Switzerland by panorama train: the ultimate tour of Switzerland's most beautiful landscapes
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Published on 7/16/25, modified on 4/3/26
Photo: ©Zentralbahn, 2024, photographer: Kim Sokola
Would you like to travel through Switzerland and watch its magnificent landscapes unfold through ceiling-high panoramic windows? That's what the turnkey trip from GoldenPass Express Classic : the elegance of swiss rail combined with the magic of alpine panorama. At 4 days and 3 nights This tour takes in the Bernese Alps, the mountain pastures of Gstaad and the vineyards of Lavaux, finishing on the shimmering shores of Lake Geneva.
If you're looking for a alternative to the car - without having to worry about driving, traffic jams, logistics or your carbon footprint (by choosing the train, you drastically reduce your ecological impact compared to the car or plane), this tour is for you. A way of traveling that's more serene, more conscious, more connected to the land, and without ever cutting back on comfort! In a nutshell: the slow travel Swiss-style.
From Lake Geneva to the Bernese Oberland, via Central Switzerland and the Brünig Pass, the GoldenPass Express Classique links three of Switzerland's most beautiful regions. A spectacular itinerary on board the GoldenPass Express and the Luzern-Interlaken Express The tour takes you from picture-postcard landscapes to typical mountain villages.
The trip lasts 4 days and is divided as follows:
Tour details - © switzerlandtravelcentre.com
Account 650 € in 2ᵉ class for the complete trip. The "GoldenPass Express Classique" trip includes:
The route is available all year round, from January to December. Beware: the line is popular, especially in high season (between July and September). Book early to get a good seat!
In any case, each season has its own charm:
What can you expect? Visit GoldenPass Express it's a new-generation train that combines modern design and Belle Époque spirit. More than a panoramic train, it's a affordable luxury experience with its swivel seats, seat-of-the-seat service and even a Prestige class for travelers in search of elegance. On board, you'll find :
A bit like a luxury wagon... without the stratospheric price tag that goes with it. And still with the Swiss precision we love so much.
Second class on board the GoldenPass Express - © Swiss Travel System, 2022 - Dominik Baur
As for the Luzern-Interlaken Express (which you'll borrow on the third day), with its large panoramic windows and skylights, you too can immerse yourself in Alpine landscapes, lakes and valleys. Some trains also feature a central dining car - perfect for a snack or a drink.
The Luzern-Interlaken Express dining car - © Zentralbahn, 2024 - Kim Sokola
Departure is from Montreux, a seaside resort with Belle Époque charm in the canton of Vaud. Once there, take time to explore the town: take a tour of Chillon Castle, pose in front of the Freddie Mercury statue or stroll along the magnificent Lake Geneva. You'll then spend the night in a hotel in Montreux.
3h15 to feast your eyes: the panoramic train traverses the golden vineyards the deep forests the steep valleys... and crosses several helical tunnels. You arrive in Interlaken, nestled between Lakes Thun and Brienz, at the foot of the Bernese Alps. On arrival, you can take time to explore the town - a dream destination for nature lovers, adrenaline junkies and breathtaking scenery - before spending the night.
MOB-GoldenPass, 2023 - JoBersier
During 2 hours The Luzern-Interlaken Express takes you to Lucerne via the Brünig Pass. Once there, you can take your time to discover the charm of this city - with its medieval charm, sparkling lake and majestic mountains - before spending the night.
Zentralbahn, 2024 - Kim Sokola
In Lucerne, there's something for everyone: discover the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge, the city's landmark), the medieval Musegg Wall (Museggmauer) and the Old Town. for history buffs Lucerne Art Museum and Wagner Museum for culture lovers panoramic views from Pilatus (accessible by cable car) or Rigi (the "Queen of mountains", ideal for a leisurely excursion overlooking Lake Lucerne) for nature lovers or a stroll along the quays between swans and Alpine panoramas, for romantics and strollers.
On the fourth day, you can choose to return by public transport or extend your stay in Switzerland (Zermatt or Lausanne are easily accessible by train, for example!).
And because we're friendly, we've even negotiated a small discount for you: -5% with code AFFHOURRAIL on the reservation site below:
This article was written in partnership with Switzerland Travel Centre. To dream (and book), head to their official website: switzerlandtravelcentre.com !
Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).
Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.
