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GoldenPass Belle Epoque Schönried

GoldenPass holidays

Discover the beauty of the GoldenPass Express, one of the most impressive railway lines in Europe, with the help of our Switzerland travel experts. Your comprehensive package includes train tickets, seat reservations where necessary and comfortable hotel accommodation. The itinerary can be customised and the duration extended to create a tailor-made journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Switzerland.

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GoldenPass Express Map

The GoldenPass Express Route

Embark on an unforgettable journey on the GoldenPass Express. From the glistening shores of Lake Lucerne via the picturesque landscapes of the Bernese Oberland to charming Montreux on Lake Geneva. The route can also be reversed.

GoldenPass Belle Epoque Montreux Summer

Highlights of the GoldenPass Route

The GoldenPass route offers a variety of impressive highlights, including:

  • Lucerne: The charming city of Lucerne is known for its well-preserved old town, the Chapel Bridge and Lake Lucerne.
  • Interlaken: Situated between Lakes Thun and Brienz, Interlaken offers breathtaking views of the Jungfrau mountain range. 
  • Montreux: Lying on the shores of Lake Geneva, the elegant town of Montreux is famous for its mild climate, the annual Montreux Jazz Festival and its beautiful lakeside promenade.

Timetable

Timetable valid from 09.12.2023 - 14.12.2024

Lucerne 08:06 09:06 10:06 11:06
Interlaken Ost (change) 10:00 11:08** 12:30 13:00
Spiez (change) 11:12 - 13:12 13:38
Zweisimmen (change) 12:02* - 14:02*** 15:02***
Montreux (arrival) 14:10 14:20 16:10 17:10

* From Zweisimmen, the Belle-Époque train departs at 12:02 and 17:02. 

** The GoldenPass Express runs directly without any change from Interlaken Ost to Montreux or reverse.

*** The GoldenPass Panoramic runs from Zweisimmen almost every hour between 08:02 and 17:02.

The panoramic route is divided into 3 sections (or in the opposite direction):

  • Panoramic journey on board the Lucerne-Interlaken Express from Lucerne to Interlaken Ost
  • Journey on the normal trains from Interlaken to Zweisimmen. Change trains in Interlaken, Spiez, Zweisimmen.
  • Panoramic train journey on board the GoldenPass MOB (GoldenPass Belle Epoque or GoldenPass Panoramic) from Zweisimmen to Montreux.

Only the GoldenPass Express train travels from Interlaken Ost to Montreux (or vice versa) without changing trains.

Montreux 09:34** 09:50* 10:50*** 12:34**
Zweisimmen (change) - 12:39 13:02 -
Spiez (change) - 13:34 14:34 -
Interlaken Ost (change) 13:04 14:04 15:04 16:04
Lucerne (arrival) 14:55 15:55 16:55 17:55

* From Montreux, the Belle-Époque train departs at 09:50 and 14:50.

** The GoldenPass Express runs directly without any change from Montreux to Interlaken Ost or reverse.

*** From Montreux, the GoldenPass Panoramic runs almost every hour between 07:50 and 17:50

 

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Should I book a seat reservation on the GoldenPass Express in advance?

Yes, advance booking is highly recommended, especially in the busy summer season when demand is particularly high. Reserving ensures that you have a guaranteed seat for your journey. Packages can easily be booked online or via one of our travel experts.

What is the best time of year to travel on the GoldenPass Express?

This depends on your personal preferences. Each season has its own unique attractions:

  • Spring (March to May): Spring is ideal for seeing the snow melt and nature bloom at higher altitudes. Tourist resorts quieten down as the landscape becomes greener.
  • Summer (June to August): Summer offers warmer weather and longer days, both of which are great for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The meadows are in full splendour but this is peak season so can be crowded.
  • Autumn (September to November): Autumn is known for its spectacular colours as the leaves change. Temperatures remain pleasant as tourist numbers drop. Autumn is grape harvesting season around Lake Geneva, so this is an ideal time for wine-lovers to visit.
  • Winter (December to February): A winter trip offers fabulous snowy landscapes, especially in the higher regions along the route. 

Ultimately, each season has its own distinct beauty. While summer is perfect for nature and sun lovers, winter is great for those seeking cosy picturesque train journeys through snow-covered landscapes. Spring and autumn are ideal for travellers that prefer milder temperatures and less hustle and bustle.

Does the GoldenPass Express offer catering options?

A range of at-seat catering offers, featuring local produce, can be pre-booked with one of our travel experts. Choose from a selection of regional platters from the Bernese Oberland, Swiss caviar from Frutigen (Bernese Oberland) and breakfast boxes from other local producers. Wines from Lavaux (Vaud Region) and beers from Interlaken (Bernese Oberland) can be enjoyed with your meal to create the perfect gastronomic experience.

Can I travel with children on the GoldenPass Express?

The journey is suitable for passengers of all ages, including families with children but please do note the following important points:

  • Tickets: Children can benefit from reduced fares, depending on their age. Please contact our travel experts for more specific information about your booking. 
  • Entertainment and Activities: Remember to bring something (books or games) to keep your children occupied. 
  • Snacks and Refreshments: While there are catering options on the GoldenPass Express, we nevertheless recommend that you bring plenty of snacks and drinks for your children.

Is the GoldenPass Express wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the GoldenPass Express is wheelchair accessible. There are carriages with wide doorways and adapted toilets and many of the stations along the route are equipped with ramps and lifts. Please contact one of our travel consultants to organise your journey.

What is the difference between first and second class on the GoldenPass Express?

The GoldenPass Express offers different experiences in first and second class:

  • First Class: offers more legroom and wider seats, which means extra comfort during the journey. The seating arrangement is usually more spacious, often 2+1, meaning two seats to one side of the aisle and one on the other, which creates a more relaxed environment. 
  • Second Class: is still comfortable, but has a closer seating arrangement, usually 2+2, which means two seats on either side of the aisle. There is slightly less legroom and personal space than in first class.

Both classes of carriage have large panoramic windows that offer an impressive view of the passing scenery. The difference in the field of vision between the two classes is minimal.

Prestige Class is the most luxurious class of service, characterised by very comfortable seats that can be heated and moved to allow you to always face the direction of travel. The carriage floor has been raised by 40 centimetres so that passengers can better immerse themselves in the surrounding landscape. 

Our travel experts will be happy to provide you with further information and book this premium class of service for you.

Customisable journey

Our holidays can easily be tailored to your own preferences.

Customisable journey

Our holidays can easily be tailored to your own preferences.