Best Scenic Train Journeys in Switzerland During Winter
By Vaishali Bhatore · 2026-09-29
Switzerland is famous for its mountains, lakes and picturesque villages, but there is another wonderful way to experience the country's winter scenery: by train. During winter, Switzerland's railway network takes you through snow-covered valleys, Alpine villages, frozen lakes and dramatic mountain landscapes. Many scenic routes are designed to make the journey itself part of the experience, with large windows that allow passengers to enjoy the surrounding scenery. From the world-famous Bernina Express and Glacier Express to scenic journeys connecting Interlaken with other Swiss destinations, travelling by train can be an enjoyable way to discover Switzerland during the colder months.
Here are some of the scenic train journeys worth considering for a winter trip.
1. Bernina Express – From Switzerland to Italy
The Bernina Express is one of Switzerland's best-known panoramic train journeys.
The route travels through the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscapes, connecting Chur with Tirano in Italy. Along the way, the train travels through mountain landscapes, past glaciers and across impressive railway structures.
The journey includes 196 bridges and 55 tunnels, as well as the famous Landwasser Viaduct. From the high Alpine scenery around the Bernina Pass, the route eventually descends towards Tirano, where the landscape becomes noticeably different.
Why take the Bernina Express in winter?
Winter can transform the high-altitude sections of the journey into a snowy Alpine landscape. The combination of mountains, snow and historic railway engineering makes the journey particularly scenic. Switzerland Tourism also includes the Bernina Express among its winter excursion train rides.
Route: Chur – St. Moritz – Alp Grüm – Tirano
Country: Switzerland → Italy
Best for: Mountain scenery, photography and a full-day scenic railway experience
2. Glacier Express – Across the Swiss Alps
The Glacier Express is another iconic Swiss panoramic train.
The classic journey connects Zermatt and St. Moritz, crossing the Alps in approximately eight hours. Along the route, passengers travel through dramatic mountain landscapes, valleys and impressive railway structures.
The journey crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels. One of the highlights is the Landwasser Viaduct, while the route also crosses the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 metres above sea level.
Winter gives parts of the route a distinctly snowy appearance. The official Glacier Express route information specifically notes that the lake at the Oberalp Pass can be covered by a deep layer of snow during winter.
What makes the Glacier Express special?
Instead of simply getting from one destination to another, the Glacier Express makes the landscape part of the journey.
You can sit comfortably inside the train while watching the Alpine scenery change outside the panoramic windows.
Route: Zermatt – Brig – Andermatt – Disentis – Chur – St. Moritz
Journey time: Approximately 8 hours
Best for: A full-day Alpine railway experience
Important winter information
The Glacier Express operates according to a winter and summer timetable, with an annual operating break. For example, the current 2026 timetable states that the service does not operate from 11 October to 4 December 2026.
A seat reservation is mandatory, in addition to having a valid ticket.
Always check the official timetable when planning your journey because schedules can change.
3. GoldenPass Express – Interlaken to Montreux
If you're staying in Interlaken, you don't have to travel all the way to Graubünden to enjoy a spectacular scenic train journey.
The GoldenPass Express connects Interlaken and Montreux, travelling through the Swiss countryside and mountain landscapes.
Switzerland Tourism describes the GoldenPass Express as a panoramic route between Interlaken and Montreux, making it particularly convenient for travellers staying in the Jungfrau Region.
The journey takes you from the Bernese Oberland towards the shores of Lake Geneva, allowing you to experience very different Swiss landscapes during one trip.
Why choose this journey?
For visitors based in Interlaken, the GoldenPass Express can be an attractive option because you can begin your journey directly from the Interlaken area.
Route: Interlaken – Montreux
Best for: Travellers staying around Interlaken who want a scenic full-day excursion
4. Luzern–Interlaken Express
Another excellent option for visitors staying in Interlaken is the Luzern–Interlaken Express.
The route connects Lucerne and Interlaken, travelling through central Switzerland and the surrounding Alpine landscape.
Switzerland Tourism specifically highlights this route as one of its recommended Swiss train journeys.
It is particularly useful if you're planning to visit both Lucerne and Interlaken during the same trip.
Instead of treating the train simply as transportation between the two destinations, you can make the journey part of your sightseeing experience.
Route: Lucerne – Interlaken
Best for: Combining two popular Swiss destinations
5. Mountain Railways – A Different Way to See Switzerland
Not every scenic winter railway experience has to be a long-distance panoramic train.
Switzerland also has numerous mountain railways and mountain excursions that take visitors from valleys and villages to higher viewpoints.
For example, Switzerland Tourism lists Gornergrat in Zermatt among its winter train excursions.
Mountain railways provide access to high-altitude viewpoints where winter scenery can be especially impressive.
Depending on your destination, you can find mountain railways, funiculars and cable-car connections taking you towards viewpoints and mountain resorts.
For visitors staying in the Jungfrau Region, nearby mountain excursions can also be incorporated into a winter itinerary.
Why Take a Scenic Train Journey in Winter?
Winter is one of the most beautiful times to explore Switzerland by train.
Snow-covered Alpine landscapes
Higher-altitude sections of many routes can offer spectacular winter scenery, with mountains and valleys covered in snow.
Comfortable sightseeing
You can enjoy the scenery from inside a warm train rather than spending the entire day outdoors in cold weather.
Easy way to explore more of Switzerland
Scenic trains allow visitors to connect different regions without having to drive through mountain roads themselves.
Photography opportunities
Large windows on panoramic trains provide excellent opportunities to photograph Switzerland's changing landscapes. Switzerland Tourism specifically highlights the panoramic windows and scenic views offered by Switzerland's premium panoramic trains.
Which Scenic Train Should You Choose?
The best route depends on where you are staying and what you want to experience.
Staying in Interlaken?
Consider the GoldenPass Express towards Montreux or the Luzern–Interlaken Express towards Lucerne.
Want a full Alpine railway experience?
Consider the Glacier Express between Zermatt and St. Moritz.
Want mountains, glaciers and a journey into Italy?
Consider the Bernina Express from Chur towards Tirano.
Want a mountain viewpoint rather than a long train journey?
Look at mountain railway excursions such as Gornergrat.
Make Interlaken Your Winter Base
Interlaken is surrounded by some of Switzerland's most famous mountain destinations and is well connected by rail.
For visitors staying in Interlaken, scenic train journeys can be an excellent way to add something different to a winter itinerary. You can spend one day exploring the Jungfrau Region, another enjoying a winter walk, and another discovering Switzerland by panoramic train.
After a day of travelling through snowy mountain landscapes, you can return to Interlaken and enjoy a relaxing evening surrounded by the Alps.
Winter in Switzerland isn't only about skiing. Sometimes, the best way to see the country is simply to find a comfortable seat by the train window and watch the mountains go by.
Before You Travel
Train schedules and seasonal operations can change, particularly during winter. Always check the official railway timetable and current travel information before booking your journey.
For panoramic trains such as the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, check whether a seat reservation or additional reservation fee is required for your chosen journey.
Pack your camera, find a window seat and enjoy one of the most comfortable ways to experience the Swiss winter landscape.