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Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. The same itinerary is still sold by another operator, listed under Also sold by below.

Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Interlaken & the Jungfrau Express in Winter

Six-day Swiss Alps winter escorted tour from Zurich via three renowned railways

Illustration of Interlaken & the Jungfrau Express in Winter

Vacations By Rail offers a six-day escorted tour through Switzerland's Bernese Oberland in winter, based entirely in Interlaken for five nights at the Hotel Metropole. The trip is built around three of Europe's most celebrated railways: the Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch (Europe's highest railway station), where you view the Aletsch Glacier from the Sphinx Observatory; the Luzern-Interlaken Express, which climbs the Brünig Pass above Lake Brienz; and the Wengernalp and Bernese Oberland Railways serving the alpine village of Grindelwald. A professional Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout. Days follow a balanced rhythm: guided rail excursions alternate with a free leisure day, and the Swiss Half Fare Card permits independent mountain-railway exploration. Each morning brings breakfast; four dinners are hosted by the operator. This tour suits repeat rail travellers seeking concentrated access to famous Swiss mountain railways, couples wanting both structure and freedom, and travellers with moderate mobility needs who prefer a single hotel base.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price (USD 1999) is per person on shared occupancy; single supplement is not stated in the evidence.
  • Day 1 and Day 6 involve self-directed rail travel on an open ticket; you make your own way from and to Zurich.
  • Only four dinners are included over six days; lunch is not mentioned in the itinerary.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Interlaken

    Welcome to Interlaken

    Arrive in Zürich and use the included open train ticket to travel independently and at leisure to Interlaken. Check in to the hotel for a five-night stay and join the group for the first dinner together.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Interlaken

    Aboard the panoramic Luzern-Interlaken Express

    A scenic train journey along Lake Brienz to Meiringen, climbing the Brünig Pass to Lucerne. Free time to explore the old town, including the Kapellbrücke, before returning to Interlaken for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Interlaken

    A day at leisure in Interlaken

    Free day to explore Interlaken or the surrounding Bernese Oberland, with options including a boat ride on the lakes or nature trails, using the Swiss Half Fare Card for discounted mountain railways.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Interlaken

    Grindelwald and cable car ride to Grindelwald First

    Rail to the alpine village of Grindelwald with free time to explore, followed by a cable car journey to the summit of Grindelwald First for views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Return to Interlaken for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5railovernight: Interlaken

    A journey on the Jungfrau Railway

    The Bernese Oberland Railway to Lauterbrunnen, then the Wengernalp Railway to Kleine Scheidegg, and the Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe, with views of the Aletsch Glacier from the Sphinx Observatory.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6rail

    Homeward bound

    After breakfast, transfer independently by rail on the open ticket to Zürich to continue the journey home.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Luzern-Interlaken Express climbs the Brünig Pass with views over Lake Brienz, arriving in Lucerne to visit the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge).
  • Day 4Cable car ascent to Grindelwald First summit with views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
  • Day 5The Jungfrau Railway reaches Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station, with views of the Aletsch Glacier from the Sphinx Observatory.

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 5 nights' 4-Star hotel accommodations
  • Standard Class rail travel on local rail networks
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Breakfast each day, 4 dinners
  • Swiss Half Fare Card, permitting 50% discounted fares on free days for rail, boat and most mountain railway journeys
  • All tour excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Standard Class rail travel on local networks is included, along with all rail and coach travel throughout the tour. You receive an open train ticket for independent travel to and from Zurich on Days 1 and 6.
Is this tour escorted?
Yes. A professional Tour Manager leads the group from start to finish. Day 3 is free time to explore Interlaken or the Bernese Oberland independently.
Which trains are featured?
The Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch, the Luzern-Interlaken Express over the Brünig Pass, the Bernese Oberland Railway, and the Wengernalp Railway.
What is included in the price?
Five nights at the 4-star Hotel Metropole in Interlaken, breakfast daily, four dinners, a Swiss Half Fare Card for 50% discounts on free-day rail and mountain railways, all rail travel, and the Tour Manager's expertise.
What is not included?
Flights, airport transfers, cancellation insurance, and lunches are not included.
When does this trip run?
The evidence indicates this is a winter vacation, but specific departure dates are not published in the operator's information.

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