A Family Vacation to Switzerland via Swiss Railroads
Imagine a scenic alpine journey through one of Europe’s most orderly and affluent nations. One where all transportation is handled for you, allowing you and your family to sit back, relax, and enjoy some of the planet’s most stunning views. That’s the premise of a family vacation through Switzerland by rail. And we can’t get enough of this effortless, jaw-dropping way of discovering one of Europe’s most beloved nations.
Keep reading as we explore the wonders of Switzerland by railroad and why we love this approach to planning a family vacation to Switzerland.
Travel Switzerland by Train
Switzerland’s incredible landscapes are dominated by the Alps, which means lots of mountain driving. Not everybody feels comfortable under these conditions, especially during the winter or weather events. However, traveling by railroad provides a safe, convenient option with unparalleled amenities and views.
Swiss culture is renowned for its orderly efficiency, exemplified by the accuracy and precision of the clocks made by local artisans and big-name Swiss brands. The same goes for its railway system, which is always on time and provides one of the most relaxing ways to get around the nation. Swiss railroads have large windows, affording incredible views. Moreover, the extensive network of departures and arrivals allows you to keep your travel plans flexible.
Accessibility in the Alps
The highlight of a visit to Switzerland remains seeing the Alps. But the rugged nature of the terrain makes it inaccessible in many areas, even by car. That’s why railway networks provide such an attractive alternative. You can also rest assured you’re traveling sustainably. And trains can reach lofty altitudes, which you may not have the time or ability to access on foot, especially with smaller children.
Like other aspects of Swiss culture, Swiss trains are exceptional, among the most comfortable and reliable in the world. Train travel proves highly cost-effective, with access to plenty of incredible routes. Whether journeying from Milan to Geneva, Zurich via Mont Blanc, or to Lucerne, Lugano, St. Moritz, and Zermatt, possible options are endless. And you can hop on and off at will, adjusting your travels as you go.
The Majesty of Panoramic Trains
The obvious highlight of Swiss train travel is the ability to experience panoramic railways. Instead of worrying about maps and driving, you can sit back and soak up some of the world’s most rugged, eye-popping vistas. Many Swiss trains climb breathtaking mountain passes, like the line from Montreux to Interlaken through the Bernese Alps. The journey is paved with idyllic, verdant pastures surrounded by towering snow-laden peaks.
Or embark on a journey from St. Moritz to Zermatt, which covers roughly 186 miles. You’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch while traveling over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels during your trip. The legendary Glacier Express covers the route and boasts huge windows designed to take in as much of the scenery as possible.
The Jungfrau Railway travels to the highest train station in Europe via a traditional cogwheel train line that’s run for more than a century. Board at the Kleine Scheidegg Station before climbing an impressive 11,332 feet! Enveloped in green pastures and surrounded by stunning mountain ranges, you’ll be awash in some of Switzerland’s most iconic views. At the top, visit the observation platform for an eyeful of the Aletsch Glacier and a breathtaking string of peaks measuring +13,000 feet tall.
More Switzerland Train Tours
Boat through pristine alpine lake waters to Brienz, where you’ll step back in time. Board a late 19th-century train to the summit of Rothorn (7,710 feet). Along the way, lush wildflower-filled meadows give way to the Bernese Alps and the crystal-clear waves of Lake Brienz. By cable car, visit the capital of Entlebourg, Sörenberg, passing through a protected biosphere reserve where expansive marshland ensures local biodiversity.
Or, if you’re looking for a varied journey, consider the Bernina Express, which will transport your family from Italy’s palm trees to sparkling glaciers. Start at Tirano Station and head to Pontresina for a trip along the highest altitude route in the Alps. Your final destination is the Ospizio Bernina, and you’ll pass over 196 bridges and cross 55 tunnels to get there. The trip is so impressive that it’s even garnered a UNESCO World Heritage Site distinction.
Best of all, you’ll have the chance to ride the nation’s first electric cogwheel train, the Gornergrat Train. Built at the turn of the 20th century, it is also the world’s second fully electric train. During the half-hour trip, you’ll climb 10,135 feet to the top of Gornergrat, where a viewing platform invites you to scope out 29 peaks over 13,000 feet tall! Of course, the highlight is seeing all 14,692 feet of the iconic Matterhorn, rising in the distance.
A Family Vacation to Switzerland
The routes mentioned above offer a sneak peek into the adventures awaiting you on a family vacation to Switzerland. Of course, planning a flawless trip requires expert knowledge of local amenities, coupled with the right connections to access posh perks, special activities, and so much more. We can help you plan the trip of a lifetime in the heart of one of Europe’s most iconic nations.
Let Our Whole Village help you make your next family vacation one of a kind! Let us design the ideal itinerary based on your family members’ interests and ages. From our local connections to travel know-how, we’ll ensure every leg of your itinerary is jam-packed with independent exploration, hands-on experiences, unique tours, and the best local accommodations.
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