Tailor Made Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday

Mountain Railways of Switzerland

Mountain Railways of Switzerland, a rail journey with Tailor Made Rail

Embark on a Swiss rail adventure as you travel to the summit of three of the most famous mountain railways - the Gornergrat, the Jungfrau Mountain Railway and the enthralling steam train on the Brienzer Rothorn.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Strasbourg

    London to Strasbourg

    Leave London St Pancras this morning aboard the Eurostar, bound for Paris or Lille. If travelling via Lille, an easy platform-change onto the TGV to Strasbourg; via Paris, a short walk between Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est to the TGV across to the Alsace. On arrival in Strasbourg, cross the square in front of the station to the Hotel des Vosges (or similar).

  2. Day 2railovernight: Zermatt

    Strasbourg to Zermatt

    An 'open' journey day, meaning you can leave Strasbourg whenever you like and take the train down into Switzerland, changing in Basel and Visp en route to Zermatt. The Matterhorn-Gotthard Bahn takes you up to 5,275 feet above sea level at the foot of the Matterhorn. Check in at the Hotel Pollux (or similar) for a 2-night stay in the car-free village of Zermatt.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Zermatt

    The Gornergrat Mountain Railway

    The Gornergrat Mountain Railway, the highest open-air cog railway in Europe, with views over the surrounding peaks including the Matterhorn. The ticket allows hop-on hop-off at Riffelalp or Riffelsee lake.

  4. Day 4overnight: Giessbach

    Zermatt to Giessbach

    Take the Matterhorn-Gotthard-Bahn back down to Visp, then through the Lötschberg Tunnel to Spiez and on to Interlaken. From Interlaken, take the boat across Lake Brienz to the historic Grand Hotel Giessbach, dating back to 1874, alongside the Giessbach Falls. Check in for a 3-night stay.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Giessbach

    Brienzer Rothorn

    A steam-hauled mountain railway operates from Brienz up to the summit of the Rothorn, included as a round trip, with walking routes and a restaurant/cafeteria at the top.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Giessbach

    Jungfrau Mountain Railway

    Take the boat back to Interlaken and board the train to the Jungfraujoch, passing through a tunnel carved into the mountain. At the summit, activities include the Ice Palace and the Sphinx Observatory.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Cologne

    Giessbach to Cologne

    Boat from Grandhotel Giessbach to Interlaken, then a lunchtime direct train to Cologne in First Class, including the UNESCO Rhine Gorge route around Loreley Rock. The hotel, Mondial MGallery am Dom (or similar), is within walking distance of the station and cathedral.

  8. Day 8rail

    Cologne to London

    A late-morning German ICE train to Brussels connects with ample time onto the Eurostar back to London.

Included

  • All rail journeys, in standard class
  • Seat reservations where required
  • 7 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • Gornergrat Mountain Railway from Zermatt
  • Jungfrau Mountain Railway
  • Brienzer Rothorn Mountain Railway (Steam Train)
  • Cruise on Lake Brienz
  • Easy-to-follow travel documentation
  • Despatch of tickets by email
  • Proactive rerouting in case of strikes or disruptions

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