15 Stunning Views You’ll Only See On A Scenic Swiss Train Journey
Switzerland is home to some of the most scenic train journeys in the world, where every twist and turn reveals breathtaking views that feel almost unreal. From the towering peaks of the Swiss Alps to serene lakes and lush green valleys, the country’s train routes offer a front-row seat to nature’s grandeur.
In this post, I’ll take you through 15 must-see vistas that can only be experienced aboard a Swiss train. Whether you’re riding the iconic Glacier Express or the panoramic Bernina Express, these routes promise unforgettable views of Switzerland’s stunning landscapes.
Each journey is more than just transportation—it’s an adventure that brings the country’s natural beauty to life.
1. Matterhorn Views on Glacier Express
If there’s one sight that defines Swiss grandeur, it’s the Matterhorn as seen from the Glacier Express. This iconic peak rises majestically against the sky, its snow-covered slopes shimmering in the sunlight. The view is both awe-inspiring and humbling, a true testament to nature’s power.
As the train meanders through the valleys, the Matterhorn continues to dominate the skyline. It’s as if time stands still while you gaze upon its rugged beauty.
Ever-changing clouds add a touch of drama, making each glance unique.
2. Lake Geneva on GoldenPass
It’s a serene experience witnessing Lake Geneva from the comfort of the GoldenPass train. The lake’s vastness stretches as far as the eye can see, reflecting the sky’s azure hues. Gentle ripples dance across its surface, creating a mesmerizing visual symphony.
Surrounding vineyards and quaint villages add depth to this breathtaking view. As you journey onward, the mountains provide a stunning backdrop, enhancing the lake’s tranquil beauty.
The harmony of water and land is a sight to behold.
3. Bernese Oberland on Bernina
How magnificent it is to witness the Bernese Oberland unfold before you on the Bernina train. Lush valleys contrast sharply with snow-capped peaks, creating a dramatic landscape.
The vibrant green of the pastures is a striking frame for the distant mountains.
The train glides smoothly, offering uninterrupted views of this natural wonder. Despite its grandeur, there’s a serene calmness in the air, a gentle reminder of nature’s eternal beauty. It is a journey that captivates the soul.
4. Swiss Countryside on Gotthard
Wherever your eyes land, the Swiss countryside on the Gotthard train is a tapestry of rolling hills and charming villages. Each scene unfolds like a painting, capturing the essence of rural Switzerland.
The greens of the fields are dotted with colorful wildflowers, adding a cheerful touch.
As the train moves, you catch glimpses of idyllic farmhouses and grazing cattle. The simplicity and beauty of the landscape evoke a sense of peace and nostalgia. This countryside view is a gentle reminder of life’s simple pleasures.
5. Valleys on Gotthard Railway
These valleys seen from the Gotthard Railway are breathtaking in their depth and majesty. Verdant forests cover the landscape, their trees swaying gently in the breeze.
Streams rush below, their waters sparkling in the sunlight, creating a rhythmic soundtrack to your journey.
The train snakes through tunnels and over bridges, offering glimpses of the valleys below. It’s as though you are floating above a world untouched by time. This enchanting view leaves an indelible mark on your heart.
6. Eiger Views on Wengernalp
When you see the Eiger from Wengernalp, the mountain’s sheer size and rugged beauty are striking. Sunlight casts shadows over its surface, highlighting the textures of rock and snow. This iconic peak stands as a silent sentinel, watching over the valleys below.
The train’s gentle motion enhances the tranquil scene, allowing you to fully absorb the mountain’s grandeur.
The Eiger’s timeless presence is both calming and awe-inspiring, a true marvel of nature.
7. Cliffs on Rhaetian Railway
Though dramatic, the cliffs seen from the Rhaetian Railway hold a rugged beauty all their own. Rocky landscapes stretch out, forming natural fortresses against the sky. Clouds drift lazily overhead, casting playful shadows on the cliffs below.
It’s a visual spectacle that commands your attention, each turn of the track revealing more of this striking terrain.
The raw, untamed nature of the cliffs is both humbling and exhilarating, a true feast for the senses.
8. Lake Lucerne on Scenic Routes
This view of Lake Lucerne from a scenic train route captivates with its sparkling, clear waters. The lake mirrors the sky, creating a seamless horizon where water meets air.
Alpine scenery provides a dramatic backdrop, adding to the lake’s enchanting allure.
As the train curves along the tracks, each angle offers a new perspective of this beautiful lake. Here, the peace and tranquility envelop you, a soothing balm to the soul. It’s a moment of pure serenity.
9. Vineyards on Centovalli
Are there places more charming than the vineyards on the Centovalli line? These terraced landscapes roll out like a patchwork quilt, changing colors with the seasons.
Each row of vines tells a story of tradition and care, a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance.
The gentle clatter of the train harmonizes with the tranquility of the vineyards. As you gaze at the rolling hills, a sense of history and culture envelops you, making this view truly unforgettable.
10. Snowy Peaks on Glacier Express
When snow blankets the peaks along the Glacier Express, the world transforms into a winter wonderland. The mountains glisten under the sun, their white expanses stretching into the distance.
Each peak is a silent guardian of the valleys below.
The train’s heated comfort contrasts with the icy landscape outside. As you gaze through panoramic windows, a feeling of wonder and awe takes hold. The beauty of these snowy peaks is a sight to treasure.
11. Alpine Forests on InterCity
Alpine forests seen from an InterCity train are a dense, mesmerizing tapestry of green. Tall pines reach for the sky, their branches whispering secrets in the wind. Patches of snow add contrast, a reminder of the changing seasons.
It’s a world both familiar and mysterious, where nature reigns supreme. The rhythmic clatter of the train is a comforting presence, allowing you to lose yourself in the forest’s quiet beauty.
This is a view that speaks to the soul.
12. Zermatt by Matterhorn
Where can you find a view that combines quaint charm with majestic grandeur? Zermatt, nestled by the Matterhorn, offers just that. This village, with its wooden chalets and cobbled streets, exudes a warm, welcoming vibe.
In the distance, the Matterhorn stands tall, its peak piercing the sky. The blend of village life and natural beauty creates a scene that’s both heartwarming and awe-inspiring.
It’s a view that captures the essence of Switzerland.
13. Rolling Hills on Bernina
Rolling hills seen from the Bernina train are a soothing balm for the eyes. Gentle slopes covered with lush pastures stretch into the distance, offering a serene landscape bathed in sunlight.
The train’s progress reveals hidden valleys and distant peaks, each vista more enchanting than the last.
This peaceful panorama invites you to relax and savor each moment, a reminder of life’s simple joys.
14. Rhone Glacier on Gotthard
How impressive is the Rhone Glacier as seen from the Gotthard train! This mighty glacier sprawls across the landscape, its icy surface glistening under the sun’s rays. It’s a sight that speaks of nature’s raw power and timeless beauty.
The train’s slow passage allows you to appreciate the glacier’s intricate patterns and textures.
Here, the silence is profound, broken only by the distant crack of ice. This is a view that lingers in memory.
15. Alpine Meadows on Voralpen
Did you ever imagine alpine meadows could be so enchanting? From the Voralpen train, these meadows burst with colors, wildflowers painting the landscape in hues of red, yellow, and violet.
Mountains stand guard in the background, their presence both comforting and grand.
The train’s gentle movement offers a symphony of sights and scents, a sensory delight that captivates. This view is a celebration of nature’s bounty, a joy to behold.