Which trains does this trip use?

The Lucerne-Interlaken Express from Lucerne to Interlaken, then regional trains to Zweisimmen, and the GoldenPass Belle Époque from Zweisimmen to Montreux. All in second class.

What is included in the price?

Train journey on a Half Fare Travelcard basis, seat reservations on both named trains, one night in a three-star hotel in Lucerne with breakfast, and one night in a three-star hotel in Montreux with breakfast.

Is this an escorted tour?

No. You travel independently; the trip includes train and hotel only. Day three includes an optional visit to Chillon Castle but no guided accompaniment.

What is special about the GoldenPass Belle Époque train?

It features Belle Époque and wine cellar carriages recreating 1930s luxury railway travel, modelled on the legendary Golden Mountain Pullman Express that operated in the 1930s.

How much time is spent on trains?

Day two is a six-hour panoramic journey across two trains. Day one and three involve arrival and return train segments.

railtour suisse · Rail journey

GoldenPass Belle Époque

Swiss rail journey Lucerne to Montreux on two scenic trains

Railtour Suisse operates the GoldenPass Belle Époque, a three-day rail journey that carries you from Lucerne across the Bernese Oberland to Montreux. Over three days and two nights, you travel on two trains: the Lucerne-Interlaken Express and the GoldenPass Belle Époque, a heritage train with Belle Époque and wine cellar carriages that evoke 1930s luxury rail travel. The package includes two nights in three-star hotels, breakfast each morning, and seat reservations on both trains. Day one settles you in Lucerne, a city surrounded by water and mountains on one of Switzerland's most beautiful lakes. Day two is the heart of the journey: a six-hour panoramic passage through alpine peaks of the Bernese Oberland to Lake Geneva. Day three in Montreux allows time to visit Chillon Castle, a 12th-century fortress on the lake shore, before your return journey. This trip suits couples and rail enthusiasts who value heritage railway experiences without a structured daily guide.

What to know before you look closer

Both trains are second class; there is no first-class option listed for this package
Train fares are included on a Half Fare Travelcard basis, meaning you must already hold or purchase a Half Fare card separately
The return journey on day three is individual; the tour is not escorted throughout

Day by day

Day 1railovernight: Lucerne
Arrival in Lucerne
Arrival in Lucerne by train. You will be immediately impressed by this charming city, because after just a few meters you are right in the middle of the action. Lucerne offers an impressive combination of water, mountains and city. It is located on one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Lucerne. Here you will be spoiled in every respect. The city's landmarks are the 14th-century Chapel Bridge and the water tower. Overnight in Lucerne.
Day 2railovernight: Montreux
GoldenPass Line (6h)
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you enjoy a panoramic journey, taking you from Central Switzerland through the Bernese Oberland with its majestic mountain peaks to the beautiful Lake Geneva region. Enjoy the fantastic Alpine panorama through the panoramic windows of the Lucerne-Interlaken Express. From Interlaken, take regional trains to Zweisimmen, where the GoldenPass Belle Époque will take you to Montreux. When you arrive in Montreux, stroll along the lake and you will pass the statue of the legendary Freddy Mercury. He also appreciated the tranquillity of the place and wrote some of his songs in Montreux. Overnight in Montreux.
Day 3
Montreux and return journey
Breakfast at the hotel. Take the opportunity to visit Chillon Castle, an architectural gem located about 4 km from Montreux. This historic monument has stood on its rocky island on the shores of Lake Geneva since the 12th century. Individual return journey. This tour can also be booked in the opposite direction.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 1Arrival in Lucerne, a city on one of the world's most beautiful lakes, surrounded by mountains
Day 2Six-hour panoramic journey through the Bernese Oberland peaks on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express, then the GoldenPass Belle Époque to Montreux
Day 3Optional visit to Chillon Castle, a 12th-century fortification on a rocky island in Lake Geneva, four kilometers from Montreux

Included

Train journey in 2nd class from/to domicile, Half Fare Travelcard basis
Seat reservation in the Lucerne-Interlaken Express and GoldenPass Belle Époque
1 night in Lucerne, 3*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast
1 night in Montreux, 3*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast

Questions travellers ask

Which trains does this trip use?: The Lucerne-Interlaken Express from Lucerne to Interlaken, then regional trains to Zweisimmen, and the GoldenPass Belle Époque from Zweisimmen to Montreux. All in second class.
What is included in the price?: Train journey on a Half Fare Travelcard basis, seat reservations on both named trains, one night in a three-star hotel in Lucerne with breakfast, and one night in a three-star hotel in Montreux with breakfast.
Is this an escorted tour?: No. You travel independently; the trip includes train and hotel only. Day three includes an optional visit to Chillon Castle but no guided accompaniment.
What is special about the GoldenPass Belle Époque train?: It features Belle Époque and wine cellar carriages recreating 1930s luxury railway travel, modelled on the legendary Golden Mountain Pullman Express that operated in the 1930s.
How much time is spent on trains?: Day two is a six-hour panoramic journey across two trains. Day one and three involve arrival and return train segments.

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railtour suisse