Day Trips On Scenic Rail Routes 2025

Bernese Oberland - all year. One of the world's most famous mountain journeys! Enjoy fantastic views over the landscape on this sensational journey which takes you to the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454m. From the visitor centre at the top you will have magnificent views of the longest ice stream in the Alps and the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks. There are plenty of activities and refreshments oppotunities available. More details...

Bernese Oberland - Jun-Oct. This historic journey offers amazing views as the train climbs up from Wilderswil. As it curves its way up you are treated to the sight on one side of Lake Brienz and on the other Lake Thun. Look upwards to see the mighty peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains. On arrival you will find a sunny plateau at 1,967m with amazing views, a botanic garden, walks and maybe even Alphorn players. More details...

Bernese Oberland - Jun-Oct. A real treat for steam fans! The nostalgic Brienzer Rothorn cogwheel railway dates from 1892 and provides scenic daily trips during the summer. Enjoy the stunning views as you slowly climb from the lakeside town of Brienz to the summit of the Rothorn at 2,350m. On arrival you may like to relax in the restaurant, gaze over the 693 mountain peaks, or embark upon an alpine walking trail, with glorious views all around. More details...

Central Switzerland - all year. The Queen of the Mountains, Rigi is a must do while staying in the region. The oldest cogwheel railway in Europe starts its journey in Vitznau and slowly travels up the mountain to Rigi Kulm at 1,800m. Along the way and from the top you are treated to great views of the blue waters of Lake Lucerne and the lush woods on the mountain slopes which rise from it. There are plenty of walks to enjoy as well as shops and restaurants on the mountain. More details...

Lake Geneva - all year. The full route is often used as a journey to connect Montreux with Interlaken and Lucerne, but you can experience a scenic section on a return day trip between Montreux and Zweisimmen. Travel upwards, past the alpine resort of Gstaad and into the Simmental Valley farmlands. You could alight at one of the interesting stops along the route before taking the return journey with its famously picturesque descent towards Lake Geneva. More details...

Valais - Jun-Oct. An amazing opportunity to enjoy a nostalgic cogwheel steam journey over fabulous Swiss mountains, with outstanding scenery on either side as you go. The line stretches over 17.8km, taking a historic route over the dramatic Furka Pass, which was originally built for the Glacier Express railway. This popular journey runs only on selected days during the summer and MUST therefore be pre-booked in order to guarantee a place. More details...

Valais - all year. The Gornergrat cog railway offers amazing views on its journey between Zermatt and the summit; you might even spot some mountain wildlife en route. The panoramic view from the top is as fine as you could wish for, including the Monte Rosa massif, the second-largest glacier in the Alps and a total of 29 mountains above 4,000m, including, of course, the Matterhorn in all its glory. Get your breath back over a drink in the Hotel Kulm. More details... 

Graubünden - all year. You can enjoy the Bernina Express as a day trip - this is the highest railway across the Alps, yet the train negotiates 55 tunnels, 196 bridges and steep inclines with ease. The carriages have panoramic windows so that you can enjoy unrestricted views of the stunning landscape through which you are travelling. The train takes you all the way to the Italian border and allows for a short time in Tirano before the return journey. Must be pre-booked. More details...

Graubünden - all year. The Arosa Line is over 100 years old and forms part of the famous Rhaetian Railway. This unforgettablely scenic railway climbs 1,000m on the journey from Chur to Arosa. The route takes you across the famous Langwieser Viaduct, an iconic feat of engineering spanning the Plessur River. Your destination is Arosa, situated at 1,800m above sea level, where you can enjoy a day in the Alps, with plenty of fresh mountain air, walking trails and good food. More details...

Ticino - all year. The Centovalli Train takes an incredible 2 hour journey from Locarno and through the scenic Centovalli (hundred valleys) region. It travels via the high point at Santa Maria Maggiore over the Italian border and along the Valle Vigezzo to Domodossola. You can alight at one of the picturesque villages along the way and take a walk in the countryside, or head straight for lunch in the larger town of Domodossola. Trains depart regularly. More details...