Search

Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Swiss Mountain Peaks, The GoldenPass Express, and Zurich

Swiss mountain rail tour: Lucerne to Zurich via the GoldenPass Express

Illustration of Swiss Mountain Peaks, The GoldenPass Express, and Zurich

Railbookers runs this nine-day independent rail vacation across Switzerland, starting in Lucerne and ending in Zurich, with two-night stays in each of four cities. From Lucerne, day 2 climbs Mount Pilatus by cruise and rack railway, available May to October, before the Lucerne-Interlaken Express carries travelers past five mountain lakes on day 3. Day 4 reaches the highest train station in Europe at 3,462m, via Lauterbrunnen and the Eiger, with views of Europe's largest glacier. The GoldenPass Express then crosses from German-speaking Bern into French-speaking Vaud on day 5, arriving in Montreux for a boat ride to the medieval Chillon Castle. The final stop is Zurich, reached by train, where a lake cruise leads to the Lindt Home of Chocolate before the trip ends with a train to the airport. Self-guided throughout, this suits travelers drawn to named scenic trains, mountain scenery and a mix of history and Swiss chocolate along the way.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 2's Mount Pilatus cruise and rack railway ascent are described as running May to October; the evidence does not state an alternative for other months.
  • Two of the nine days, the Montreux boat ride to Chillon Castle (day 6) and the Zurich lake cruise to the Lindt Home of Chocolate (day 8), travel by boat rather than train.
  • The hotel list offers 23 accommodation options across different tiers and cities, so the final hotel depends on which tier and city you choose, from the IBIS Styles Luzern Hotel up to the Lindner Grand Beau Rivage in Interlaken.
  • The evidence pack lists no current departure dates; confirm scheduling with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Lucerne

    Your Journey Begins in Lucerne

    Welcome to Switzerland! From the airport you can take any of the regular direct trains to Lucerne. Once checked in, enjoy a walk around the gorgeous Old Town and be sure to cross the amazing Chapel Bridge, and visit the solemn Lucerne Lion monument.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Lucerne

    Mount Pilatus

    From May to October, indulge in a picturesque cruise on Lake Lucerne, followed by an exhilarating ascent to the summit of Mount Pilatus aboard the world's steepest rack railway.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Interlaken

    Lucerne to Interlaken

    The Lucerne-Interlaken Express turns the journey between the two cities into a remarkable experience. In just two hours, passengers can admire five crystal clear mountain lakes. The train utilizes cogwheel technology to conquer the steep ascent of Bruenig Pass.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Interlaken

    The Jungfrau

    Begin an unforgettable adventure from Interlaken to the Top of Europe this morning. Take the train to Lauterbrunnen and marvel at the spectacular Staubbach Falls, then continue through the Eiger Mountain to reach the highest train station in Europe, 3,462m above sea level. Return via the Eiger Express cable-car to Grindelwald.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Montreux

    The GoldenPass Express to Montreux

    Today, cross linguistical borders as you travel from the German-speaking canton of Bern to the French speaking canton of Vaud onboard the GoldenPass Express, past Gstaad and through the Simmen valley, with jaw dropping views of Lake Lehman.

  6. Day 6overnight: Montreux

    Montreux

    After breakfast take to the water today for a scenic boat ride along the lake to Chillon Castle. Immerse yourself in the enchanting medieval atmosphere of this historic fortress.

  7. Day 7overnight: Zurich

    Montreux to Zurich

    Bid farewell to Lake Lehman as you start your journey of around three hours to Zurich. Once checked-in, take advantage of your included Pass to explore the city with free use of the public transport network.

  8. Day 8overnight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Make your way to the lake this morning and catch the scenic cruise to Kilchenberg, near Chocolate Heaven, the Lindt Home of Chocolate. Visit the iconic Grossmuenster church and take advantage of discounted entry to the Kunsthaus or FIFA Museum.

  9. Day 9rail

    Your Journey Ends in Zurich

    Make your way to the station for your train to the airport or speak to any of our Rail Experts if you might like to extend your travels elsewhere.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A cruise on Lake Lucerne followed by an ascent to the summit of Mount Pilatus aboard the world's steepest rack railway, available May to October.
  • Day 3The Lucerne-Interlaken Express passes five crystal clear mountain lakes and climbs the Bruenig Pass using cogwheel technology.
  • Day 4A train through Lauterbrunnen and the Eiger Mountain to the highest train station in Europe at 3,462m, with views of Europe's largest glacier, returning by the Eiger Express cable car.
  • Day 5The GoldenPass Express crosses from German-speaking Bern to French-speaking Vaud, passing Gstaad and the Simmen valley with views of Lake Lehman.
  • Day 6A scenic boat ride on Lake Lehman to the medieval fortress of Chillon Castle.

Included

  • All travel as per the itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lucerne
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Interlaken
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Montreux
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich
  • Mount Pilatus day trip from Lucerne
  • Jungfrau day trip from Interlaken
  • Entrance to Chillon Castle
  • GoldenPass Express seat reservation from Interlaken to Montreux
  • Lindt Home of Chocolate entrance tickets

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. All travel is included as per the itinerary.
Is it escorted or independent?
It is an independent, self-guided rail vacation, per Railbookers.
Which trains are used?
The Lucerne-Interlaken Express, the Mount Pilatus rack railway, the train to Jungfraujoch through Lauterbrunnen and the Eiger, and the GoldenPass Express from Interlaken to Montreux.
When does the Mount Pilatus trip run?
The Lake Lucerne cruise and Mount Pilatus rack railway ascent are described as running from May to October.
What hotels are used?
The package offers 23 accommodation options across Lucerne, Interlaken, Montreux and Zurich at different tiers, from the IBIS Styles Luzern Hotel up to the Lindner Grand Beau Rivage.
What is included besides rail travel?
Entrance to Chillon Castle and to the Lindt Home of Chocolate, plus the Mount Pilatus and Jungfrau day trips and a GoldenPass Express seat reservation.

Similar journeys