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Frankfurt to Milan via the Glacier and Bernina Express

Frankfurt to Milan via the Glacier and Bernina Express trains

Illustration of Frankfurt to Milan via the Glacier and Bernina Express

Railbookers operates this 6-day, 5-night rail trip from Frankfurt to Milan through Switzerland's Alps. A single night in Frankfurt opens the trip before a high-speed train reaches Interlaken, the classic Swiss mountain village set between the Jungfrau, Eiger and Monch, for a two-night stay that includes a hike and a day trip to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest-altitude railway station at 11,332 feet. From Interlaken the tour crosses the Lotschberg Mountain to Brig and boards the Glacier Express to Chur, rolling through forest and Alpine meadows. The final leg is the Bernina Express from Chur to Milan via St Moritz and Tirano, crossing the Alps past the Landwasser Viaduct, rock gorges and glaciers. With three of the four hotel stops lasting only one night, this trip suits travellers who want to ride the Glacier Express and Bernina Express back to back rather than linger in any one place.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels are chosen from a list of 21 accommodation options across Frankfurt, Interlaken, Chur and Milan, so the specific hotel depends on what is booked.
  • Three of the four overnight stops, Frankfurt, Chur and Milan, are single nights, so most of the trip is spent changing hotels rather than settling in.
  • The evidence does not list current departure dates for this itinerary; confirm timing with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Frankfurt

    Your Journey Begins in Frankfurt

    Welcome to Frankfurt! On arrival, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay and begin exploring the historic, cosmopolitan city at your leisure. Perhaps take a trip to the top of Frankfurt's Main Tower where you can marvel at this city's spectacular skyline, and beyond. Or discover the wonderful Altstadt district and the gorgeous Romerberg square. Take a stroll over the Eiserner Steg, an iron pedestrian bridge built in 1869 to the laid-back riverside Sachsenhausen district and visit one of the old cider houses.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Interlaken

    Frankfurt to Interlaken

    Check out of your hotel in Frankfurt this morning and take the direct, high-speed train to Interlaken, passing lovely scenery as you head into the Alps. On arrival in the classic Swiss mountain village, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay and begin exploring! Located in between the Jungfrau, Eiger and Monch mountains, ever-verdant Interlaken boasts incredible scenery and a friendly atmosphere. Enjoy a hike around town and a traditional meal at one of the many restaurants that dot the area. Begin using your 4-Day Swiss Pass for access to dozens of activities and adventures in the area.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Interlaken

    Day Trip to Jungfraujoch

    After breakfast this morning, you will climb to Europe's highest altitude railway station on Jungfrau Mountain, at a colossal 11,332 feet high. The journey takes you to Kleine Scheidegg, before reaching the station at Eigergletscher, which is well known for its mountain restaurant and Huskies. At Jungfraujoch, take in the breathtaking views of the Black Forest in Germany and the Vosges Mountains in France. Also, enjoy the fascinating glacier and ice gallery at the top. After a spectacular day of sightseeing, return to the hotel for the second night of your stay in Interlaken.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Chur

    Glacier Express to Chur

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast and make your way to the train station for the journey to Brig. The train rides the rails over the spectacular Lötschberg Mountain via Kandersteg en route to Brig. On arrival in Brig, board the Glacier Express and take a panoramic tour of the Swiss Alps from Brig through to Chur. Travel in comfort aboard what is probably the world's slowest express train, through the unspoiled beauty of mountain forests, peaceful Alpine meadows and lush valleys. Upon arrival in Chur, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay. The "oldest city in Switzerland", Chur is situated in a deep valley formed by the Rhine and has a rich and powerful history.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Milan

    Bernina Express to Milan

    After an early breakfast, depart from Chur on the Bernina Express to Tirano via St Moritz. The train crosses the Alps and offers breathtaking views from the panoramic carriages. Ride over spectacular viaducts, through sheer rock gorges and switch-back tunnels, alongside mountain streams and glaciers. Be sure not to miss the impressive Landwasser Viaduct, which will appear on your right just before Filisur, an hour outside of St Moritz. The train climbs up the 7,391-foot-high Bernina Pass and the entire trip is narrated. The line finishes in the Italian border town of Tirano where, after time for some authentic pizza, you will board the onward train to Milan. On arrival in Milan, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay and enjoy the sights of the city.

  6. Day 6rail

    Your Journey Ends in Milan

    After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and continue with your onward travels. If you wish to extend your journey, or take this tour in reverse, one of our Rail Experts would be happy to help you with all the details.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A high-speed train from Frankfurt to Interlaken, arriving in the Swiss mountain village set between the Jungfrau, Eiger and Monch.
  • Day 3A day trip to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest-altitude railway station at 11,332 feet, with views of the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains.
  • Day 4The Glacier Express crosses the Lotschberg Mountain via Kandersteg from Brig to Chur, rolling through forest and Alpine meadows.
  • Day 5The Bernina Express crosses the Alps from Chur to Milan via St Moritz and Tirano, passing the Landwasser Viaduct, rock gorges and glaciers.

Included

  • All rail travel as per itinerary
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Frankfurt
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Interlaken
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Chur
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Milan
  • Day trip to Jungfraujoch
  • Glacier and Bernina Express seat reservations

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included on this trip?
Yes. All rail travel is included as per the itinerary, including seat reservations on the Glacier Express and Bernina Express.
Which trains are used?
Deutsche Bahn to Interlaken, the Jungfraujoch railway to Europe's highest-altitude station, the Glacier Express from Brig to Chur, and the Bernina Express from Chur to Milan via St Moritz and Tirano.
Is the trip guided or independent?
It is mostly independent, with a day trip to Jungfraujoch included; sightseeing in Frankfurt, Interlaken, Chur and Milan is otherwise at your own pace.
What hotels are used?
The trip draws from 21 accommodation options, including the Hilton Frankfurt City Centre and Sofitel Frankfurt Opera in Frankfurt, and The Hey Hotel and Hotel Royal St Georges in Interlaken.
How much walking or hiking is involved?
Day 2 in Interlaken includes a hike, and day 3's day trip reaches Jungfraujoch at 11,332 feet, Europe's highest-altitude railway station.

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