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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Grand Swiss Mountain Peaks from Basel

8-day independent Swiss rail trip to four mountain peaks

Illustration of Grand Swiss Mountain Peaks from Basel

Railbookers operates Grand Swiss Mountain Peaks from Basel, an independent 8-day, 7-night rail trip through Switzerland built around an 8-day First class Swiss Pass. The route runs from Basel to Lucerne, on to the resort town of Wengen at the foot of the Jungfrau, and finally to Zermatt in the shadow of the Matterhorn, with 2 or 3 nights at each stop. Each base city sets up a day trip to a named peak: Mount Pilatus on the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, Jungfraujoch at 3,454 metres by the Jungfrau Railway, the Schilthorn by train and cable car, and Matterhorn views from the Gornergrat cog railway. There is no tour guide; travelers use the included Swiss Pass to reach each summit on their own schedule. Because the peaks are reached by rail and cable car rather than on foot, the trip suits travelers who want high-altitude mountain views without hiking. Prices start from $2,189 per person.

What to know before you look closer

  • Basel hotels are listed as options, but the included nights are all in Lucerne (2), Wengen (3), and Zermatt (2); Basel is the rail-pass starting point, not an overnight stay in the base package.
  • No guide accompanies the day trips to Mount Pilatus, Jungfraujoch, the Schilthorn, or the Gornergrat; travelers navigate the connections independently using the included Swiss Pass.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Lucerne

    Basel to Lucerne

    Begin your journey on the fast and comfortable train in Basel as you make your way to Lucerne. Check-in at your hotel in Lucerne for a two-night stay. The medieval Chapel Bridge is a great place to start, one of the oldest covered wooden bridges in Europe.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Lucerne

    Mount Pilatus Day Trip

    After breakfast this morning, enjoy an exciting trip to the top of the steepest cogwheel railway in the world. First a scenic steam cruise on Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad, then the 30-minute ride which has an average gradient of 35%. At the top find the historic Pilatus Kulm Hotel and restaurant, then descend via gondola and cable car to Kriens and a bus back to Lucerne.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Wengen

    Wengen

    After breakfast this morning, take the scenic train ride from Lucerne to Interlaken, and then on through Lauterbrunnen to Wengen. On arrival, check in for a two-night stay. The resort town lies at the foot of the Jungfrau.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Wengen

    Jungfrau Day Trip

    A highlight of any trip to Switzerland is a visit to world-famous Jungfrau Mountain, the 'Top of Europe'. Today you will ascend via Lauterbrunnen to Europe's highest railway station, at 3,454 metres (11,332 ft), witnessing glaciers, waterfalls and wildlife along the route.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Wengen

    Schilthorn Day Trip

    After breakfast this morning, use your Swiss Pass to travel by train and cable car to the summit of the Schilthorn. At the top, marvel at the panoramic views of the Swiss skyline, with the peaks of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau in the background, and the revolving restaurant, Piz Gloria, from the James Bond film.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Zermatt

    Zermatt

    This morning, use your Swiss Pass to take the scenic rail journey from Wengen to Zermatt, passing lovely valley and dramatic mountain views. On arrival, check in for a two-night stay and begin exploring the beautiful, car-free alpine village in the shadow of the Matterhorn.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Zermatt

    Zermatt/Gornergrat Day Trip

    Today, take an exciting ride on the Gornergrat cog railway, which climbs from 1,604 metres above sea level to 3,090 metres in just 33 minutes. From the top, take in a spectacular panorama with the iconic Matterhorn and surrounding peaks and glaciers.

  8. Day 8

    Depart Zermatt

    After a final breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and use your 8-day Swiss Pass for your onward travel, whether it be to Geneva, Zurich or elsewhere.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Mount Pilatus, the world's steepest cogwheel railway, preceded by a scenic steam cruise across Lake Lucerne.
  • Day 4The Jungfrau Railway climbs to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station at 3,454 metres, passing glaciers and waterfalls.
  • Day 5The Schilthorn summit, reached by train and cable car, with panoramic views of the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau and the revolving Piz Gloria restaurant from the James Bond film.
  • Day 7The Gornergrat cog railway climbs from 1,604 to 3,090 metres in 33 minutes for views of the Matterhorn.

Included

  • 8-day First class Swiss Pass, including supplements for Mount Pilatus, Jungfrau and Gornergrat day trips
  • 2 nights' hotel stay including breakfast in Lucerne
  • 3 nights' hotel stay including breakfast in Wengen
  • 2 nights' hotel stay including breakfast in Zermatt

Questions travellers ask

Is this trip guided or independent?
Independent; the day trips to Mount Pilatus, Jungfraujoch, the Schilthorn, and the Gornergrat are self-guided using the included Swiss Pass.
Which mountains does it visit?
Mount Pilatus, Jungfrau (Jungfraujoch), the Schilthorn, and the Matterhorn via the Gornergrat railway.
Is the rail travel included?
Yes, an 8-day First class Swiss Pass is included, with supplements for the Mount Pilatus, Jungfrau, and Gornergrat day trips.
How many nights are included?
7 nights: 2 in Lucerne, 3 in Wengen, and 2 in Zermatt.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $2,189 per person (USD).
How much altitude is involved?
Day trips reach up to 3,454 metres at Jungfraujoch by cog railway, train, and cable car rather than on foot.

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