What is the difference between the travel classes on the panoramic trains?

The main differences lie in the seating arrangement and the comfort . The seats are larger and more comfortable in 1st class, with more legroom and privacy and a 2+1 arrangement that offers additional comfort . The seats are arranged more closely in 2nd class,with 2+2 seating and offer slightly less space and legroom. Both classes have large panoramic windows . The Prestige class in the GoldenPass Express takes comfort to a new level: heated leather seats , a raised seating position (by 15 in) for an even better view, and guarantees a seat facing the direction of travel . In addition, the seats are particularly spacious, which guarantees an exclusive travel experience . If you would like to adjust your booking to Prestige class or require further information on this, please contact our travel experts - they will be happy to help you.

Can I choose my seat on the panoramic trains in advance?

In the GoldenPass Express , you can specify your seat preferences during the booking process using the comment field . Depending on availability, seat preferences cannot always be fulfilled. We will endeavor to assign you the best available seat and will inform you if a window seat is not available. The view is always impressive, regardless of where you sit. When traveling on the Voralpen-Express, Treno Gottardo , and the Centovalli Railway , you are flexible and no seat reservation is necessary. You can reserve seats in advance on the Centovalli Railway website . There is a surcharge of CHF 1.50 for the Panorama carriages .

Which dining options are available on board the panoramic trains?

On board the GoldenPass Express , you can choose from various regional aperitif platters , which are combined with mineral water, wine, or beer. Simply pre-order your aperitif platter during booking and the food and drinks will be served directly at your seat . There are no catering options on board the Voralpen-Express , the Centovalli Railway , and the Treno Gottardo . We recommend that you stock up on snacks and drinks before the journey .

Where do the panoramic trains start and how do I get from the station to the hotel?

The GoldenPass Express runs between Montreux and Interlaken Ost/West . The Voralpen-Express runs from St. Gallen to Lucerne . The Treno Gottardo connects Lucerne and Locarno . The Centovalli Railway runs from Domodossola to Locarno . The itinerary can be started in both directions – the choice is yours. In the booking process , the distance to the respective station is displayed when you select your hotel. This allows you to choose a nearby accommodation if required. Some hotels offer practical transfer services . For details about the transfer, please contact your hotel .

How do I get to the Jungfraujoch and how long does the journey take?

You can reach the Jungfraujoch from Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen with the Wengernalp Railway . This takes you to the Kleine Scheidegg , where you change to the Jungfraubahn . The total travel time from Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen is approximately 90 minutes each way. Alternatively, you can take the Eiger Express cable car from Grindelwald Terminal , which will take you directly to the Eiger Glacier station in around 15 minutes . There you change to the Jungfrau Railway, which will take you to the Jungfraujoch in around 30 minutes . In total, the journey takes around 45 minutes each way. Plan on about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours , not including lunch, for your stay at the Jungfraujoch. The journey to and from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen takes about 20 to 40 minutes depending on the connection, and should also be taken into account. Tip: Combine the trip as a circular tour - use the Wengernalp Railway for the outward journey and the Eiger Express for the return journey.

Can I make longer stops on the journey to the Jungfraujoch?

Yes, you can make longer stops at various stages such as Grindelwald , Lauterbrunnen , Wengen , Kleine Scheidegg, or Eiger Glacier . On the route between the Eiger Glacier and the Jungfraujoch, there is only one stop at the Eismeer station . In contrast, a longer stay is not possible there.

Is a seat reservation required for trains and the trip to the Jungfraujoch?

A seat reservation is not required for the standard trains in Switzerland. A seat reservation is mandatory for the journey to the Jungfraujoch for both routes (Grindelwald Terminal-Eigergletscher-Jungfraujoch and Kleine Scheidegg-Jungfraujoch) between May and October . The earlier you book, the greater the likelihood that your preferred times will be available. Outside these periods , a seat reservation is not mandatory, but recommended . Please note that seat reservation is not included in the package, so you can choose your preferred times independently. Reserve your seat directly online at Jungfrau.ch .

Is 1st class available on the route to the Jungfraujoch?

There is no 1st or 2nd class on the journey to the Jungfraujoch. All passengers travel in the same standard area on the Wengernalp or Jungfrau Railway. However, if you choose 1st class for your journey, you can travel this way on the trains from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen before changing to the Wengernalp or Jungfrau Railway.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend that you book early . Demand is particularly high for the main season (see above). You can book your package deal conveniently online or with our travel experts .

Is the trip accessible for the handicapped?

For accessible travel, we recommend that you contact us directly . This way, we can check the best options together and ensure that your travel needs are optimally met . Feel free to contact us by email or phone – the contact details can be found below .

Train journey

Winter Panorama and Mountain Peaks

On board four impressive panoramic trains, you will cross Switzerland from north-east to south-west and discover winter highlights in five destinations in a winter culture vacation in Switzerland. Picturesque towns, mighty glaciers, and snow-covered mountain peaks await you on your winter journey. Look forward to everything that makes Switzerland so unique in the cold season.

9 days / 8 nights

from $ 1,900

A red train travels through a snowy winter landscape with mountains in the background.

A snowy cityscape with two church towers under a cloudy sky.

A snowy wooden bridge crosses a river in a picturesque town with churches and hills in the background.

4 Images

Highlights

Picturesque panoramic journey on the GoldenPass Express, Voralpen-Express, Treno Gottardo, and the Centovalli-Railway
Varied winter destinations – St. Gallen, Locarno, Montreux, and Interlaken
Gallen, Lucerne, Locarno, Montreux and Interlaken
Snow and ice on the Jungfraujoch – 11,332 ft above sea level
Excursion to Mount Rigi – Queen of the Mountains

A winter mountain landscape with a train traveling through snowy fields.

A red train is traveling on snow-covered tracks under a blue sky.

5 Images

Travel itinerary

Overview

Map of Switzerland with the itinerary Winter Panorama and Mountain Peaks from St. Gallen to Lucerne

Day 1

Arrival and stay in St. Gallen

Daily Itinerary

You travel by public transport from your starting point in Switzerland to St. Gallen to see cultural attractions in Switzerland. Discover the old town and the UNESCO monastery of St. Gallen.

Overnight stay in St. Gallen

Day 2

Ride on the Voralpen-Express

Daily Itinerary

You travel to Lucerne on the Voralpen-Express. Discover the old town, the beautiful lake, and the Chapel Bridge. Enjoy the view of the foothills of the Swiss Alps.

Trip time: approx. 2h 15min

Overnight stay in Lucerne

A regional train travels along a road by the lake shore, with snow-covered mountains in the background.

Day 3

Excursion to Mount Rigi

Daily Itinerary

Experience Mount Rigi! Start with a boat trip across the lake and take the cog railroad to the summit. Enjoy the view and discover the winter hiking trails.

Overnight stay in Lucerne

Day 4

Ride on the Treno Gottardo

Daily Itinerary

On the fourth day of your trip, you will travel first class on the Treno Gottardo to Locarno. There you have free time to explore the surrounding area.

Trip time: approx. 3h

Overnight stay in Locarno

A red train travels through a snowy mountain landscape with a village in the background.

Day 5

Journey on the Centovalli-Railway

Daily Itinerary

You take the Centovalli-Railway from Locarno to Domodossola. From there, continue to Montreux. A visit to Chillon Castle or the Christmas market is well worthwhile.

Trip time: approx. 4 hours

Overnight stay in Montreux

Train on a bridge over a gorge with a river in a mountainous landscape.

Day 6

Stay in Montreux

Daily Itinerary

You have time to discover Montreux at your leisure. For example, visit Chillon Castle, Chaplin's World, or the Olympic Museum.

Overnight stay in Montreux

A snowy cityscape with colorful buildings and a lake in the background, surrounded by snow-covered mountains.

Day 7

Ride on the GoldenPass Express

Daily Itinerary

You travel on the GoldenPass Express from Montreux to Interlaken. Enjoy the view of the Swiss landscape.

Trip time: approx. 3h 15min

Overnight stay in Interlaken

Day 8

Excursion to the Jungfraujoch

Daily Itinerary

You take a day trip from Interlaken to the Jungfraujoch. Take the cog railroad to the highest station in Europe at 11,332 ft.

Overnight stay in Interlaken

A research station on a snow-covered mountain peak under a blue sky.

Day 9

Return journey from Lucerne

Daily Itinerary

You ride past blue lakes and over the Brünig Pass to Lucerne. Travel back by public transport. Or extend your culture vacation in Switzerland.

A winter mountain landscape with a train passing through snow-covered forests.

When is the best time to travel?

Travel period

November to April

Recommended travel period

December to March

High season

January, February

Digital Swiss Coupon Pass with gift icon.

Included in your booking

Your Digital Swiss Coupon Pass

With every package holiday booking in 2026, we'll give you a Digital Swiss Coupon Pass – your key to over 100 exclusive 2-for-1 experiences throughout Switzerland. Discover more, enjoy more and save up to CHF 4,500.

Learn more

Important information about the trip

What our Switzerland expert says

Classics and insider tips
For me, this trip is the perfect combination of well-known winter classics and well-kept insider tips.
Sara

Tailor the trip to your needs.

9 days / 8 nights

from $ 1,900

Arrival and departure included
Travel from any starting point and back to any ending point in Switzerland
Choose your accommodation
Select hotel and room category
Additional activities
Add activities and mountain excursions directly to your trip
Customize the duration of your trip
Extend your stay, as preferred

Frequently asked questions

Have a question?

Ready to start planning your next trip? We are here for you.

Aika Idinova

[email protected]+44 207 420 4900

Monday to Friday
8 am – 5 pm (GMT)