Explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Swiss Alps through its most cinematic railway routes. This curated list highlights the best train journeys offering unparalleled photo opportunities, from dramatic mountain passes to pristine alpine lakes.
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Often called the slowest express train in the world, this iconic journey traverses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels across the Swiss Alps. Large panoramic windows frame dramatic views of the Matterhorn, Rhine Gorge, and high-altitude passes.
This UNESCO World Heritage route connects Switzerland to Italy, featuring the steep Rhaetian Railway. Passengers are treated to stunning views of the Morteratsch Glacier and the turquoise Lago Bianco as the train climbs to over 2,250 meters.
Combining a scenic train ride through the Furka Pass and a boat trip on Lake Lucerne, this journey offers diverse alpine scenery. The route takes you through the historic Gotthard Base Tunnel area and along stunning lake shores.
Connecting Montreux on Lake Geneva to Interlaken between two lakes, this route passes through the lush Gruyère region and the Emmental countryside. The journey offers a mix of vineyards, dairy farms, and traditional Swiss villages.
Located near Lauterbrunnen, this short but spectacular cogwheel railway takes you directly to the base of one of Europe's highest waterfalls. The lush greenery and rushing water provide a vibrant and dynamic backdrop for photography.
This historic cogwheel train climbs from Wilderswil to the Schynige Platte mountain station, offering panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. The route is lined with alpine flowers and traditional Swiss chalets.
Ascending to the Top of Europe at Jungfraujoch, this railway offers unparalleled views of the Aletsch Glacier, the largest in the Alps. The journey through the Eiger mountain and the arrival at the high-altitude station are unforgettable for photographers.
The steepest cogwheel railway in the world, the Pilatus Railway climbs from Alpnachstad to the Pilatus summit. The route offers sweeping views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountain range, especially spectacular at sunrise or sunset.
A comprehensive rail network that allows you to combine the Matterhorn, Gotthard, and Bernina routes. This extensive system provides access to some of the most scenic valleys and mountain passes in Switzerland.
This scenic train journey from Visp to Zermatt offers stunning views of the Matterhorn peak as it approaches the car-free village. The route winds through the Mattertal valley, providing excellent photo ops of the iconic mountain.
A newer scenic route that links Luzern to Interlaken via the Brünig Pass. The journey offers varied landscapes from urban lakeside settings to high alpine terrain, passing through traditional Swiss villages and dense forests.
This narrow-gauge railway connects Landquart to Arosa, a popular ski resort and summer holiday destination. The route winds through the Prättigau valley, offering views of steep slopes and charming villages typical of eastern Switzerland.
Connecting the capital of the Grisons to the resort of Arosa, this line passes through the Landquart and Prättigau valleys. The scenic ride offers glimpses of the Rhaetian Railway's historic stations and alpine landscapes.
While primarily a heritage line, the scenic train rides in the Engadine region offer views of the turquoise Inn River and the majestic Bernina Range. The high-altitude landscape and traditional Engadin architecture provide unique photographic subjects.
Operating both cogwheel and rack railways up Mount Rigi, known as the 'Queen of the Mountains.' The routes offer 360-degree views of the Swiss plateau and surrounding lakes, making it one of the most accessible scenic viewpoints.
For those interested in engineering marvels, the Vereina Tunnel is the world's highest railway tunnel. Special trains stop at intermediate levels, offering dramatic views of the Alpine Rhine Valley and the modern tunnel infrastructure.
This historic narrow-gauge line connects Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald. The journey takes you through the heart of the Bernese Alps, with close-up views of waterfalls, cliffs, and the iconic mountain peaks.
Connecting northern and southern Switzerland, this route passes through the Lötschberg Base Tunnel and offers scenic stops at high-altitude stations. The landscape features rugged peaks, deep valleys, and historic railway viaducts.
The Appenzell Railway network offers charming rides through the green hills of northeastern Switzerland. The region is known for its pastoral landscapes, traditional farmhouses, and the iconic red trains that wind through the countryside.
The Bernese Oberland Railway runs along the shores of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, offering water-level views of steep mountains and villages. The turquoise waters of the lakes and the surrounding alpine backdrop create stunning photo opportunities.