With pristine Alps and verdant valleys, Switzerland’s dramatic scenery is matched by an exceptional rail network that reaches even its most remote locations in comfort.

From Geneva to Zürich, Travelmarvel’s 11-day Switzerland by Rail tour weaves together the country’s most iconic journeys through the heart of the Alps: the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, GoldenPass Express and Gotthard Panorama Express. Europe Product Managers Nathan Walker and Sam McPaike share that the itinerary is “designed to include the top four panoramic trains in Switzerland and unmissable stops including Interlaken, St. Moritz, Lake Lucerne, Jungfraujoch and Mount Pilatus.”

Among the trains included is the GoldenPass Express, tracing a path through storybook villages and resort towns. “Departing Montreux, you begin a steep ascent into the mountains, and within just 20 minutes are transported into a world of white-tipped peaks and charming chalet villages dotting the landscape. As you approach Interlaken, the track runs parallel to the shimmering waters of Lake Thun, with castles and churches nestled in the mountains, creating a scene of timeless beauty,” McPaike notes.

The Glacier Express carries travellers along one of the world’s most idyllic rail routes to St. Moritz. “From Andermatt, it climbs to the Oberalp Pass, briefly stopping at the summit before continuing past turquoise‑blue lakes and winding rivers towards St. Moritz,” Walker shares, noting the panoramic glass windows, comfortable seats and engaging onboard commentary as the train passes many significant sites. The journey continues to Tirano on the Bernina Express. "You may even spot a local ibex on the mountainside,” Walker notes. He describes the ride as breathtaking, with the train surrounded by towering mountains, the highlight being “a stop at Alp Grum, a 2,091‑metre‑high viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Palü Glacier and Palü Lake.”

Beyond the shifting panorama, your Alpine adventure immerses you in the country’s outdoor lifestyle and fascinating history, from a scenic cruise of Lake Geneva to a guided tour of Zürich’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town.

Words by Annie Gray, Nathan Walker and Sam McPaike