Switzerland, this small country in the heart of Europe, is unique in many ways. Regarding train travel it is probably the land with one of the densest train network of the world. This is remarkable since a good part of Switzerland is covered by huge mountains which are quite a serious barrier for railroad construction. Swiss railway engineers were impressively ingenious and inventive in overcoming these massif mountain barriers. The many viaducts of all kinds, tunnels and bridges make train trips in Switzerland extremely impressive.
The specific climate of the Alps make train trips interesting for every season of the year. Summer excels with usual sunny weather and mild, convenient temperatures. During autumn a train ride over one of the many high Alpine passes in Switzerland let you experience a change from Indian summer with its many colors to the first glimpses of snowy winter. The winter impresses with its huge snow packs and the glazing sun over endless snow fields. And finally the spring may offer a mix of everything, from snow in the mountains to pristine green meadows in the valley to palms along the lakes of the Ticino.
The various railroads in Switzerland are so attractive that simply traveling randomly between the Swiss cities would be an impressive and attractive train journey in itself. However, there are some Swiss train trips which are outstanding and may easily be described as among the most attractive train rides of the world. These are as follows:
Glacier Express route, Switzerland, credits see below
Glacier Express: The Glacier Express connects the great Swiss tourism hot spots Zermatt and St. Moritz. The Glacier Express is advertised as “the slowest express train of the world”. Probably, it should also go as the most amazing express train of the world. It is a 7.5 h train trip across 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels. It also crosses one of the many high alpine passes of Switzerland. The Oberalp pass tops at an elevation of 2033 meters (6670 ft) in a stunning alpine environment. This train trip goes directly into the very heart of Switzerland connecting beautiful towns and villages like a pearl necklace.
Glacier Express, Landwasser viaduct, Photo credits see below
Bernina Express route, Switzerland, credits see below
Bernina Express: The Bernina Express is another famous Swiss train trip trough high alpine regions. It connects the old historic town of Chur (Canton Grissons) in the North with Tirano (Italy) in the famous Val Tellin with its southern, even somewhat Mediterranean flair. Thus the Bernina Express connects different cultural regions and different climatic zones which makes for a fascinating journey. By riding with the Bernina Express it is easily possible to experience winter, spring and summer within one day. The Bernina Express runs through famous St. Moritz, one of the most famous alpine resorts of the world. The surrounding landscape of the Upper Engadin with its many lakes, huge mountains (among them the Piz Bernina, 4040 m/13250 ft and the Piz Palü, 3905 m/12800 ft) and large glaciers makes for stunning views. The highlight of the Bernina Express is the ride over the Bernina Pass (2328 m/7630 ft). From their the train tracks wind down to the Swiss region of Poschiavo crossing dozens of bridges, tunnels and ingeniously constructed viaducts. There are many highlights for train lovers during this section. Among them many hairpin turns, the spiraling viaduct at Brusio and even a short section in a quaint old village where the train and the cars use the very same narrow street. Finally, the train trip ends in the Italian town of Tirano (450m/1476 ft).
Credits Glacier Express map
Credits Bernina Express map
Photo credits Landwasser viaduct
