Travel Experts’ Hidden Gem in Switzerland: Scenic Trains & Four Famous Peaks

Photos and text provided by HuaYou Travel Agency

All travel experts agree that a “train journey” is an absolutely unmissable experience in Switzerland. Switzerland boasts a wide variety of trains, including national railways, private railways, and various mountain railways, totaling five major rail networks that connect all the country’s key attractions.

The Swiss Tourism Board has further compiled nine of the most recommended railway sections nationwide into the “Grand Train Tour of Switzerland,” an unmissable experience for any train journey through the country. Among the routes, six stand out for offering the most stunning views of Switzerland: the Bernina Railway (a UNESCO World Heritage route), the Palm Express, the William Tell Panorama Route (which passes through the most diverse landscapes in Switzerland), the Glacier Express, the GoldenPass Line, and the Swiss Wine Route—from Zermatt to Montreux...

Among the many Swiss mountain railways, the most highly praised by travelers include the century-old Jungfrau Railway, the Gornergrat Mountain Railway which offers views of seven glaciers and the Matterhorn, and the world’s steepest Pilatus Mountain Railway.

The terminus of the Jungfrau Railway is the mountain station known as the “TOP OF EUROPE,” situated at an altitude of 3,454 meters. From here, you can also admire the Aletsch Glacier—one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Gornergrat Railway not only offers views of the picturesque town of Zermatt, a smoke-free city, but also showcases lush natural surroundings and the world-famous reflection of the Matterhorn. The Pilatus Mountain Railway is the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, climbing at a 48-degree angle and reaching an elevation gain of 1,700 meters in just 40 minutes.

Among the six railway routes, the Bernina Express offers the most stunning scenery. The route spans approximately 145 kilometers with an elevation change of over 1,800 meters, passing through 55 tunnels and crossing 196 bridges as it traverses the Alps and enters Italy. It is hailed as “the most beautiful line between north and south,” and was certified by UNESCO in 2008 as one of only three railway lines in the world to receive this honor.

For those traveling to Zermatt, be sure to take the Glacier Express. Its panoramic carriages are highly sought after by travelers. Though called an “express,” it actually moves quite slowly—though it seems fast compared to the speed of a glacier. Board the train and glide slowly through the Alps, admiring nearly still glaciers, waterfalls, rivers, and charming mountain towns, as if stepping into a painting and becoming part of the artwork yourself.

Speaking of the town of Zermatt, it is a mountain city located at an altitude of 1,620 meters and is also Switzerland’s “smoke-free city,” where only electric vehicles, horse-drawn carriages, and bicycles are allowed. The town’s famous peak, the Matterhorn, is the most renowned mountain in the Alps and is often considered Europe’s sacred mountain and a fairy-tale landscape. The sunrise view from the Matterhorn is extremely famous, and it is recommended to stay in Zermatt for two consecutive nights to fully experience its magical beauty and the splendor of the sunrise.

HuaYou Travel Agency, with years of experience in organizing trips to Switzerland, has specially designed the “Swiss Train – Scenic Trains & Four Famous Peaks 11-Day” itinerary. In addition to covering the above Swiss round-trip routes, it also includes the comfortable Rhine Express for enjoying the scenic views along the Rhine River, the Mont Blanc Express for a unique journey through rugged terrain, and the Aiguille du Midi Cable Car for the best close-up views of Mont Blanc. This allows you to experience the majestic beauty of Europe’s mountain ranges in one trip.

Other Highlights
★ Fly with Swiss Air, arrive early and depart late for a full 9 days and 8 nights of travel
★ Officially recommended railway tour by the Swiss Tourism Board; 6 “must-visit” Swiss routes and 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
★ Stay two nights in the fairy-tale town of Zermatt
★ For more information, please refer tohttp://www.mitravel.com.tw/tour_feature.php?id=38

★ Contact: HuaYou Travel Agency, your top choice for Swiss train tours
★ (02) 2751-8222
www.mitravel.com.tw