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I set out to discover new horizons, immerse myself in diverse cultures, savour exquisite cuisine, and create lasting memories. My trip to Switzerland was nothing short of enchanting, filled with breathtaking mountain vistas and charming villages that ignite the imagination of any traveller. Among the many experiences this beautiful country offers, none can compare to the sheer magic of a train journey. As my train rolled into St. Moritz, the world outside blurred into delightful insignificance. I gazed at an enchanting tapestry of vibrant green fields, where wide-eyed cows grazed beneath postcard-perfect peaks and charming chocolate-box chalets. It felt as if someone had just polished my glasses for the first time—everything appeared radiant, the air was crisp and invigorating, and the wildness of nature felt more exhilarating than ever.
To soak up this splendour in style, I signed up for the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland—a remarkable 1,280 kilometres of breathtaking beauty, history, and heritage! With six dreamy trains at my disposal and the freedom to hop on and off whenever my whims struck, my adventure was pure magic. However, nothing quite compared to arriving in St. Moritz after an eight-hour glide aboard the Glacier Express, surrounded by jaw-dropping mountain views. On the Grand Train Tour, travellers enjoy flexibility, allowing them to choose individual routes and durations, with the freedom to book accommodations for immersive experiences in stunning cities and alpine settings. I appreciated the ability to select my starting and ending points, with captivating destinations like Zermatt, St. Moritz, Lucerne, and Lugano inviting me to explore their unique wonders.
As I began my journey through Switzerland, I found that the Swiss Travel Pass was the ideal companion for someone like me, eager to savour every moment and stop along the way. After enjoying the vibrant charm of Zurich, I boarded a sleek intercity train heading to Lucerne. The highlight of my travels was the luxurious Luzern-Interlaken Express. The journey was stunning, unfolding like a postcard, with breathtaking views of shimmering lakes and majestic mountains at every turn. Upon arriving in Interlaken, my excitement grew as I imagined my upcoming alpine adventures. There were many incredible excursions—tackling the towering Brienzer Rothorn, conquering the stunning Jungfraujoch, or soaking in panoramic views from the mountaintop Schilthorn. I even planned to ride the Harder Kulm funicular for that perfect vista, in addition to experiencing the nostalgic charm of the historic Schynige Platte railway. Adventure awaited at every corner!
Setting off from Interlaken, I found myself enchanted by the serene beauty of Lake Thun and the charming Simmen Valley. As I rolled into Zweisimmen, the Golden Pass Panoramic train whisked me away, revealing a postcard of castles and idyllic meadows sprinkled with grazing cows. The journey meandered through picturesque hills, leading me straight to the enchanting Montreux. Here, the vineyards of Lavaux beckoned alongside the majestic Chillon Castle, the whimsical Chaplin’s World, and the exhilarating mountain adventure at Rochers-de-Naye—all part of Montreux’s irresistible charm. With just a stone’s throw from Montreux, I hopped on a train to Visp, and a journey through the Nikolai Valley—Switzerland’s deepest gem—unfolded around me. As the iconic Matterhorn made its grand entrance, I could feel the altitude rising, with the train’s clever cogwheel technology climbing 900 meters.
Zermatt awaited a glamorous car-free village that served as my perfect launchpad to explore the Matterhorn’s breathtaking glaciers. Ah, the Glacier Express—regarded as the slowest yet undoubtedly the most stunning train ride! I settled in as it meandered through the Swiss Alps, stitching together posh year-round resorts like a lovely quilt. The journey danced through the captivating Cantons of Valais, Uri, and Grisons, navigating 91 tunnels and 291 bridges while majestic mountains and deep ravines took my breath away. Next up, the Bernina Express whisked me to Tirano before I hopped on a bus to Lugano. This transition from towering mountains to tranquil lakes was like a dream. I reclined and indulged in jaw-dropping views—glaciers, turquoise waterways, and lush valleys rolled out like nature’s finest tapestry. Finally, I boarded the first-class Gotthard Panorama Express, gliding along the Mediterranean-style landscapes of Ticino. The grand Gotthard Panorama Route was a marvel, culminating in a serene boat transfer across Lake Lucerne. Surrounded by Switzerland’s traditional heart and towering mountains, I continued my unforgettable journey in style.
From Lucerne, I set out to explore the breathtaking peaks of Pilatus, Rigi, Stanserhorn, and Titlis, all while excitement swirled around me. It was time to board the Voralpen-Express, which promised a quintessential Swiss experience. As the train glided through the stunning landscape, I was captivated by the shimmering waters of Lake Zurich, the enchanting charm of Rapperswil—the "City of Roses"—and the architectural marvel of the Sitter Viaduct, which soars 99 meters high, making it Switzerland's tallest railway bridge. Pure magic.
Then came the grand train adventure. I hopped on a train from St. Gallen to Zurich, and what a treat it was. Despite being landlocked, Switzerland offers a maritime vibe, particularly along the spectacular 40-kilometre stretch of Lake Constance. Following the Rhine downstream to Schaffhausen, I was greeted by the thunderous spectacle of the Rhine Falls—Europe’s largest waterfall. What a fantastic finale to my adventurous round trip from Zurich, showcasing the essence of Switzerland’s beauty.
With the Swiss Travel System, I found a seamless and luxurious way to explore this breathtaking country. The Swiss Travel Pass was my gateway to Switzerland’s extensive public transport network, allowing me the freedom to travel effortlessly by train, bus, boat, or mountain railway for periods of 3, 4, 8, or even 15 consecutive days. Each journey felt like a new adventure waiting to unfold.
You can check it out here - https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-in/microsites/in/one-country-one-ticket/
