
and a “golden time” (hence the name GoldenPass Line). In 1976
the Montreux Bernese Oberland Railway took delivery of the first
panorama railcars in Switzerland. And 1985 saw another pioneering
first – a specially designed glass domed section at the front of the
panorama train. These VIP seats ensure spectacular unrestricted
views of the fast approaching track and passing landscape.
Highlights.
Ballenberg Open-Air Museum.
The Ballenberg Open-Air Museum (near Brienz) is unique in Switzerland.
Old farm create a vivid impression of ancient rural life. Other attractions
­include some 250 farm animals in natural surroundings, and displays
of ­traditional trades, arts and crafts.
Nostalgic GoldenPass Classic.
The GoldenPass Classic – designed in the style of the early 1920s – combines
the ambience of Belle Époque train travel with the most modern comforts
and conveniences. This historic train operates daily between Montreux and
Zweisimmen.
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4th stage: Montreux to Zermatt.
Up to the mighty Matterhorn.
Connecting Zermatt with the world.
From Montreux it’s only a short trip to Martigny. The Lower Valais
town was founded some 2000 years ago, gaining fame as the gateway to the Great St. Bernard and Forclaz passes. The train continues
through the fertile Rhone Valley to Visp, from where travellers may
make the excursion trip to Brig – focal point of the Upper Valais at
the foot of the Simplon Pass and international “Alpine Town of the
Year” in 2008. Top attraction here is the Stockalper Palace, a privately
constructed castle dating from the 17th century. From Brig the journey
continues by Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn narrow-gauge railway
through the Nikolai Valley (the lowest-altitude valley in Switzerland)
to Zermatt. But before the mighty Matterhorn comes into view,
the train must tackle an altitude difference of 900 metres with the
help of cogwheel traction.
The first train to reach Zermatt arrived from Visp in 1891. Until
then the Matterhorn village could be reached only on foot. The
year before had seen the Rhone Valley reached by train from
Lake ­Geneva. With the opening of the Simplon Tunnel in 1908
the railway route through the Valais began to assume European
­importance. The famous Simplon-Orient Express travelled the
route from 1919 on its journey from Calais via Paris, Milan and
­Venice to ­Istanbul. For two decades from the 1960s the legendary
Trans-Europ-­Express (TEE) Cisalpin travelled this route while
­operating between Paris and Milan.
Highlights.
The medieval magic of Chillon Castle.
Historic Château de Chillon is a moated castle located on the Lake Geneva
shoreline, only a few kilometres from Montreux. For almost 400 years it
was the summer residence of the counts of Savoy. Today it is the most visited
historic building in Switzerland.
Lake of St. Leonard – a subterranean spectacle.
The Lake of St. Leonard – located between Sion and Sierre – is the
largest natural navigable underground lake on the European continent.
It measures 300 metres by 20 metres and can be explored by rowing
boat on guided tours.
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5th stage: Zermatt to ­St. Moritz.
The slowest express train in the world.
From pioneering past to present.
The Glacier Express is one of the world’s most spectacular railways.
Acclaimed for its many scenic splendours and engineering excellence,
this remarkable route links the famous Alpine resort of Zermatt at
the foot of the mighty Matterhorn with fashionable ­St. Moritz. On its
8-hour journey through the cantons of Valais, Uri and Graubünden
the Glacier Express passes through no fewer than 91 tunnels
and over 291 bridges – many of them technical triumphs from the
pioneering days of rail travel. With its roof-high panoramic windows,
the train opens up unique vistas of Alpine resorts and rugged
­ravines, of villages and valleys steeped in tradition. ­Another attractive
feature of this legendary line is the on-board ­catering service, with
the finest fresh regional products prepared to perfection.
The golden age of the Grand Hotels in the late 19th century was
quickly followed by the amazing achievements of Switzerland’s
­railway pioneers. As the travel-happy upper class began to discover
the delights of the Alps, the railways exploited this touristic potential.
The first rail link between the ­cantons of Graubünden in the east
and the Valais in the west was launched under the name of the
­Glacier Express. The first ­journey from S
­ t. Moritz and Zermatt was
made in 1930. At that time the route passed in close proximity
to the Rhone Glacier, and was operated only in summer because
of the risk of avalanche due to heavy snowfall. More than half a
­century later 1982 saw the opening of the Furka Base Tunnel,
­enabling the Glacier Express to operate all-year-round.
Highlights.
Stalden – village of bridges.
Shortly before Stalden – a Swiss heritage site also known as the “village
of bridges” – the Glacier Express clicks on to the cogwheel section of the
track. This is the only way the train can overcome this short but steepest
­section of the route with its 12.5 % gradient.
Oberalp Pass – the highest highlight.
At 2033 metres, the Oberalp Pass is the highest point on the Glacier Express
route. An attraction which never fails to fascinate passengers – the special
slanted drinking glasses, designed to defy gravity as the train travels up and
down the steep gradients.
Landwasser Viaduct – not to be missed.
The Landwasser Viaduct is the most photographed feature of this Rhaetian
Railway route (the first railway in the world listed as a UNESCO World heritage
site). The viaduct rises to 65 metres above the rugged Landwasser Valley,
then curves into a tunnel in a vertical rock wall.
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6th stage: ­St. Moritz to Lugano.
Alpine peaks and palm-tree paradise.
Cross-border Bernina Express.
The Bernina Express takes travellers from the champagne climate
of sparkling ­St. Moritz to Mediterranean-like Ticino. It links language
regions and builds bridges between cultures. After Morteratsch at
the very latest – as the first glacial ice glistens on the windows – few
passengers will still be in their seats. A UNESCO World Heritage
site, this Rhaetian Railway route ascends the Bernina Pass, then
winding through the Val Poschiavo into Italy’s Valtellina winegrowing
region. From here the Bernina Express Bus passes Lake Como
­before crossing back into Switzerland to reach Lugano. In winter
passengers can alternatively take the Palm Express postbus route
from S
­ t. Moritz. This runs through the Upper Engadine, via the
Maloja Pass into the Bregaglia Valley, then on to Lake Como.
The first direct railcar service from Chur in Switzerland to Tirano
in neighbouring Italy was launched in 1969. Later renamed the
Bernina Express, the cross-border route enjoyed such great
popularity that the rolling stock required continual renewal. Today
large panorama windows extend throughout the entire train.
­Passengers enjoy air-conditioned comfort and freedom of
­movement as they discover the many scenic splendours along
this remarkable route. Since 1984, the number of passengers
has more than tripled. 2010 saw the additional attraction of the
Bernina Express Bus, which in summer travels from Tirano in Italy
along palm-lined Lake Como to Lugano back into Switzerland.
Highlights.
Bernina Hospice – top transalpine station.
The Bernina Hospizio is a Bernina Pass route highlight. At 2253 metres,
it is not only the peak of the pass but the highest-altitude station of
any transalpine rail route. The station is located on the eastern shore of
the Lago Bianco (White Lake).
Brusio Circular Viaduct – a 360-degree experience.
More than a century ago railway engineers often faced the problem of
overcoming extreme altitude differences within very short distances. South
of ­Brusio this spectacular viaduct climbs in a close 360-degree spiral –
a legendary landmark on the Bernina Express route.
Lake Como – so many scenic splendours.
Stately palaces, glorious gardens, deep blue waters, majestic mountain landscape – the Bernina Express Bus route offers so many scenic splendours.
The eminent 19th century French novelist Gustave Flaubert described Lake
Como as “a Shakespearian scenery to die for”.
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7th stage: Lugano to Lucerne.
A panorama jouney by boat and train.
The steamy side of travel.
The Gotthard Panorama Express presents Switzerland from its
most diverse side: surrounded by a genuinely impressive mountain
panorama, a boat cruise first takes visitors through what is deemed
the truly original part of Switzerland. At Flüelen, travellers change
from the steamboat directly to the specially branded SBB train
and arrive to a warm personal welcome from their travel guide. The
journey continues on the world famous Gotthard panorama route
towards southern Switzerland with its Mediterranean flair. The journey from Lucerne to Ticino (or vice versa) can be enjoyed in a 1st
class panorama coach or in 2nd class, also offering a photo coach.
En route through the imposing Reuss Valley towards Mediterranean
Ticino, travellers are provided with fascinating tales and interesting
background information regarding the unique Gotthard region.
The old Gotthard rail route took 10 years to complete and entered
into operation in 1882. Its opening marked a milestone in the
­history of European travel and transportation from north to south.
The route comprises twisting tunnels and viaducts and has lost
none of its appeal to this day. Lake Lucerne – fourth largest lake
in Switzerland – saw its first steamship set sail in 1837 with the
launching of the “Stadt Luzern”. But even as far back as the late
Middle Ages it was an oft-frequented waterway. Today the Lake
­Lucerne Navigation Company operates an impressive fleet of
19 cruise vessels – 14 saloon motorships and also five paddle
steamers (most of them more than 100 years old).
Highlights.
UNESCO World Heritage site in Bellinzona.
At Bellinzona near the Italian border – where several transalpine routes lead
through the narrowing Ticino Valley – the Dukes of Milan built three castles in
the 15th century to control access. Six centuries later they form an impressive
UNESCO World Heritage site.
Two Gotthard tunnels – both world records.
When the historic Gotthard apex train tunnel opened in 1882 it was an epic
achievement and at 15 kilometres the longest in the world. 2With the
Gotthard Base Tunnel, a new railway tunnel went into service in 2016 – at
57 kilometers of length the world’s longest train tunnel.
Kreuztrichter basin (Lake Lucerne).
The Kreuztrichter basin is the point at which all four arms of Lake Lucerne
converge. Extending to the north from here is Lake Küssnacht; and on
the opposite shore to the south the Stansstad basin. After leaving the Bay
of Lucerne (west side) the boat enters the Vitznau basin to the east.
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8th stage: Lucerne to Zurich.
From lake to lake, from city to city.
Train travel to Zurich – a 150-year history.
From the station square in Lucerne one gazes for the last time over
the cityscape to Lake Lucerne and its impressive Alpine panorama.
The journey to Zurich reveals a gentler mountain landscape and
­undulating hills. Shortly after Lucerne the route passes the Rotsee,
an idyllic elongated lake and the home of World Cup rowing. Next
into view comes sprawling Lake Zug. The journey continues through
increasing urbanization before reaching Zurich, Switzerland’s largest
city and business and financial centre.
The Zurich-Zug-Lucerne Railway was opened in 1864. The stretch
from Zug to Zurich led west of the Albis chain through the rural
­region of Kronau and around the Uetliberg, Zurich’s “mini
­mountain”. This stretch is today part of Zurich’s S-Bahn suburban
rail network. The second link from Zurich to Zug entered into
­operation in 1897, leading along Lake Zurich, through the Zimmerberg and Albis Tunnels and serving as a Gotthard feeder service.
The Lucerne-Zurich route is today served by the InterRegio trains
of the Swiss Federal Railways.
Highlights.
Rotsee – where world rowing is at home.
The Rotsee lake is 2.5 kilometres long, narrow – and as straight as William
Tell’s arrow. Protected from winds by nearby hills, it is a perfect rowing venue.
The first World Rowing Championships took place on the lake in 1962 and
have been held here three times since.
Zug – old town medieval magic.
The old town quarter of lakeside Zug reflects a medieval magic which never
fails to fascinate visitors. Also a popular attraction is the Zugerberg local
mountain, easily accessible within minutes by funicular and with fine views
of the region and protected high moorland.
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The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland virtual vacation.
The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – see it on the screen.
The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland showcases this Alpine nation in all its delightful diversity – online as well. An interactive itinerary has been created to stimulate the senses, inspire the imagination and arouse interest in an exclusive
travel experience. The tour is a unique journey through a captivating country with its contrasting cultures and climates,
and no fewer than four national languages. All eight stages of the tour can be accessed interactively together with
­multimedia top tips embracing excursions, scenic splendours, must-see museums and the country’s rich historical
­heritage. Simply by scrolling through the stages, visitors are offered an attractive opportunity to preview the pleasures
which await them in Switzerland. Even before departure travellers can therefore acquire an online overview and orientation
of the tour’s separate stages, enabling them to plan with more precision their preferred personal travel itinerary.
grandtraintour.swisstravelsystem.com
Grand Train Tour of Switzerland souvenir certificate.
The most enjoyable experiences in life deserve a special place in the memory.
And that goes for the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland. The Swiss Travel
­System has created an attractive souvenir certificate confirming that passengers have made the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – regardless of which
part(s) of the eight-section tour they have travelled. The personalized certificate
can be ordered free of charge, then printed out and framed for presentation
purposes in one’s own home or office. The user accesses and fills out the
­special Order Form – either via shortcut (swisstravelsystem.com/certificate)
or the entry page of the mystsnet.com/grandtraintour. The souvenir
­certificate (in colour on a white background) is then ready and easy to download.
swisstravelsystem.com/certificate
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Facts and Figures.
Stages
Offer
Stage
Distance
Duration
➊ Zürich – ­Schaffhausen – ­St. Gallen
133km
2h 50 min
➋
St. Gallen – ­L uzern
125km
2h 15 min
➌
Luzern – Interlaken Ost – ­Zweisimmen – ­M ontreux
191km
5h 8 min
➍
Montreux – ­V isp – ­Zermatt
148km
2h 31 min
➎
Zermatt – ­S t. Moritz
291km
8h 3 min
➏
St. Moritz – ­T irano (Italy) – ­L ugano
154km
6h 42 min
➐
Lugano / B ellinzona – ­Flüelen – ­L uzern
182km
5h 21 min
➑
Luzern – ­Zürich
57km
46min
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Travel by train, bus and boat
Combines Switzerland’s most attractive panoramic routes (totalling 1280 kilometres)
in a unique travel experience
Travel suggestions for 4 or 8 days
–– Can be booked throughout the year and travelled in either direction
–– Requires only one ticket – the Swiss Travel Pass (Flex)
–– Links more than 10 cities
–– Includes many mountain excursions: Säntis 2505 m, Pilatus 2119 m, Stanserhorn 1898 m,
Brienzer Rothorn 2350 m, Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe) 3454 m, Schilthorn (Piz Gloria)
2970 m, Schynige Platte 2076 m, Glacier 3000 3016 m, Rochers-de-Naye 2042 m,
Matterhorn glacier paradise 3883 m, Gornergrat 3089 m, Rigi 1798 m, Titlis 3062 m.
m = altitude in metres
The mountain excursions Rigi, Pilatus and Schynige Platte are fully included in the Swiss
Travel Pass
Combined route length
1280 kilometres / 795 miles
Timetables
Timetable information for individual sections of the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland can
be found under:
mystsnet.com/timetable
Note: different summer and winter travel times and dates for the following trains – Glacier
­Express, Bernina Express (Bus), Palm Express, Gotthard Panorama Express.
Ticket information
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Further Information
Sales outlets
Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) – recommended for 4 or 8 days
Seat reservation mandatory for Glacier Express, Bernina Express and Gotthard Panorama
­Express. Reservation recommended for GoldenPass Line
Detailed information on individual panoramic routes can be found under
mystsnet.com
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Swiss Travel System sales outlets worldwide:
mystsnet.com/wheretobuy
At most Swiss railway station
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