Switzerland, famed for its enchanting landscapes, soaring peaks, and serene lakes, is also home to some of the most scenic train routes in the world. Embarking on a grand train tour through this Alpine wonderland offers travelers an unforgettable journey through breathtaking scenery and rich cultural experiences. Whether it’s the iconic Glacier Express or the dramatic Bernina Express, every moment promises to captivate your senses. In this 11-day itinerary, you’ll journey through the heart of Switzerland, experiencing the best it has to offer—from charming lakeside towns to the dizzying heights of the Jungfraujoch.

This comprehensive guide covers every aspect of your journey, allowing you to explore at a leisurely pace while savoring Switzerland’s most famous sights and hidden gems.

Starting Point: Lucerne – The Gateway to the Swiss Alps

Lucerne, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Swiss Alps,” is a charming and picturesque city surrounded by towering mountains and nestled beside Lake Lucerne. Its strategic location makes it the perfect starting point for your Swiss adventure. Lucerne is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, which blends harmoniously with its vibrant modern culture. Upon arrival, you’ll immediately be immersed in the city’s rich history and scenic beauty.

Exploring Lucerne: A Blend of History and Natural Beauty

After checking in, you can take your time strolling through the city. Start your exploration by visiting the world-famous Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), a 14th-century wooden footbridge adorned with stunning murals that depict Lucerne’s history. Adjacent to the bridge is the Water Tower, a medieval fortress that has become one of Switzerland’s most photographed landmarks.

Continue your journey to the Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal), a poignant rock sculpture commemorating Swiss Guards who died in the French Revolution. This monument, carved directly into the sandstone, is both beautiful and moving, and serves as a powerful symbol of Swiss valor and sacrifice.

For panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains, take a walk along the Musegg Wall, part of Lucerne’s original city fortifications. The wall offers a glimpse into the city’s medieval past while providing scenic vistas that make for unforgettable photo opportunities.

Optional Excursions from Lucerne

Lucerne is a hub for day trips and excursions, with easy access to some of Switzerland’s most spectacular sights. For an awe-inspiring experience, consider visiting Mount Pilatus, where you can ride the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to the summit. Alternatively, you can head to Mount Rigi, known as the “Queen of the Mountains,” for another breathtaking view of the Alps and Lake Lucerne. Both of these mountains offer hiking trails in summer and snow sports in winter, making them ideal for nature lovers.

At the end of the day, return to Lucerne to enjoy a meal at one of the city’s many lakeside restaurants. With a wide selection of Swiss cuisine, you can savor traditional dishes like fondue or raclette while watching the sunset over the lake.

Lugano: Switzerland’s Mediterranean Gem

After exploring Lucerne, it’s time to head south to Lugano. This two-hour journey takes you through the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world’s longest and deepest train tunnel. As you travel through the tunnel, you’ll marvel at the engineering marvel that connects the Swiss-German region to the Italian-speaking Ticino region.

A Taste of Italy in Lugano

Arriving in Lugano, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a Mediterranean paradise. Surrounded by palm trees, Lugano is often called the “Monte Carlo of Switzerland” because of its relaxed, sun-soaked atmosphere. Its lakeside promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll, offering stunning views of the Lugano Lake and the surrounding mountains.

Lugano’s Italian influence is visible in its architecture, cuisine, and laid-back lifestyle. A walk through the city’s narrow streets reveals charming piazzas, historic buildings, and elegant boutiques. Be sure to visit Piazza della Riforma, the city’s main square, where you can relax at an outdoor café and enjoy an authentic Italian espresso or gelato.

For those looking to explore further, a trip up Monte Brè or Monte San Salvatore via funicular provides breathtaking views of the surrounding region. Both mountains offer hiking trails, making Lugano an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Monte Brè, in particular, is known for its spectacular sunsets, so it’s worth staying until dusk to witness the magic.

The Bernina Express: A Journey Like No Other

From Lugano, the adventure continues aboard the Bernina Express, one of the most scenic train routes in the world. This journey, which takes approximately seven hours, takes you through some of Switzerland’s most dramatic landscapes, from palm trees to glaciers.

The Bernina Express begins with a coach journey through Italy, winding through quaint villages and vineyards before reaching Tirano, a small town just across the Italian border. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy an optional lunch before continuing on the train through the Alps.

From Italy to the Heart of the Swiss Alps

As the train climbs higher into the mountains, you’ll pass through the Bernina Range, crossing towering viaducts, passing turquoise lakes, and traveling through tight switchbacks. The route offers jaw-dropping views of glaciers, alpine valleys, and snow-capped peaks. One of the highlights of the trip is crossing the iconic Landwasser Viaduct, an architectural wonder that spans a deep gorge and offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.

The Bernina Express concludes in the luxurious town of St. Moritz, a glamorous resort town known for its world-class skiing and upscale amenities. Even if you’re visiting during the summer, St. Moritz offers stunning hiking trails, crystal-clear lakes, and a sophisticated atmosphere that blends relaxation with elegance.

The Glacier Express: An Alpine Adventure

The next leg of the journey takes you on the world-famous Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt. Known as the “slowest express train in the world,” this eight-hour journey allows travelers to soak in Switzerland’s most dramatic scenery.

The Glacier Express crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels, giving you plenty of opportunities to marvel at the breathtaking landscapes. The highlight of the trip is crossing the Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the journey at 2,033 meters (6,670 feet). As you climb through the Swiss Alps, the snow-capped peaks, green valleys, and glacial rivers create a postcard-perfect view at every turn.

Onboard, you’ll be treated to first-class service, with an option to enjoy lunch in the train’s dining car. Floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows ensure that you don’t miss any of the spectacular sights, whether it’s a picturesque village nestled in the mountains or a herd of grazing cows in the valleys below.

The journey concludes in Zermatt, a charming car-free village at the foot of the Matterhorn, Switzerland’s most famous mountain.

Zermatt and the Matterhorn: Switzerland’s Iconic Peak

Zermatt is a hiker’s paradise, offering miles of trails that cater to all fitness levels. One of the most popular hikes is the Five Lakes Walk, which passes by five mountain lakes, each offering stunning reflections of the Matterhorn. For a more leisurely option, the Gornergrat Railway takes visitors up to the summit of the Gornergrat, offering panoramic views of 29 of Switzerland’s tallest peaks.

The highlight of any visit to Zermatt is the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, accessible via cable car. At 3,883 meters (12,740 feet), this is Europe’s highest cable car station and offers sweeping views of the Swiss, French, and Italian Alps. From here, you can visit the Glacier Palace, an underground ice cave featuring impressive ice sculptures and tunnels carved directly into the glacier.

Montreux and Chillon Castle: A Slice of Swiss Riviera

After experiencing the grandeur of the Matterhorn, the next stop on the itinerary is Montreux, a town on the shores of Lake Geneva. Known as the “Swiss Riviera,” Montreux enjoys a mild climate and palm-lined promenades. The town is famous for its annual Montreux Jazz Festival and its proximity to Chillon Castle, one of Switzerland’s most well-preserved medieval fortresses.

Chillon Castle is perched on a rocky island in Lake Geneva, offering a fascinating glimpse into Swiss history. Visitors can explore the castle’s dungeons, towers, and banquet halls, all of which have been immaculately preserved.

From Montreux, you can also explore the nearby Lavaux Vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These terraced vineyards stretch along the hillsides above Lake Geneva and offer some of the most stunning views in Switzerland. Wine tasting tours provide an opportunity to sample local wines while enjoying the beauty of the region.

Interlaken and Jungfraujoch: The Top of Europe

The next leg of the journey takes you on the GoldenPass Panoramic train from Montreux to Interlaken, a scenic ride through the Swiss countryside. Interlaken, located between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, is a hub for outdoor activities, from paragliding to boating.

The highlight of your time in Interlaken is the trip to Jungfraujoch, known as the “Top of Europe.” The train ride to Jungfraujoch is an engineering marvel, passing through tunnels and along ridges as it climbs to the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 meters (11,332 feet). Once at the summit, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps.

In addition to the breathtaking views, Jungfraujoch offers a range of activities, including an ice palace, snow sports, and various hiking trails.

End of the Journey: Zurich

Your Swiss adventure concludes in Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city and a global financial hub. Despite its modern skyline, Zurich has a rich history dating back to Roman times. The city is known for its excellent museums, including the Swiss National Museum and the Kunsthaus Zurich, which houses one of the largest art collections in Switzerland.

Zurich is also a shopper’s paradise, with the famous Bahnhofstrasse offering everything from luxury boutiques to artisanal Swiss chocolates. To relax after your journey, take a stroll along the Limmat River or visit Lake Zurich, where you can rent a paddleboat or enjoy a lakeside picnic.

As your 11-day journey comes to an end, you’ll leave Switzerland with a deeper appreciation for its natural beauty, cultural richness, and engineering marvels. Whether it’s the majestic Matterhorn, the serene lakes, or the vibrant cities, this train adventure through Switzerland is sure to be an experience you’ll cherish for a lifetime.