Lakes, peaks and punctual trains
The sharp peak of the Matterhorn, the glaciers of the Jungfraujoch, the arcaded streets of Bern and the vineyards of Lake Geneva. A guide to travelling Switzerland by panoramic train, with fondue and chocolate along the way.
November 14, 2026 · 2 min read
In Switzerland the journey itself is part of the view. Trains crossing mountain passes, running along lakeshores and past glaciers let you watch the country through the window like a film. Switzerland has four national languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh; a few hours' ride changes both the language and the cuisine.
Zermatt and the Matterhorn
At 4,478 metres, the pyramid-shaped Matterhorn is the most recognisable peak in the Alps. The village of Zermatt at its foot is lively all year, with skiing in winter and hiking trails in summer.
The Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz is one of the most famous panoramic train journeys in the Alps. The Albula and Bernina lines of the Rhaetian Railway, together with their surrounding landscapes, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
The Jungfrau region and Lucerne
The Jungfraujoch in the Bernese Oberland, at 3,454 metres, is the highest railway station in Europe and is known as the 'Top of Europe'. From here you can see the Aletsch, the longest glacier in the Alps.
The symbol of lakeside Lucerne is the 14th-century wooden Kapellbrücke, rebuilt after a fire in 1993. Boats and mountain railways leaving the city make the surrounding peaks easy to reach.
Bern and the Lavaux vineyards
The old town of Bern, the capital, with kilometres of arcades, fountains and its clock tower, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. The turquoise water of the River Aare curves around the city.
On the northern shore of Lake Geneva, between Lausanne and Montreux, the Lavaux vineyard terraces stepping down the slopes were made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. Paths with lake views are ideal for walking among the winegrowers' houses.
The table: fondue, raclette and chocolate
Fondue, where bread is dipped into melted cheese, and raclette, where melted cheese is scraped over potatoes, are the best-loved dishes of the Swiss mountain kitchen. In the German-speaking regions, rösti made from grated potato is a table classic.
Swiss chocolate is the country's pride; milk chocolate is known to have been developed in Switzerland in the 19th century. Cheeses such as Gruyère and Emmental also take their names from Swiss regions.
Good to know
- Train, boat and bus connections are coordinated; punctuality is a tradition.
- Mountain weather changes fast; take a warm layer even in summer.
- For summit trips, choosing a clear day changes the view completely.
