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Lucerne to Munich via the Arlberg Pass

Nine-day rail trip: Lucerne, Innsbruck, Salzburg, and Munich

Illustration of Lucerne to Munich via the Arlberg Pass

Railbookers operates this nine-day, eight-night rail trip through Switzerland, Austria, and Germany, from Lucerne to Munich with stops in Innsbruck and Salzburg. Two-night stays in each city give the trip an even, unhurried pace. Day 2 rides a boat across Lake Lucerne and then the world's steepest cogwheel railway up Mount Pilatus, descending by cable car and gondola. Day 3's train from Lucerne to Innsbruck crosses the Arlberg Pass, and a 48-hour Innsbruck Card opens access to the Golden Roof, Ambras Castle, and the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, while Day 4 adds a cable car ride to the Nordkette Mountain Range. Salzburg brings a Sound of Music themed tour with a classic Austrian meal, and Munich closes the trip with a guided walking tour covering the city's royal past and its role in the Second World War. Most days are self-guided using included rail and city passes, with the Sound of Music and Munich tours as the trip's two guided components.

What to know before you look closer

  • The hotel list for this package is 22 options across different tiers and cities rather than a fixed set of stays, so the specific hotel you get depends on the tier and city you choose.
  • Most days are self-guided using included passes such as the Innsbruck Card; only the Sound of Music tour on Day 6 and the Munich walking tour on Day 8 are described as guided.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Lucerne

    Your Journey Begins in Lucerne

    Upon arriving at Zurich Airport, take a scenic train journey to center of Lucerne, known for its picturesque setting surrounded by mountains and a beautiful lake. Check into your hotel and take some time to explore the charming old town, stroll along the Chapel Bridge.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Lucerne

    Day Trip to Mount Pilatus

    Today, embark on a thrilling day trip to Mount Pilatus. Take a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne and then board the world's steepest cogwheel railway to reach the summit. Descend the mountain onboard cable cars and panoramic gondolas.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Innsbruck

    Lucerne to Innsbruck Via The Arlberg Pass

    Depart Lucerne and take the train to Innsbruck, passing through the stunning Arlberg Pass. Use the 48-hour Innsbruck Card to explore the city's cultural landmarks, including the Golden Roof, Ambras Castle, and the Swarovski Crystal Worlds.

  4. Day 4overnight: Innsbruck

    Innsbruck

    Continue exploring Innsbruck with the convenience of the Innsbruck Card. Don't miss the opportunity to take a cable car ride to the Nordkette Mountain Range, offering unparalleled views of the city and its surroundings.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Salzburg

    Innsbruck to Salzburg

    Check out of your hotel this morning and travel from Innsbruck to Salzburg by high-speed train. In Salzburg, immerse yourself in the city's rich musical heritage and explore landmarks like the Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mirabell Palace, and the birthplace of Mozart.

  6. Day 6overnight: Salzburg

    Salzburg

    Dive into the world of "The Sound of Music" with a themed tour that takes you to iconic filming locations and enjoy a delicious meal of schnitzel and noodles, a classic Austrian dish.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Munich

    Salzburg to Munich

    After breakfast, head to the train station and depart for Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Munich boasts a blend of modernity and history, with highlights such as Nymphenburg Palace, Marienplatz, and the famous Hofbrauhaus beer hall.

  8. Day 8overnight: Munich

    Munich

    Take a guided walking tour of Munich to discover its vibrant culture and charming streets, and learn about the city's history, including its royal past and its role in the Second World War.

  9. Day 9rail

    Your Journey Ends in Munich

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels. If you'd like to extend your journey to another city, just ask your Rail Expert and we can help you make all the arrangements.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A boat cruise on Lake Lucerne connects to the world's steepest cogwheel railway up Mount Pilatus, with the descent by cable car and panoramic gondola.
  • Day 3The train from Lucerne to Innsbruck crosses the Arlberg Pass, and the 48-hour Innsbruck Card unlocks the Golden Roof, Ambras Castle, and the Swarovski Crystal Worlds.
  • Day 4A cable car climbs to the Nordkette Mountain Range for views over Innsbruck and its surroundings.
  • Day 6A Sound of Music themed tour visits the film's Salzburg locations and includes a meal of schnitzel and noodles.
  • Day 8A guided walking tour of Munich covers the city's royal past and its role in the Second World War.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lucerne
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Innsbruck
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Salzburg
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Munich
  • Day trip to Mount Pilatus from Lucerne
  • 48-hour Innsbruck Card
  • Sound of Music Tour including a classic Austrian meal
  • Walking tour of Munich

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel is included as per the itinerary, covering the journey through Switzerland, Austria, and Germany, including the train through the Arlberg Pass.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is mostly independent, using included passes to explore each city. The Sound of Music tour on Day 6 and the Munich walking tour on Day 8 are the trip's guided components.
What hotels are used?
The package offers a list of 22 hotel options across Lucerne, Innsbruck, Salzburg, and Munich at different tiers, so the specific hotel depends on the tier and city option you select.
What does the Innsbruck Card cover?
The 48-hour Innsbruck Card gives access to the city's cultural landmarks, including the Golden Roof, Ambras Castle, and the Swarovski Crystal Worlds.
How much walking or altitude is involved?
Day 2's Mount Pilatus day trip and Day 4's cable car to the Nordkette Mountain Range both reach significant alpine altitude, and Day 8 includes a guided walking tour of Munich. No hiking is described.

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