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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

The GoldenPass Express, and Swiss Mountain Peaks from Zurich

Independent 9-day Swiss rail trip Zurich to Lucerne via GoldenPass Express

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

Railbookers operates this independent, 9-day, 8-night rail journey through Switzerland, starting and ending near Zurich, with two-night stays in Zurich, Montreux, Interlaken, and Lucerne. Early days are spent exploring Zurich's Old Town and the Lindt Home of Chocolate before a train to Montreux, where a boat ride crosses to the medieval Chillon Castle. The trip's namesake, the GoldenPass Express, then carries travelers from Montreux to Interlaken through what the operator describes as some of Switzerland's most awe-inspiring landscapes. From Interlaken, a train through Lauterbrunnen and the Eiger Mountain reaches the Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe at 3,462 meters. The final stop, Lucerne, includes a Mount Pilatus day trip up the world's steepest rack railway, weather and season permitting a lake cruise beforehand. With two-night stays throughout and only self-guided sightseeing, this trip suits independent travelers comfortable planning their own days around included tickets and rail journeys.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Lake Lucerne cruise portion of the Mount Pilatus day trip runs from May to October; the itinerary notes the ascent and descent are both by gondola and cable car in other months.
  • The evidence pack lists no specific departure dates for this package; confirm current dates and pricing with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Zurich

    Your Journey Begins in Zurich

    Upon your arrival in Switzerland hop on the regular train from the airport to the main station and make your way to your central hotel for a two-night stay. Once settled, head out for a stroll through the city's wonderful Old Town.

  2. Day 2overnight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Today, head towards the lake and catch scenic cruise number 3731 from Buerkliplatz to Kilchenberg. A short walk from there will lead you to Chocolate Heaven, the Lindt Home of Chocolate. On your return to the city, make sure to visit the iconic Grossmuenster church.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Montreux

    Zurich to Montreux

    From the main station in Zurich, hop on a train heading to the beautiful canton of Vaud. Enjoy breathtaking views of lakes, mountains, and charming towns along the way, and once you've arrived head to your hotel for a two-night stay. Take a stroll along the lake front, and why not treat yourself to a cocktail and dinner at the famous Jazz cafe.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Montreux

    Montreux

    Take to the water again today for a scenic boat ride along the lake to Chillon Castle. Disembark and immerse yourself in the enchanting medieval atmosphere of this historic fortress. To return to Montreux, take your pick, the train ride is just three minutes, whilst a nice lake side stroll takes just thirty-minutes, or you could of course return by boat.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Interlaken

    The GoldenPass Express from Montreux to Interlaken

    Today's highlight is an unforgettable journey aboard the GoldenPass Express train from Montreux to Interlaken, traversing some of Switzerland's most awe-inspiring landscapes. Once you've settled into your hotel consider embarking on a delightful cruise along either Lake Thun or Lake Brienz.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Interlaken

    The Jungfrau

    Begin an unforgettable adventure from Interlaken to the Top of Europe this morning. Follow our suggested route by taking the train to Lauterbrunnen and marvel at the spectacular Staubbach Falls. Continue your journey through the Eiger Mountain via train to reach the highest train station in Europe, situated 3,462m above sea level. For your return, we recommend the breathtaking Eiger Express cable-car down to Grindelwald.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Lucerne

    Interlaken to Lucerne

    This train journey of just over two hours is part of the overall Golden Pass line and is spectacular in parts. You will marvel at five crystal clear mountain lakes, and the winding ascent over the Bruenig Pass entails the train using a rack railway to overcome the steep gradient. Once you have arrived in Lucerne, check-in at your hotel then take a walk around the gorgeous Old Town.

  8. Day 8railovernight: 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. As you descend the mountain, experience a thrilling journey via gondola and cable car, which serves as both the ascent and descent route during the winter months.

  9. Day 9rail

    Your Journey Ends in Lucerne

    Following breakfast make your way to the station for a direct train to Zurich airport for your flight home or do speak to any of our Rail Experts about extending your travels elsewhere.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4A scenic boat ride from Montreux to the medieval Chillon Castle.
  • Day 5The GoldenPass Express travels from Montreux to Interlaken through what the operator calls some of Switzerland's most awe-inspiring landscapes.
  • Day 6A train through Lauterbrunnen past the Staubbach Falls and on through the Eiger Mountain to the Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe at 3,462 meters, with the Eiger Express cable car recommended for the return.
  • Day 7The Interlaken to Lucerne train passes five crystal clear mountain lakes and climbs the Bruenig Pass on a rack railway.
  • Day 8A Lake Lucerne cruise (May to October) followed by an ascent of Mount Pilatus on the world's steepest rack railway and a gondola or cable car descent.

Included

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

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. All travel is included as per the itinerary, including the GoldenPass Express seat reservation, the Jungfrau day trip, and the Mount Pilatus day trip.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation; travelers explore each city on their own.
Which trains are included?
Train transfer from Zurich airport, Zurich to Montreux, the GoldenPass Express from Montreux to Interlaken, the Jungfrau railway to Jungfraujoch, the Interlaken to Lucerne line over the Bruenig Pass, and the Mount Pilatus rack railway.
What sightseeing is included?
Lindt Home of Chocolate entrance, Chillon Castle entrance, a Jungfrau day trip to the Top of Europe, and a Mount Pilatus day trip.
Does the Mount Pilatus day trip run year-round?
The lake cruise portion runs from May to October; in other months the ascent and descent are both by gondola and cable car, per the itinerary.
How many nights of hotel accommodation are included?
8 nights with breakfast, two nights each in Zurich, Montreux, Interlaken, and Lucerne.

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