Photos from @ Glacier Express
Switzerland’s transport system is world-class, with historically significant engineering accomplishments that arose from the need to tackle the incredibly challenging mountainous terrain.
After exploring Switzerland for many years, the public transport system never fails to amaze me. The extensive network of trains, buses, boats, mountain lifts and cog railways is efficient, clean and safe. What more could you ask for?
However, some trips aren’t just about getting from A to B. There are 6 premium panoramic train journeys which are destinations themselves. They offer a fantastic way to view the scenery of Switzerland. Most offer panoramic windows that extend to the roof for that all-important view of the mountains.
Another route worth mentioning is the Palm Post Bus Express. This is not your average bus route. Starting in St Moritz, it winds its way over the border into Italy, down the side of Lake Como, then back into Switzerland, via Lake Lugano in the Italian canton of Ticino.
These journeys are on my list of must-dos and we will definitely go one day soon… but until then, it was lots of fun researching them.
You can click on the coloured lines to find the routes or click on the little door at the top right to expand and view more details about each of the stops en route.
GoldenPass Panoramic – Montreux to Zweisimmen: The GoldenPass is made up of three routes, using three different rail lines (MOB, Zentralbahn, BLS). The first leg – Montreux to Zweisimmen leaves from the lakeside town of Montreux, famous for its world-renowned Jazz festival, which takes place annually in June on the shores of Lake Geneva. The GoldenPass Panoramic starts its journey from Lake Geneva, heading straight into the mountains. This route, taking around 2 hours, offers alpine and valley views, with typical villages such as classy Gstaad. You can find more information on the Goldenpass Line website here. Tip: It’s possible to do the trip vice versa.
BLS RegioExpress ( A GoldenPass Line) – Zweisimmen to Interlaken Ost: The second leg of the GoldenPass route winds its way through the Simmental Valley with traditional chalets and alongside the turquoise Lake Thun, taking around 1 hour 10 minutes. For more information, go to the GoldenPass Line website.
Luzern-Interlaken Express(A GoldenPass Line) – Interlaken Ost to Luzern: An optional final stage of the Goldenpass makes its way alongside four lakes, and over the Brünig Pass with views of waterfalls. This journey takes 2 hours. You can find out more information on the Luzern-Interlaken Express website here.
Glacier Express – Zermatt to St. Moritz: (You can travel in either direction). This route takes you through Valais, Uri and Graubünden Cantons with the alpine village of Zermatt at one end, offering breathtaking views of the Matterhorn, and the elegant resort of St. Moritz at the other. Sights include: the UNESCO Albula rail route – with the Solis and Landwasser Viaducts and spiral tunnels – and theGrand Canyon of Switzerland; the Rhine Gorge. This full journey takes approx. 7 1/2 hours. You can depart from Davos and change trains at Filisur. For more information, see the Glacier Express website here.
Gotthard Panorama Express – Lugano (or Bellinzona) to Luzern: (or vice versa). This route takes you right from the Italian-speaking southern region of Ticino to Lucerne in the centre, including a trip on a steamboat across Lake Luzern. The journey is full of significant historical sights and stories, including various well-known Swiss myths and legends. It takes approximately 5 hours. This route is available from mid-April to mid-October. More about this trip can be found on the sbb.ch leisure holidays page here.
Bernina Express – Chur to Tirano, Italy: This route has been thoughtfully built to blend in with the alpine landscapes around the Albula and Bernina Passes. The train negotiates the 55 tunnels, 196 bridges and inclines of up to 70 per mile with ease. At the highest point on the RhB, 2,253 metres above sea level, you will find the Ospizio Bernina. Here you can enjoy the Alps at their most impressive. The railway line from Thusis – Valposchiavo – Tirano has UNESCO World Heritage status. You can find more information here.
The Palm Express: passes through the Engadin & Bregaglia valleys of Graubünden, down into Italy, then finishing in Ticino
Starting in St. Moritz, the scenic Palm Express journey takes you on a 4-hour trip from snowy, rugged peaks and forested valleys to the palm trees & deep blue waters of Lake Como and Lake Lugano via Chiavenna in Italy. (An identity card or passport is needed for the border crossing).
St. Moritz –Menaggio–Lugano
Firstly, the trip takes you past the large Silvaplaner and Silser Lakes on the way to the Maloja Pass.
The post bus then negotiates 14 hairpin bends down to Val Bregaglia, which has a distinct Mediterranean influence. After crossing the Castasegna municipality border, the bus enters Italy, where it stops at Chiavenna Stazione for just over an hour, giving the passengers time to stroll through the Chiavenna market stands and enjoy refreshments under the first palm trees.
The Palm Express now carries you past the Mezzola and Como lakes onto the Sorico, Gera Lario, Domaso, Gravedona, Dongo and Menaggio villages. Then, alongside Lake Lugano, where the post bus once again crosses the Italian Swiss border. The Swiss lakeside town of Gandria is a lovely little town to stop for some food, then perhaps, to take a boat or walk the 5 km Sentiero di Gandria trail back to Lugano.
For more information, go to the Post Auto website here: https://www.postauto.ch/en/excursion-tips/palm-express search by entering From: St. Moritz to: Lugano then “search connections“. The journey takes just under 4 hours, including the 1 hour stop in Italy.
