Introduction

Switzerland in winter turns into a wonderland of sparkling lakes, snow-covered peaks, and cosy alpine villages. The best way to enjoy this magical scenery is by boarding one of the Scenic Swiss Trains, which provide breathtaking views of the country’s most beautiful winter landscapes. These trains glide through winding mountain passes, along crystal-clear lakes, and over towering viaducts, making every journey feel magical.

For first-time visitors, these wonderful routes are the ideal way to experience Switzerland’s beauty and charm. Each train has comfort, efficiency, and stunning views, providing an unforgettable experience regardless of the weather outside. You can sip hot chocolate, sit back in panoramic carriages, and watch as snow covers scenic valleys and charming wooden chalets.

Among these, each luxury train in Switzerland is known for its world-class service, elegant interiors, and gourmet dining, making every travel royal. From the legendary Glacier Express to the scenic Bernina and GoldenPass routes, each journey tells a story of Swiss heritage and natural wonder. Whether you are a photographer, nature lover, or looking for a serene winter escape, these scenic trains, often included in well-crafted Switzerland tour packages, create memories that last a lifetime.

What Makes Swiss Winter Train Journeys Special
  • Snow transforms even ordinary routes into cinematic landscapes with frozen lakes and white valleys.

  • Trains run with remarkable precision, even during heavy snowfall, ensuring smooth travel.

  • Panoramic carriages give a floor-to-ceiling view of mountain walls, forests, and alpine towns.

  • Every route showcases a different region, like glaciers, gorges, lakes, meadows, or high passes.

What You Experience Onboard
  • Heated cabins keep you warm while the world outside stays icy.

  • Wide, clear windows ensure photographers get reflection-free frames even in low winter light.

  • Many trains offer regional food, from cheese platters to hot soups and desserts.

  • Quiet, peaceful interiors allow you to enjoy the ride like a moving meditation.

Who Should Choose These Scenic Trains
  • Winter travellers looking for a stress-free way to see snowy regions without driving.

  • Photographers and content creators who want dramatic alpine backdrops.

  • Families seeking a safe, comfortable winter activity for all ages.

  • Travellers who want to cover long distances while still feeling relaxed and warm.

Why Winter Is the Best Season for These Routes
  • Snow reveals sharp mountain contours, making the Alps look more dramatic.

  • Frozen waterfalls, icy forests, and white riverbeds make routes look completely different from summer.

  • Seasonal lighting, soft mornings and golden afternoons create natural photo effects.

  • Christmas markets, decorated towns, and festive lights add charm even before and after the train ride.

What to Know Before You Board
  • Winter trains require advance reservations, especially the Glacier Express & Bernina Express.

  • Choosing the correct seat side matters for many routes that have “best-view” sides.

  • Keep electronics warm; outside temperatures can drop below freezing.

  • The Swiss Travel Pass covers most scenic routes, but seat reservation fees may still apply.

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Scenic Swiss Trains for First-Time Visitors in Winter

01

Bernina Express

The Bernina Express is one of the most scenic Swiss trains, providing a wonderful journey through the snowy Swiss Alps. The train runs from Chur (or St. Moritz) to Tirano in Italy, crossing the Bernina Pass at 2,253 meters, one of Europe’s highest rail crossings. Along the way, you can see frozen lakes, dramatic glaciers, charming alpine villages, and stone viaducts. The journey lasts about 4 hours, giving you plenty of time to relax and take photos of the breathtaking scenery. Also, you can listen to the audio guide on board, sharing some fun facts about route, history, and landmarks. 

Scenery You Will See on the Route
  • Snow-covered Bernina Range with dramatic glacier walls.

  • Frozen Lago Bianco and Lago Nero near the Bernina Pass.

  • Stone viaducts like the Brusio Spiral Viaduct are perfect for photos.

Best Sections of the Journey
  • Chur to Filisur offers sweeping valley views.

  • Pontresina to Bernina Pass is the snowiest and most dramatic part.

  • Bernina Pass to Tirano gives a complete contrast: snow to Italian sunshine.

Experience Onboard
  • Panoramic windows with clear winter visibility.

  • Audio guide with stories about tunnels, lakes, and mountain legends.

  • Heated coaches, ideal for travellers new to winter weather.

Tips for Travellers
  • Sit on the right side when travelling from Chur to Tirano.

  • Bring sunglasses, as the snow glare is strong at high altitude.

  • Book early if travelling in December–January; seats sell out really quickly.

02

Glacier Express

The most beautiful train ride in Switzerland, the Glacier Express, provides an unforgettable journey between Zermatt and St. Moritz. Known as the slowest express train in the world, it passes through 291 bridges and 91 tunnels while showcasing some of the most breathtaking Glacier Express views, alpine villages, snow-covered valleys, frozen rivers, and dramatic gorges. The journey takes about 8 hours and includes the iconic Oberalp Pass at 2,033 meters above sea level. With its panoramic glass windows and comfortable seating, every moment feels magical and immersive. 

Scenic Highlights on the Route
  • Deep Rhine Gorge cliffs, Oberalp Pass, and wide snowy valleys.

  • Traditional wooden chalets between Andermatt and Brig.

  • Iconic 291 bridges, each offering different alpine frames.

Why This Train Is Special
  • Known as the slowest express train for a reason: it lets you enjoy every view.

  • The route covers changing terrain from glaciers to forests to frozen rivers.

  • Offers one of Switzerland’s most immersive winter panoramas.

Onboard Experience
  • Full glass windows, perfect for photography and sightseeing.

  • Dining at your seat with fresh Alpine meals.

  • Excellence Class includes private lounge seating, a host, and gourmet food.

Smart Tips
  • Sit on the left side when travelling from Zermatt to St. Moritz.

  • Winter afternoons have soft, golden lighting for better photos.

  • Keep devices warm, as high alpine cold drains batteries quickly.

03

Gotthard Panorama Express

One of the most elegant scenic Swiss trains, the Gotthard Panorama Express, offers a unique way to experience Switzerland’s diverse beauty in winter. The journey starts from Lucerne in central Switzerland to Lugano in the Italian-speaking south, including the train ride and an exciting boat cruise. The train rides on the historic Gotthard route, which passes through mountain villages, spiral tunnels, and snowy valleys. You can also enjoy incredible views of the Reuss River and alpine landscapes. The large window lets you admire breathtaking scenery, while onboard commentary provides some insights into the history of the Gotthard route. 

What Makes the Route Unique
  • A combination of train and boat, giving two scenic experiences in one day.

  • Historic Gotthard route with spiral tunnels and bold engineering.

  • Dramatic shift from German-speaking Lucerne to Italian-speaking Lugano.

Views to Look For
  • Snowy alpine valleys along the Reuss River.

  • Mountain villages tucked under white slopes.

  • Lake Lucerne landscapes during the boat cruise.

Onboard Experience
  • Large picture windows with storytelling commentary.

  • Comfortable seating with panoramic views of the Gotthard Massif.

  • Peaceful winter ambience with slow travel pacing.

Traveller Tips
  • Ideal for travellers wanting winter beauty without full alpine altitude.

  • Sit on the right side of Lucerne for the best river views.

  • The boat ride can be cold, so carry a warm jacket for deck photos.

04

GoldenPass Line

One of Switzerland’s most stunning rail journeys, the GoldenPass Line connects Montreux on Lake Geneva to Lucerne. Along the route, you will pass through three distinct regions that offer landscapes, architecture, and culture. You can marvel at charming chalets, snow-covered vineyards, majestic mountain peaks, and peaceful valleys. To make the most of your GoldenPass Line journey, you can try the GoldenPass Belle Époque train, which has vintage-style carriages inspired by the early 1900s. You can stop in charming towns like Interlaken or Gstaad during the journey to explore local shops or enjoy Swiss cuisine.

Route Highlights
  • Lake Geneva vineyards are dusted with winter frost.

  • Wooden chalets around Gstaad and Zweisimmen.

  • Towering peaks as you approach the Lucerne region.

Why This Train Is Popular
  • Covers three scenic regions in one journey: the Montreux Riviera, the Bernese Alps, and Central Switzerland.

  • The Belle Époque train offers a nostalgic, vintage-style ride.

  • Plenty of stopover options at Interlaken, Gstaad, and Zweisimmen.

Views You Can Expect
  • Snow-covered vineyards above Montreux.

  • Rolling meadows and white forests in the Bernese Oberland.

  • Calm lakes and charming Swiss villages before Lucerne.

Traveller Pointers
  • The best seat side varies: left for Montreux views, right for the Gstaad region.

  • Perfect for travelers who enjoy culture, scenery, and village stops.

  • Book Belle Époque early; it has limited vintage seats.

05

Gornergrat Railway

It is one of Switzerland’s most breathtaking mountain train journeys, providing amazing views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. Starting from Zermatt, this cogwheel train climbs to the Gornergrat summit at 3,089 meters, making it one of the highest open-air railways in Europe. The journey takes 33 minutes, passing through rocky ridges, snow-covered forests, and alpine meadows. You will be admiring unforgettable vistas of more than 29 mountains rising above 4,000 meters. While having the Gornergrat Railway experience, you can sit on the right-hand side of the train for the best views of the Matterhorn. Once at the summit, you can visit the Gornergrat Observatory, relax on the viewing platform, or dine at the mountaintop restaurant. 

What Makes This Ride Spectacular
  • Direct, unobstructed view of the Matterhorn from multiple angles.

  • The highest open-air railway in Europe, pure Alpine feeling.

  • Features 29 peaks above 4,000 m visible from the summit.

Highlights on the Way Up
  • Snowy forests and ridges between Zermatt and Riffelalp.

  • Wide open landscapes around Riffelberg.

  • Clear Matterhorn frames at every stage of the climb.

At the Summit
  • 360° viewing platforms with glacier and peak views.

  • Visit the Gornergrat Observatory for science and scenery.

  • Mountain-top restaurant with warm meals and scenic seating.

Tips for Travellers
  • Sit on the right side when going up for Matterhorn shots.

  • Mornings have the clearest visibility in winter.

  • Carry warm layers, as Gornergrat is extremely cold and windy.

People Also Ask About Switzerland

  1. What is the difference between the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express?

    The Glacier Express offers an eight-hour journey between Zermatt and St. Moritz through deep valleys and bridges. On the other hand, the Bernina Express runs from Chur to Tirano across the UNESCO-listed Bernina Pass. While comparing the Glacier Express vs the Bernina Express, both trains offer stunning yet distinct alpine experiences.
  2. Is the GoldenPass Line included in the Swiss Travel Pass?

    Yes, the GoldenPass Line is included in the Swiss Travel Pass. Although you must pay a small reservation fee for window seats. The pass includes the full journey between Montreux and Lucerne, making it a great value for exploring Switzerland’s beautiful winter landscapes.
  3. Does the Glacier Express operate during winter?

    Yes, the Glacier Express runs throughout the winter season, providing scenic views of snow-covered mountains and frozen valleys. However, there can be a pause in service for maintenance from mid-October to early December each year, so you should plan your trip accordingly.
  4. Do I need to reserve a seat on the Gotthard Panorama Express?

    Yes, it is mandatory to make seat reservations for the Gotthard Panorama Express. By booking in advance, you can get the best window views and comfort, especially during the busy winter travel season. The scenic combination of a train and boat journey makes it one of the most unique experiences in Switzerland.
  5. Which side of the Bernina Express offers the best views?

    When travelling from Chur or St. Moritz to Tirano, you can sit on the right-hand side of the Bernina Express for the best views of alpine lakes, viaducts, and valleys. On the return trip, you can choose the left-hand side to enjoy the most scenic panoramas.
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