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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Swiss Lakes and Mountains from Zurich

Swiss scenic rail circuit from Zurich to Montreux via Jungfraujoch

Illustration of Swiss Lakes and Mountains from Zurich

Railbookers runs this eight-day independent rail vacation across Switzerland, starting in Zurich and ending with a train to Geneva airport after two nights in lakeside Montreux. A single night in Zurich leads to two nights in Chur, the base for a day on the Bernina Express, crossing the Landwasser and Brusio spiral viaducts past the peaks of Piz Bernina and Piz Palü. The Glacier Express follows on day 4, tracing the Rhine Gorge and the Oberalp Pass to Interlaken, where a day trip climbs increasingly steep railways to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest rail station. The Golden Pass train then crosses the Alps to Montreux, passing hills known for Swiss cheese and chocolate, before a final day left free for an optional Chillon Castle boat ride or a Lavaux vineyard wine tasting. With flexible train timing built in and no tour manager, this suits travelers who want Switzerland's named scenic trains and mountain views without a fixed schedule.

What to know before you look closer

  • Between mid-October and early December, the Glacier Express itself does not run on day 4; Railbookers substitutes local trains for that leg instead.
  • Day 7 in Montreux is left at leisure, with a choice of an optional boat ride to Chillon Castle or an optional regional train to the Lavaux vineyards, rather than an included excursion.
  • The hotel list offers 21 accommodation options across different tiers and cities, so the final hotel depends on which tier and city you choose, from Hotel Stern in Chur up to Zurich's Baur Au Lac and The Dolder Grand.
  • The evidence pack lists no current departure dates; confirm scheduling with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Welcome to Zurich! On arrival at the airport, use your Swiss Pass on the train into the city where you can check-in at your hotel for a one-night stay. If you have the time, head down to the lake for a gentle lake cruise then take an evening stroll around the pretty Old Town.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Chur

    Chur

    At a time of your choosing take the direct train to Chur and head to your hotel for a two-night stay. Chur is reputed to be the oldest town in Switzerland, inhabited for over 5,000 years.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Chur

    The Bernina Express

    Head south aboard the Bernina Express train today and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery seen from a train anywhere in the world. Cross the impressive Landwasser Viaduct, admire the spectacular peaks of Piz Bernina and Piz Palu, and hold your breath for the magical Brusio spiral viaduct before the train passes into Tirano, northern Italy.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Interlaken

    The Glacier Express

    Depart Chur on the famous red carriages of the Glacier Express train today, bound for Brig. The line is surrounded by a fantastic mountain panorama, following the Rhine Gorge and crossing the Oberalp Pass before arriving into Brig, then Interlaken, the hub of the Bernese Oberland for a two-night stay. Between mid Oct and early Dec the Glacier Express train does not run, so the journey will be made on local trains.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Interlaken

    Day Trip to Jungfraujoch

    Enjoy an amazing day today, riding increasingly steep railways up Europe's highest rail station, atop Jungfrau Mountain, taking in waterfalls, dramatic drops and spectacular views across to France and Germany on a clear day.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Montreux

    The Golden Pass

    After breakfast head over to the station for your journey aboard the Golden Pass train to the beautiful town of Montreux, passing through the heart of the alps to the lush rolling green hills where Switzerland's famous cheese and chocolate is produced.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Montreux

    Montreux

    Enjoy a relaxing day at your leisure today. Use your Swiss Pass for a quick boat ride round to the amazing Chillon Castle, or take a regional train up into the Lavaux vineyards for a wine tasting with lakeside views.

  8. Day 8rail

    Your Journey Ends in Geneva

    Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before taking the short train ride to Geneva airport and your flight home. Your Swiss Pass is valid to use to any place in Switzerland so speak to any of our Rail Specialists about a change of airport.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Bernina Express crosses the Landwasser Viaduct and the Brusio spiral viaduct, passing the peaks of Piz Bernina and Piz Palü on the way to Tirano.
  • Day 4The Glacier Express follows the Rhine Gorge and crosses the Oberalp Pass on its way from Chur to Brig and on to Interlaken.
  • Day 5A day trip up increasingly steep railways to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest rail station, with views of waterfalls and, on a clear day, France and Germany.
  • Day 6The Golden Pass train crosses the heart of the Alps to Montreux, passing the rolling green hills where Switzerland's cheese and chocolate are made.
  • Day 7An optional boat ride to Chillon Castle, or a regional train to the Lavaux vineyards for a wine tasting with lakeside views.

Included

  • Rail Travel as per the itinerary
  • 1 night's hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Chur
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Interlaken
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Montreux
  • Reservations on the Bernina Express, Glacier Express and Golden Pass trains
  • Day trip to Jungfraujoch

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel is included as per the itinerary, with reservations on the Bernina Express, Glacier Express and Golden Pass trains.
Is it escorted or independent?
It is an independent, self-guided rail vacation, per Railbookers.
Which trains are used?
The Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano, the Glacier Express from Chur to Brig, the railway up to Jungfraujoch, and the Golden Pass Express from Interlaken to Montreux.
Does the Glacier Express always run?
Between mid-October and early December the Glacier Express itself does not operate; Railbookers substitutes local trains for that leg.
What hotels are used?
The package offers 21 accommodation options across Zurich, Chur, Interlaken and Montreux at different tiers, from Hotel Stern in Chur up to Zurich's Baur Au Lac and The Dolder Grand.
Where does the trip end?
In Montreux, followed by a short train ride to Geneva airport on day 8 for the flight home.

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