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Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Peaks of Switzerland featuring Schilthorn & Jungfrau

Seven-day alpine peaks tour from Zurich via Wengen and heritage railways

Illustration of Peaks of Switzerland featuring Schilthorn & Jungfrau

Vacations By Rail's six-night independent package bases you in Wengen, a car-free resort town in the Bernese Oberland, and sends you to four Alpine summits via heritage cog railways, local trains, and aerial cable cars. You navigate the itinerary yourself, following a well-planned route that guides you to the 9,744-foot Schilthorn (the James Bond '007 mountain' with the Piz Gloria platform), the Jungfrau Railway tunnel route through the Eiger's north face to Jungfraujoch at over 11,000 feet (the Top of Europe), the summit of Brienzer Rothorn, and the Harder Kulm with its views over Lakes Brienz and Thun. Breakfast is included daily, and you receive a Swiss Half Fare Card granting 50% discounts on other rail, boat, and mountain journeys. The trip begins in Zurich and ends there after seven days. This style suits independent travellers comfortable managing train schedules and transfers, repeat rail enthusiasts drawn to named heritage railways, and photographers seeking Alpine vistas from accessible summits.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Schynige Platte Railway operates in warmer months only; confirm availability for your travel dates.
  • Day 5 offers a self-guided choice between two routes (heritage railway from Brienz or cable car from Sorenberg); you decide which suits you.
  • Flights and airport transfers are not included; you arrange and pay separately.
  • The Swiss Half Fare Card provides 50% discounts on free days but requires you to book and manage those journeys yourself.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zurich

    Arrive in Zurich

    Arrive at your leisure and make your way to the centrally located hotel for check-in.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Wengen

    To Wengen By Train

    A roughly three-hour train journey via Bern and Interlaken to Wengen, arriving around lunchtime with the day free to explore.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Wengen

    The Schilthorn

    Independent train from Wengen to Lauterbrunnen, then a series of cable cars up to the 9,744-foot summit of the Schilthorn, the James Bond '007 mountain', including the Skyline View Platform at Piz Gloria.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Wengen

    Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch - the Top of Europe

    Train from Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg, then the Jungfrau Railway through a tunnel in the north face of the Eiger to Jungfraujoch, at over 11,000 feet, including the Sphinx Observation Deck and Ice Palace.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Wengen

    Brienzer Rothorn

    A self-guided choice of the heritage Brienzer Rothorn Railway from Brienz, or the Brienzer Rothorn Cable Car from Sorenberg via the Entlebuch Biosphere, both reaching the summit of Brienzer Rothorn.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Wengen

    Schynige Platte/Interlaken With Harder Kulm

    Local railway to Wilderswil, then the Schynige Platte Railway cog train to Schynige Platte (warmer months only), followed by the Harder Kulm funicular in Interlaken with views over Lakes Brienz and Thun.

  7. Day 7rail

    Tour Conclusion

    After a final breakfast, take the train back to Zurich, where you are free to make your way home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Cable cars ascend to the 9,744-foot summit of the Schilthorn, the James Bond film location, where the Piz Gloria Skyline View Platform overlooks the Alps.
  • Day 4The Jungfrau Railway climbs through a tunnel in the north face of the Eiger to Jungfraujoch at over 11,000 feet, where the Sphinx Observation Deck and Ice Palace await.
  • Day 6The Schynige Platte cog train ascends through Alpine meadows to mountain views, followed by the Harder Kulm funicular offering vistas over Lakes Brienz and Thun.

Included

  • 6 nights hotel accommodation
  • Rail travel on the Jungfrau Railway and the Schynige Platte Railway
  • Breakfast Every Day
  • Swiss Half Fare Card, permitting 50% discounted fares on free days for rail, boat and most mountain railway journeys

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Vacations By Rail includes rail travel on the Jungfrau Railway and Schynige Platte Railway. You also receive a Swiss Half Fare Card for 50% discounts on other rail, boat, and mountain railway journeys you choose to take on free days.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
Independent. You travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary provided by Vacations By Rail. No guide or group accompanies you.
What is included in the package?
Six nights' hotel accommodation in Wengen, breakfast daily, rail travel on the Jungfrau Railway and Schynige Platte Railway, and a Swiss Half Fare Card. Flights, airport transfers, most cable car and heritage railway tickets on summit days, and meals beyond breakfast are not included.
Which summits does the itinerary reach?
Schilthorn (9,744 feet), Jungfraujoch (over 11,000 feet, the Top of Europe), Brienzer Rothorn, and Harder Kulm. You ascend by cable car, cog railway, and aerial transport; no hiking is required.
When does the tour run?
The itinerary operates year-round from Zurich; however, the Schynige Platte Railway (Day 6) runs only in warmer months.
How much walking is involved?
Modest. Most movement between summits is by rail, cable car, or funicular. Walking occurs mainly within towns and at train stations; the trip suits those comfortable with moderate station navigation.

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