The Swiss Alps offer some of the most spectacular train journeys in the world, combining engineering marvels with breathtaking mountain scenery. This 4-day itinerary takes you through the heart of Switzerland’s most iconic railway routes, from the legendary Glacier Express to the stunning Bernina Express, creating an unforgettable Alpine adventure.
Day 1: Zurich to Zermatt via the Glacier Express
Begin your journey in Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, and board the world-famous Glacier Express heading to Zermatt. Known as the “slowest express train in the world,” this 8-hour journey covers 291 kilometers through 91 tunnels and across 291 bridges.
Morning departure from Zurich
The Glacier Express departs from Zurich around 8:52 AM, giving you time for a leisurely breakfast before boarding. Reserve a window seat on the right side of the train for the best views during the first half of the journey. The panoramic windows extend into the ceiling, offering unobstructed views of the Alpine landscape.
Key highlights along the route
- Rhine Gorge: Often called the “Swiss Grand Canyon,” this dramatic limestone gorge features white cliffs rising up to 300 meters
- Oberalp Pass: At 2,033 meters, this is the highest point on the route, offering panoramic mountain views
- Landwasser Viaduct: This iconic 65-meter-high stone bridge curves directly into a mountain tunnel
Arrive in Zermatt by early evening and check into your hotel. This car-free alpine village sits at the foot of the Matterhorn, one of the world’s most photographed mountains. Spend the evening exploring the charming village streets and enjoying Swiss cuisine at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Exploring Zermatt and the Gornergrat Railway
Dedicate your second day to exploring Zermatt and taking the Gornergrat Railway, Europe’s highest open-air cogwheel railway. This day trip offers some of the best views of the Matterhorn and surrounding 4,000-meter peaks.
Gornergrat Railway experience
Board the bright red cogwheel train early in the morning to catch the best light for photography. The 33-minute journey climbs 1,469 meters to the Gornergrat summit at 3,089 meters above sea level. Along the way, you’ll pass through alpine meadows, forests, and rocky mountain terrain.
At the summit, the viewing platform offers a spectacular 360-degree panorama of 29 peaks over 4,000 meters, including Monte Rosa, Switzerland’s highest mountain. The Matterhorn dominates the view to the south, its distinctive pyramid shape rising 4,478 meters into the sky.
Afternoon in Zermatt
Return to Zermatt for lunch and spend the afternoon wandering through the village. Visit the Matterhorn Museum to learn about the mountain’s climbing history, or take a leisurely walk along the Matter Vispa river. For dinner, try traditional raclette or fondue at one of the many mountain restaurants.
Day 3: Zermatt to St. Moritz via the Glacier Express
On day three, board the Glacier Express again for the eastern section of the route, traveling from Zermatt to St. Moritz. This 7.5-hour journey showcases a different section of the Alps, with equally stunning scenery.
The journey to St. Moritz
Depart Zermatt mid-morning and settle in for one of Europe’s most scenic train rides. The route crosses the Oberalp Pass again, offering a second chance to photograph the mountain landscapes. The train then descends through the Surselva valley, passing traditional Swiss villages with wooden chalets and church spires.
A highlight of this section is the crossing of the Landwasser Viaduct near Filisur. The train approaches the bridge through a curve, allowing passengers to see the viaduct ahead before crossing it. Time your camera for this iconic moment.
Arrival in St. Moritz
Arrive in St. Moritz, the legendary Alpine resort town, in the late afternoon. This glamorous destination has hosted two Winter Olympics and attracts visitors year-round with its pristine mountain air, luxury hotels, and world-class dining. Check into your hotel and take an evening stroll around Lake St. Moritz, which offers beautiful reflections of the surrounding peaks.
Day 4: Bernina Express to Tirano and Return
Your final day features the Bernina Express, a UNESCO World Heritage railway that crosses from Switzerland into Italy. This circular route from St. Moritz to Tirano and back offers dramatic changes in landscape and climate.
The Bernina Express journey
Board the Bernina Express in St. Moritz for the 2.5-hour journey to Tirano, Italy. This route is considered one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world, crossing the Bernina Pass at 2,253 meters without using cogwheels or rack rails—a remarkable feat of railway engineering.
The journey takes you through distinct climate zones, from Alpine meadows and glaciers to Mediterranean palm trees in just a few hours. Key sights include the Morteratsch Glacier, the spiral viaducts at Brusio, and the turquoise waters of Lago Bianco.
Lunch in Tirano
Spend two to three hours in Tirano, an Italian town in the Valtellina valley. The town offers a stark contrast to Swiss alpine villages, with Italian piazzas, churches, and restaurants serving local Lombardy cuisine. Enjoy a leisurely lunch of pizzoccheri or polenta before boarding the return train to St. Moritz.
Evening in St. Moritz
Return to St. Moritz in the late afternoon for your final evening in the Alps. Consider taking the funicular up to Muottas Muragl for sunset views over the Engadine valley, or simply relax at one of St. Moritz’s renowned cafes and reflect on four days of extraordinary Alpine scenery.
Practical Information for Your Swiss Alps Train Journey
Best time to travel
The scenic train routes operate year-round, but the best times to visit are late spring through early autumn (May to October) when all mountain passes are open and weather is most reliable. Summer offers long daylight hours and wildflower-covered meadows, while early autumn brings golden larch trees and fewer crowds. Winter travel offers its own magic with snow-covered landscapes, though some high-altitude excursions may be limited.
Booking and reservations
Both the Glacier Express and Bernina Express require advance seat reservations, which can be booked through the official Swiss Travel System website. Book at least 2-3 months in advance during peak summer season (July-August). The Swiss Travel Pass offers excellent value if you’re taking multiple train journeys, providing unlimited travel on most Swiss trains, buses, and boats.
What to pack
Layer your clothing as temperatures can vary significantly between valleys and mountain passes. Essential items include comfortable walking shoes, a warm jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera with fully charged batteries. A light rain jacket is advisable even in summer, as mountain weather can change quickly.
Accommodation tips
Book hotels in Zermatt and St. Moritz well in advance, especially during peak season. Both towns offer accommodation ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury five-star hotels. Zermatt’s car-free status means you’ll need to take an electric taxi from the train station to your hotel if you have heavy luggage.
Making the Most of Your Alpine Train Adventure
This 4-day itinerary through the Swiss Alps offers an immersive experience of Switzerland’s most celebrated train journeys. The combination of the Glacier Express, Gornergrat Railway, and Bernina Express provides diverse perspectives on Alpine landscapes, from soaring peaks and ancient glaciers to charming mountain villages.
The slow pace of these scenic trains allows you to truly absorb the majesty of the Alps—no rushing, no driving stress, just comfortable seats with panoramic windows framing some of Europe’s most dramatic scenery. Whether you’re a railway enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply seeking a unique way to experience the mountains, this Swiss train journey delivers an unforgettable adventure that showcases why Switzerland’s railways are considered among the finest in the world.
Start planning your journey through the Swiss Alps today, and prepare for four days of scenic wonder that will leave you with memories—and photographs—to last a lifetime.
