How to experience Switzerland’s greatest sights in one trip

As someone who regularly spends hundreds of hours flying thousands of miles, it’s time to consider a dramatic change of pace for your next holiday.

Swap the drone of those jet engines for the gentle clickety-clack of the rails, rhythmically repeating underneath the clink of glasses, the odd snap of camera shutters and convivial chatter of your fellow passengers.

Replace the confines of your business class seat with a spacious cabin dominated by oversized scenic windows and a breathtaking panorama of valleys and streams, majestic snow-topped mountains, towering castles and storybook villages.

Embrace ‘slow travel’ where you can relax, take in the scenery and share those moments with your partner.

Experience a holiday where the journey itself is the experience.

Breathe in the spectacular views of Alp Grum on the Bernina Express.
Switzerland Tourism

Of all the world’s premier rail adventures, the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is without equal.

As its name suggests, it’s grand in every sense: a unique journey combining eight panoramic rail lines into one captivating 1,280km round-trip – and every inch is accessible on the Swiss Travel Pass ticket.

Here’s what you can look forward to on your Grand Train Tour of Switzerland.

Premium trains every step of the way

Whether you climb aboard the St. Gallen-Schaffhausen-Zurich line, where Europe’s largest waterfall – Rhine Falls – is among the highlights, or Gotthard Panorama Express between Lucerne to the Mediterranean-esque Lugano, you’re in for a treat.

Multiple trains operate on the eight stages of the Tour, each one a little different. Some have panoramic windows, like Glacier Express ‘the world’s slowest express train’, whereas others, such as the elegant GoldenPass Belle Epoque, transport you to a bygone era.

Skirting the shores of Lake Geneva at Lavaux.
Switzerland Tourism

Though distinct, each train is very much a premium experience. Some even have exclusive carriages where you can upgrade and indulge in delicious multi-course menus and fine wines – and the scenery unfolding as you dine is certainly worth raising a glass to.

One pass to rule them all

Sold on the idea? Purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass is the key first step. Starting at CHF 232 (AUD $379), this unlocks unlimited train, bus and boat travel throughout Switzerland’s vast public transport network.

Passes range from three to 15 days. During that time, you’re able to travel by rail to your heart’s content, traversing all eight stages of the Grand Train Tour if you so desire. And you really should, as there’s so much to see, do and discover.

Bernina Express passing through the wintry landscape at Lago Bianco (White Lake).
Switzerland Tourism

That’s why the Swiss Travel Pass and the Grand Train Tour have the flexibility to let you tailor your own tour. There’s no prescribed direction or starting point, as well as easy hop on, hop off-style itineraries from three to six days or even longer.

And when you’re not gliding along the rails, the Swiss Travel Pass gives you free entry to more than 500 museums across the country, in addition to discounts of up to 50% on most mountain railways.

All the highlights

Rather than going in blind, suggested itineraries are available ‘off the shelf’ (and can also be booked as tour packages). Free spirits who prefer travelling at their own pace can still design a one-of-a-kind trip to suit their personal taste too.

A handy app detailing each rail section and its points of interest makes planning your Grand Train Tour a breeze, with push notifications ensuring you never miss an upcoming landmark or sight.

The Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) is one of the most iconic sights in Lucerne.
Switzerland Tourism

Of the itineraries, the Original Tour is the ultimate experience: an eight day odyssey covering all 1,280kms, with stops in Zurich (its Old Town is a must-visit), Lucerne, famed for its timber Chapel Bridge, and Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn, to name a few.

The remarkable Landwasser Viaduct in Graubünden.
Switzerland Tourism

It also offers a choice of 21 optional mountain excursions. On the list is the ski mecca of Titlis, home to the heart-racing 500m-high Cliff Walk, and Schilthorn, where Piz Gloria, recognisable as Blofeld’s hideout from Bond film ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’, is located.

Travelling aboard the extraordinary Gotthard Panorama Express
SOB, photographer: Thomas Kessler

Beyond the Original, a myriad of shorter itineraries are at your fingertips, with each revealing a different side of Switzerland and giving you greater appreciation for its many charms.

A destination worth travelling for

Whether it's your first time or a repeat visit, the biggest reason to visit Switzerland is simply its diversity. Not only in the intriguing cities and jaw-dropping landscapes, but the experiences, traditions and cultural connections too.

GoldenPass Belle Epoque travelling alongside the waters of Lake Geneva.
Switzerland Tourism

Beyond the majestic mountains and ski fields, and those emerald valleys and storybook villages, Switzerland is a destination full of surprises, and the Grand Train Tour is your ticket to uncover them all.

Learn more about the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland at myswitzerland.com/grandtraintour.

This article was produced in collaboration with Switzerland Tourism.