Switzerland Travel Centre · Tailor-made rail vacation

Winter Journeys by Sleigh and Train

Eight-day Swiss winter loop from Davos to Lucerne by train and sleigh

Illustration of Winter Journeys by Sleigh and Train

Switzerland Travel Centre's Winter Journeys by Sleigh and Train is an eight-day tailor-made vacation that weaves together rail travel and Alpine charm from Davos to Lucerne. You begin with a one-hour horse-drawn sleigh ride through the winter landscape near Davos on Day 2, then board the Glacier Express for a panoramic journey from Filisur to Brig en route to Montreux. From there, the GoldenPass Express carries you to Gstaad with a side trip to Glacier 3000. You have leisure time to explore the cobbled streets of Bern and the old town of Lucerne, separated by a mountain excursion to the Schilthorn, a car-free peak in the Bernese Oberland. The package includes your choice of accommodation, all rail fares, a Digital Swiss Coupon Pass, and transport to and from any Swiss gateway. This trip suits couples drawn to winter romance, families wanting varied activities across multiple regions, and independent travellers who value flexibility in where they stay and what they add to their itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 1 arrival and Day 8 departure use public transport to and from your chosen Swiss start and end points; these segments are not escorted.
  • Your final accommodation choice depends on the hotel and room category you select in each city; confirm availability when booking.
  • The itinerary includes leisure time in Montreux and unguided exploration of Bern and Lucerne; you are not with a guide on these days.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Davos

    Journey to Davos

    You travel by public transport from your starting point in Switzerland to Davos Platz.

  2. Day 2overnight: Davos

    Horse-drawn sleigh ride through Davos

    You take a one-hour horse-drawn sleigh ride through Davos. Experience the wintry landscape and enjoy the fresh air during this relaxing ride.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Montreux

    Ride on the Glacier Express

    You take the regional train from Davos to Filisur. Then take the Glacier Express to Brig and continue your journey on the regional train to Montreux.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Montreux

    Excursion to Gstaad and ride on the GoldenPass Express

    In Montreux, you have time at leisure. Take the GoldenPass Line to Gstaad and go on an excursion to Glacier 3000 before returning by train.

  5. Day 5overnight: Bern

    Stay in Bern

    Discover the capital of Switzerland. Stroll through the cobbled streets and enjoy the beautiful view of the Alps.

  6. Day 6overnight: Bern

    Mountain excursion to the Schilthorn

    Another highlight awaits you today – a mountain excursion to the Schilthorn.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Lucerne

    Stay in Lucerne

    Take the train to Lucerne. Discover the old town and the Chapel Bridge. The winter panorama of snow-covered mountains is a magical sight.

  8. Day 8

    Return journey from Lucerne

    Travel by public transport from Lucerne to the end point of your trip. Or extend your stay and discover more.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Horse-drawn sleigh ride through Davos for one hour, experiencing the wintry landscape
  • Day 3Glacier Express journey from Filisur to Brig with regional train connections to Montreux
  • Day 4GoldenPass Express ride from Montreux to Gstaad with excursion to Glacier 3000
  • Day 6Mountain excursion to the Schilthorn, a car-free Alpine peak
  • Day 7Train journey to Lucerne with views of snow-covered mountains and exploration of the Chapel Bridge

Included

  • Arrival and departure included: travel from any starting point and back to any ending point in Switzerland
  • Choose your accommodation: select hotel and room category
  • Digital Swiss Coupon Pass (2026 bookings)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The from-price includes rail fares on the Glacier Express, GoldenPass Express, and regional connections, plus arrival and departure transport within Switzerland and a Digital Swiss Coupon Pass for 2026.
Do I choose my own hotels?
Yes. Switzerland Travel Centre lets you select your accommodation and room category in each destination, then the price is customized.
Is this an escorted tour?
No. This is a tailor-made trip. You travel independently between cities by train and sleigh; unguided days include leisure time in Montreux, Bern, and Lucerne.
Which trains are featured?
The Glacier Express runs from Filisur to Brig, and the GoldenPass Express travels from Montreux to Gstaad. You also take regional trains and a horse-drawn sleigh in Davos.
When is the best time to book this trip?
The trip runs in winter, typically December through March, for snow and Alpine panoramas.
Can I add activities?
Yes. Optional activities and mountain excursions can be added directly to the trip.

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