Leitfaden zu den Schweizer Panoramazügen

Wichtige Punkte

• Glacier Express is the world's slowest express train, 8 hours through the Alps Bernina Express is a UNESCO World Heritage route GoldenPass Line connects Lucerne and Montreux via Interlaken Swiss Travel Pass covers most scenic trains Best season: May–October (summer greenery, autumn colors)

1. Glacier Express

The Glacier Express is known as the "world's slowest express train." Covering approximately 290 km across 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, it is Switzerland's most famous scenic train. Streckeninformation Route Zermatt → St. Moritz (or reverse) Distance Approx. 290 km Dauer Approx. 8 hours Operator Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn / Rhaetian Railway Fare CHF 152 (second class), reservation fee CHF 44 Highlights 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, Landwasser Viaduct

Feature Details

Beste Sitze Seat Selection Tips Zermatt → St. Moritz: Choose right side (better views)
St. Moritz → Zermatt: Choose left side
Panoramic windows: First class has larger panoramic windows
Book early: Reserve 3 months ahead for peak season

2. Bernina Express

The Bernina Express is a UNESCO World Heritage route, traveling from Chur or St. Moritz in Switzerland across the Alps to Tirano in Italy. Streckeninformation Route Chur/St. Moritz → Tirano (Italy) Distance Approx. 170 km (St. Moritz segment) Dauer Approx. 4 hours Operator Rhaetian Railway Fare CHF 63 (second class), reservation fee CHF 14 Highlights 196 bridges, 55 tunnels, Brusio Spiral Bridge

Feature Details

Beste Sitze Seat Selection Tips St. Moritz → Tirano: Choose right side
Tirano → St. Moritz: Choose left side
Panoramic car: First class has larger windows
Open-air car: Open in summer, best for photography

3. GoldenPass Line

Die GoldenPass-Linie verbindet Luzern und Montreux über Interlaken, eine der klassischsten Panoramastrecken der Schweiz. Streckeninformation Route Lucerne → Interlaken → Montreux Distance Approx. 200 km Dauer Approx. 5 hours Operator Swiss Federal Railways / BLS / MOB Fare CHF 70 (second class), Swiss Travel Pass included Highlights Lake Brienz, Jungfrau, vineyard terraces

Feature Details

4. Other Scenic Trains

Gotthard Panorama Express

Route: Lucerne → Locarno (or reverse) Dauer: Approx. 5 hours Highlights: Gotthard Tunnel, Lake Lugano Fare: CHF 50 (second class)

Cogwheel Mountain Railways

Jungfrau Railway: Europe's highest railway station (3,454 m) Gornergrat Railway: Iconic Swiss peak Pilatus Railway: World's steepest cogwheel railway (48% gradient)

5. Fares & Rail Passes

Swiss Travel Pass Includes

✅ Glacier Express (reservation fee required) ✅ Bernina Express (reservation fee required) ✅ GoldenPass Line (fully included) ✅ Gotthard Panorama Express (fully included) ✅ All cogwheel railways (50% discount)

Individual Tickets Glacier Express CHF 152 CHF 268 CHF 44 Bernina Express CHF 63 CHF 110 CHF 14 GoldenPass Line CHF 70 CHF 120 Not required Gotthard Panorama Express CHF 50 CHF 88 Not required

Train Second Class First Class Reservation Fee

6. Best Seasons

Season Comparison Spring (Apr–May) Wildflowers, fewer tourists Some alpine routes may be closed ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Summer (Jun–Aug) Lush greenery, all routes open Most tourists, book early ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Autumn (Sep–Oct) Colorful foliage, fewer tourists Some alpine routes may be closed ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Winter (Nov–Mar) Spectacular snowscapes, ski season Some routes closed, variable weather ⭐⭐⭐

Season Pros Cons Rating

7. Buchungstipps

Booking Checklist

Book 3 months ahead (especially for summer) Choose panoramic car (first class) Reserve window seat (right or left depending on direction) Consider Swiss Travel Pass (better value) Book meals (available on some trains) Bring a jacket (air conditioning is cold) Prepare your camera (scenery is stunning)

Important Tips Swiss scenic trains are extremely popular — book 3 months ahead for summer (July–August). Some alpine routes may close in winter due to weather; confirm before traveling. Swiss Travel Pass is the best choice for Swiss scenic trains, covering not only trains but also buses, boats, and museums. Verwandte Guides