Search

Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Jungfrau and The Matterhorn: Swiss Mountain Peaks from Basel

6-day Swiss Alps rail trip from Basel to Geneva

Illustration of Jungfrau and The Matterhorn: Swiss Mountain Peaks from Basel

Railbookers operates this 6-day, 5-night independent rail vacation across the Swiss Alps, running from Basel to Geneva by way of Interlaken and Zermatt. A scenic train opens the trip in Basel and carries travelers to Interlaken, set between the Jungfrau, Eiger, and Monch mountains, for a two-night stay. A 4-Day Swiss Pass, included throughout, covers a self-guided day trip up to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station at 11,332 feet, before another scenic train continues to Zermatt for two more nights. There, the Gornergrat Cog Railway climbs to a panorama of the Matterhorn and surrounding glaciers, and an optional two-hour hike reaches the Breithorn, known as the Little Matterhorn. The trip ends with a single night in Geneva after a scenic train ride along Lake Geneva. With named engineering feats like the Gornergrat railway and Europe's highest station, the trip suits travelers drawn to famous Swiss rail journeys who are comfortable planning their own days.

What to know before you look closer

  • Geneva gets only one night at the end of the trip, noticeably shorter than the two-night stays in Interlaken and Zermatt.
  • The Jungfrau and Gornergrat day trips and the Breithorn hike are self-guided, run using the included 4-Day Swiss Pass rather than a tour guide.
  • The operator also offers this route in reverse, so confirm the direction and hotel details match your booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Overnight in Interlaken

    Basel to Interlaken

    Your Swiss Mountain Peaks journey begins in Basel today with a short and scenic train journey to Interlaken. 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 Mönch 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.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Overnight in Interlaken

    Jungfrau Day Trip

    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 sightseeing, return to the hotel for the second night of your stay in Interlaken.

  3. Day 3rail

    Zermatt

    Take the scenic train ride to Zermatt today and check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Your 4-day Swiss Pass allows you to travel from any point in Switzerland, so you can spend the rest of the day exploring this pedestrianized village famed for its history as a mountaineering base, or you could tackle the two-hour hike to the top of the Breithorn mountain, otherwise known as the 'Little Matterhorn.' In the evening, perhaps indulge in some traditional Swiss cuisine such as fondue or raclette. (Overnight in Zermatt).

  4. Day 4railovernight: Overnight Zermatt

    Gornergrat Day Trip

    Today, use your Swiss Pass to take a ride on a marvel of 19th century engineering - the Gornergrat Cog Railway - which climbs from 1,604 meters above sea level to 3,090 meters in just 33 minutes. From the top, you get to take in one of the most spectacular panoramas in all of Switzerland, encompassing the iconic outline of the Matterhorn as well as the surrounding peaks and glaciers. You might be lucky enough to spot a Chamois or Marmot during your visit, and take a stroll through the nature reserve and maybe even sample a fondue. 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.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Overnight Geneva

    Zermatt to Geneva

    After breakfast this morning, take the scenic train journey from Zermatt to Geneva, passing through Montreux and curving around Lake Geneva. On arrival, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay. Enjoy the final day of your holiday enjoying the sights of Geneva at your leisure, including the world's highest fountain, the Jet d'Eau, which fires water into the sky on the beautiful lakefront, and the Museum of the International Committee of the Red Cross, one of the best museums of its kind in Europe. In the evening, enjoy a delicious meal at a local lakeside restaurant with the beautiful backdrop of the Alps and the Jura Mountains.

  6. Day 6rail

    Depart Geneva

    Check out of your hotel this morning and continue with your onward travels. If you wish to extend your journey, or perhaps take this trip in reverse, one of our Rail Specialists would be happy to help you with all the details.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1A short scenic train ride from Basel arrives in Interlaken, set between the Jungfrau, Eiger, and Monch mountains.
  • Day 2A climb to Jungfraujoch reaches Europe's highest railway station at 11,332 feet, with views of the Black Forest in Germany and the Vosges Mountains in France.
  • Day 3An optional two-hour hike climbs the Breithorn mountain, known as the Little Matterhorn, above Zermatt.
  • Day 4The Gornergrat Cog Railway climbs from 1,604 to 3,090 meters in 33 minutes, opening a panorama of the Matterhorn and surrounding glaciers.
  • Day 5The scenic train from Zermatt to Geneva passes through Montreux and curves around Lake Geneva.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary 4-Day Swiss Pass Jungfrau Day Trip Gornergrat Day Trip
  • 2 nights’ hotel accommodation including breakfast in Interlaken
  • 2 nights’ hotel accommodation including breakfast in Zermatt
  • 1 night hotel accommodation including breakfast in Geneva

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, rail travel is included throughout, along with a 4-Day Swiss Pass that covers the Basel-Interlaken, Interlaken-Zermatt, and Zermatt-Geneva legs plus the Jungfrau and Gornergrat day trips.
Is this a guided tour or independent travel?
It is an independent rail vacation. The Jungfrau and Gornergrat day trips and the optional Breithorn hike are self-guided using the included Swiss Pass.
Which places does the trip visit?
Basel, Interlaken, Zermatt, and Geneva.
How much walking or hiking is involved?
Day 2 climbs to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station at 11,332 feet, and day 3 offers an optional two-hour hike up the Breithorn mountain, so expect higher altitude and the option for strenuous walking.
What hotels are used?
Named properties in the evidence include The Hey Hotel in Interlaken, Beausite Zermatt, and Riffelhaus 1853 in Zermatt.
How much does the trip cost?
Prices start from $1,879 per person, which works out to about $313 per day.

Similar journeys