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Best Train Rides in Switzerland for a Joyride!

Enjoy a Joyride on the Best Train Rides in Switzerland

Switzerland is a small country famous for its natural beauty and landscapes. It is best explored by train. Fortunately, there are many train rides in Switzerland. These train rides will take you through some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes and natural sights. In this blog post, we will feature the five best train rides in Switzerland that you should not miss.

Best Train Rides in Switzerland

1. The Bernina Express

Best Train Rides in Switzerland for a Joyride!
Image: Wanderlust Crew, 2023

The Bernina Express is one of the best train rides in Switzerland and is known for its breathtaking views. The train runs from Chur to Poschiavo in Switzerland and Tirano in Italy. It crosses the Swiss Engadin Alps and offers panoramic views from its red carriages. The Bernina line and the Albula line are jointly declared a World Heritage Site.

The Bernina line takes you through 196 bridges and 55 tunnels and across the stunning Bernina Pass at 2.2km above sea level. The first section of the Bernina Express, from Chur to Pontresina, crosses the famous Landwasser Viaduct, a dramatic, curving single-track viaduct made of limestone and featuring six massive arches. The Bernina Express is one of the most popular train rides in Switzerland.

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2. The Glacier Express

Best Train Rides in Switzerland for a Joyride!

The Glacier Express is known as the ‘Slowest Express Train in the World’ and is one of the best train rides in Switzerland. It connects the mountain resort towns of Matterhorn adjacent to Zermatt and St Moritz in the Swiss Alps. The train passes through the same World Heritage Site as the Bernina Express. It offers equally impressive views, including the Matterhorn and the Matter Valley, the massive rock walls through the town of Visp, and the sparkling river Rhone, just after departure from Brig. Many visitors make it a point to ride both the Glacier and Bernina Express during their time in Switzerland.

3. Jungfrau Railway

Best Train Rides in Switzerland for a Joyride!
Image: Audley Travel, 2024

The Jungfrau Railway is a historic train ride that takes visitors to Europe’s highest railway station, a whopping 3,453 metres above sea level. The train passes through the snow-capped Jungfrau Mountain, which is sandwiched between the huge peaks of the Monch and Eiger Mountains. Part of the Jungfrau Railway line tunnels through these two mountains, with spectacular views through windows carefully carved into the mountainside.

Once you reach the top, you can marvel at the amazing views, which can extend as far as the Black Forest of Germany and France on a clear day. The mountain peak features an ice sculpture gallery, the opportunity to take a walk on a glacier, a restaurant, and what is believed to be the world’s highest chocolate shop. On the way back down the mountain, the route descends through the village of Lauterbrunnen and boasts gorgeous waterfall views.

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4. Cogwheel Railway

Best Train Rides in Switzerland for a Joyride!

The Cogwheel Railway to Mount Pilatus is a remarkable engineering feat known worldwide as the steepest cogwheel railway. The train journey begins in Alpnachstad and offers an exhilarating ride with an average gradient of 35%. It takes you through beautiful alpine landscapes that will leave you awe-struck.

The Cogwheel Railway operates between May and November, providing a unique and unforgettable experience for tourists and locals alike. However, if you miss out on the train ride, you can still reach the top via a spectacular aerial gondola and cableway, which offers an equally breathtaking view of the surrounding area.

Upon reaching the top, you’ll find the historic Pilatus Kulm Hotel and Restaurant, an excellent spot to relax, unwind, and enjoy refreshments. Alternatively, you can explore one of the numerous walking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding area and allow you to discover the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps.

5. Gornergrat Cog Railway

Best Train Rides in Switzerland for a Joyride!
Image: Railbookers, 2024

The Gornergrat Cog Railway is considered a marvel of modern engineering. It climbs from 1,603 metres above sea level near the town of Zermatt to 3,089 metres at the top in just 33 minutes. From the top, visitors can experience one of the most spectacular panoramas in all of Switzerland—the iconic outline of The Matterhorn, as well as the surrounding peaks and glaciers. Enjoy a stroll at the top through the nature reserve and sample a fondue in one of the lovely, panoramic-view restaurants. Take the same route back down to Zermatt, where you can enjoy the numerous small bars and restaurants on the car-free roads of this beautiful village.

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Wellness Benefits of Taking a Train Ride in Switzerland

Best Train Rides in Switzerland for a Joyride!

Scenic train rides offer a unique travel experience that also contributes to wellness. The rides are eco-friendly, using less energy than cars and planes, which can enhance a sense of environmental responsibility. The routes often provide stunning views of cities, countryside, and natural wonders, offering relaxation and stress reduction.

Trains offer space and freedom to move around, contributing to a sense of well-being. The journey itself is part of the holiday, with the passing countryside and beautiful views adding to the enjoyment. Lastly, train travel provides opportunities for social interaction, fostering a sense of community. So, scenic train rides not only offer an enjoyable travel experience but also have positive effects on your wellness. Enjoy your journey!

Hotel deals in Switzerland on Booking.com

Enjoy a Joyride on the Best Train Rides in Switzerland

Enjoy a Joyride on the Best Train Rides in Switzerland
Image: Joaquina Barilati, 2024

Switzerland is a country famous for its natural beauty, and the best way to explore this beauty is by train. The country boasts some of the most scenic train rides in the world, offering breathtaking views and unique experiences. From the Bernina Express, which takes you through the Swiss Engadin Alps, to the Jungfrau Railway, which takes you to Europe’s highest railway station, these train rides offer a sense of wonder and awe that is hard to match. Moreover, train travel provides wellness benefits such as relaxation, stress reduction, and opportunities for social interaction.

So, whether you’re a train enthusiast or just looking for a unique travel experience, hop on board and explore Switzerland’s five best train rides. You won’t be disappointed! For more wellness in this beautiful country, check out these exciting on-water activities to try in Switzerland.

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Greetings! My name is Rashidi Mbecke, the Tony Stark of the Writing Avengers. Yep, writing is my superpower! I don’t only write to inform but to uplift and inspire you to take that leap of faith. Being an avid traveller and wellness enthusiast, I know that it can be challenging to follow your heart into new horizons. That is why I am here to help you take those first steps that will lead to breathtaking journeys filled with unforgettable memories. I’ve dreamt of becoming a writer since I was a teenager and now that I am at PureLife, that dream has become a reality. And a super-fun one to say the least. Our world is filled with beauty beyond belief, let’s explore it together.