There’s a country in the heart of Europe where travel isn’t just about getting from A to B—it’s the experience itself. Outside your window, glaciers sparkle, emerald lakes flash, medieval town centers and vineyards alternate—and all of this you can enjoy comfortably and sustainably by train. In 2026, discovering Switzerland the right way means traveling on rails.
Swiss panoramic trains are more than tourist attractions—they’re part of the national heritage. Their world-renowned charm comes from a unique mix of precision, engineering marvels, and respect for nature. If you want an inspiring yet practical travel plan, here’s a comprehensive multi-stop route connecting three iconic Alpine railways.
Zürich – Stylish City with an Alpine Backdrop
Zürich, Switzerland’s largest city, is the perfect starting point for your journey. Spend at least two nights here to tune into the country’s rhythm.
Stroll through the cobbled streets of the old town, explore the Grossmünster and Bahnhofstrasse, then relax by the Lake Zürich shore. A guided city walk helps you see how a modern financial hub blends seamlessly with centuries of history.
In 2026, Zürich shines as a destination thanks to its sustainable urban transport and vibrant food scene—restaurants focusing on local, seasonal ingredients are more popular than ever.
The Legendary Glacier Express – Six Hours in the Heart of the Alps
About an hour and a half from Zürich, you’ll reach Chur, where you can board Switzerland’s famous Glacier Express. According to Travel + Leisure Asia, this itinerary links three iconic Alpine trains for the ultimate Swiss experience. The roughly six-hour journey to Zermatt is a bucket-list adventure on its own.
Through panoramic windows, you’ll get up close to Alpine passes, deep gorges, and viaducts. The train crosses over 90 tunnels and nearly 300 bridges—a true engineering masterpiece.
Choose from several comfort levels on board; for those seeking a premium experience, special services are available. As the landscape slowly unfolds, enjoy sparkling wine, multi-course meals, and carefully selected wines to complete the journey.
Zermatt and the Iconic Matterhorn View
The final stop is Zermatt, a car-free mountain resort town. From here, take the cogwheel train up to the Gornergrat viewpoint for breathtaking panoramas of the famous Matterhorn peak.
The area offers both easy and challenging hiking trails. Embracing a sustainable, slow travel mindset, more travelers are choosing nature-focused activities over rushing around.
Lugano – Mediterranean Vibes with Swiss Precision
From Zermatt, a roughly three-hour journey brings you to Lugano, located in Ticino, the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland.
With palm-lined lakeshores, an Italian flair, and excellent red wines, many call it Switzerland’s “Italian Riviera”. Nearby, explore Locarno and Ascona or take a boat trip to the Brissago Islands.
If history interests you, don’t miss Bellinzona, home to three medieval castles preserving the past.
The Bernina Express – Europe’s Highest Railway
Starting from Lugano or Tirano, the Bernina Express travels one of the most spectacular Alpine routes. The train passes through 55 tunnels and 196 bridges, with glaciers, Alpine meadows, and palm-lined landscapes unfolding along the way.
One of the route’s most famous engineering sights is the Landwasser Viaduct, whose curved shape seems to float above the valley.
The final stop is St. Moritz, the world-famous mountain resort where luxury and nature blend beautifully.
Lucerne and the GoldenPass Express – Lakes, Vineyards, and French-Swiss Charm
From St. Moritz, continue to Lucerne. The city’s medieval architecture, covered Chapel Bridge, and shores of Lake Lucerne create a romantic atmosphere. A boat trip on the lake offers a true slow-living experience.
Here, board the GoldenPass Express heading toward Montreux. Along the way, golden vineyards, green Alpine pastures, and deep blue lakes accompany you.
The perfect finale to your Swiss adventure is Montreux, famous for the white wines of the Lavaux region. Visiting the nearby Château de Chillon is like stepping back in time.
Why Swiss Train Travel Is Ideal in 2026
- Sustainable transport: Switzerland’s rail network is one of Europe’s most punctual and eco-friendly.
- Safety and comfort: perfect for solo travelers and friends alike.
- Panoramic views without compromise: no driving or navigating—just soak in the scenery.
- Easy planning: the Swiss Travel Pass remains a practical choice for travelers in 2026.
Traveling Switzerland by train is not only breathtaking but deeply inspiring. The blend of landscape, culture, cuisine, and engineering offers a journey that’s elegant, sustainable, and soul-enriching.
If you’re planning a special European adventure full of unforgettable moments in 2026, exploring Switzerland by rail will open up fresh perspectives.
