Switzerland by Train - 5 Days

Highlights

• Ride the world's steepest cog railway to Pilatus Kulm
• Kayak on the serene glacial waters of Lake Brienz
• Explore Klein Matterhorn's summit and glacier
• Savor a vineyard and tasting tour at Lavaux Vineyards

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Zürich, Train to Lucerne, Pilatus Kulm Trip & Night Watchman Walk

Welcome to Zürich, Switzerland! Get ready to explore by train, boat, bus, and more with your Swiss Travel Pass in your pocket. First up, jump on a one-hour train from the airport to Lucerne (known locally in this German-speaking region as Luzern). After you've settled into your hotel, head to the lake and take the boat to Alpnachstad, your first stop on a six-hour "Golden" round trip to the summit of Pilatus Kulm (Mount Pilatus).

You'll begin your thrilling 30-minute mountain ascent on the steepest cog railway in the world. Enjoy spectacular views from the summit's panoramic terrace, then head back down via the "Dragon Ride" aerial cableway to Fräkmüntegg. For the young at heart, stop here to climb, glide, and parkour your way around the rope park, then hop on the gondola down to Kriens, where you'll catch the trolley bus back to Lucerne.

For dinner, try some chügelipastete (veal and creamy mushrooms in puff pastry), then wander the cobblestone streets to Rosengart Platz for the "Nightwatchman Walk." You'll meet your medieval guide there for a 1.5-hour evening stroll through Lucerne's Altstadt (Old Town). Listen to gripping tales of medieval life as history comes alive through projected images on the Altstadt walls.

Day 2: Train to Grindelwald, Kayak Lake Brienz, Hike Höhenweg Trail

Today, you'll catch a three-hour train to Grindelwald. Check into your hotel, then pack waterproof shoes and a change of clothes for a half-day guided kayak tour on Lake Brienz. Meet at the beach in Böningen and admire the surrounding mountains from a fresh perspective as you glide through turquoise waters. Discover beautiful cliffs, the 12th-century Ringgenberg Castle, and remote beaches before crossing the Lütschine River. Afterward, swim at the lakeside Strandbad before catching the train back to Grindelwald.

After lunch, grab some bread rolls and your hiking boots for an easy, guided two-hour hike along the Höhenweg trail. Hop on the gondola at Grindelwald Terminal and listen for cowbells as you ascend to Männlichen at 7,293 feet (2,223 m). Follow your guide past wildflower pastures and soak in the far-reaching valley and mountain views. Pause for a roll break, then continue to Kleine Scheidegg for a chill drink at a restaurant before taking the cog railway down.

Day 3: Train to Zermatt, Day Trip to Klein Matterhorn

Head for Zermatt by three-hour train this morning and check into your hotel. Then, bundle up warm for the ultimate mountain adventure—a return gondola trip to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Europe's highest mountain station at 12,739 feet (3,883 m). Want more altitude? Take the Klein Matterhorn summit lift to an awe-inspiring 360-degree snow-covered panorama featuring 14 glaciers and 38 Alpine giants, including the highest, Mont Blanc. Enjoy the serene moment before descending on the lift. 

Afterward, indulge in some käse-spätzli (cheese egg noodles) at the restaurant, then dive into the Alpine world in a Cinema Lounge pod before exploring the Glacier Palace—a sparkling underground realm of ice sculptures and natural ice formations. Stroll along the glacial crevasse, slide down an ice chute, or relax on a fur-covered bench.

Finally, for more "Frozen" moments, ride the Swarovski-encrusted Crystal Ride gondola with its thrilling transparent glass floor on the descent before catching the train back to Zermatt for dinner and a warm bath.

Day 4: Train to Montreux, Lavaux Vineyards Tour

Wine buffs rejoice! You're off to the postcard landscape of Montreux Riviera for a half-day private tour of the UNESCO World-Heritage-listed wine terroir—Lavaux Vineyards. Catch a three-hour train to Montreux and check into your hotel. Then, choose between a luxury minivan on the wine road or the vineyard train as you explore the steep terraces and stone walls set against a superb backdrop of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) and surrounding mountains.

Along the way, step into the past at a capite, a traditional hut where vineyard workers once sought refuge from the weather. Learn about the local chassela grapes and unravel centuries-old winemaking secrets with the family-owned vineyard's passionate winemaker. Then, sip and savor a selection of wines as an expert sommelier guides you through the art of wine appreciation before heading back to your hotel in Montreux. 

It's time to say farewell! Take a 1.5-hour train ride to Geneva for your departure. If you have time, get off downtown and hop on the quaint mini-train that takes you through the streets and alleys of the historic Vieille Ville (Old Town), fall in love with beautiful Lake Geneva and the famous river Rhône on a cruise, or indulge your taste buds at a Swiss chocolaterie (chocolate shop).

Then, catch a train or bus to the airport, only 2.5 miles (4 km) from downtown Geneva. Safe travels!

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