Switzerland by Rail

Switzerland has much to offer the discerning traveller at any time of year, from an extraordinary diversity of culture in the French, German and Italian-speaking cities to its glorious landscapes of serene lakes, dramatic mountain peaks and traditional Alpine villages. In Geneva and Zurich you will find world-class opera, ballet and art, as well as some exceptionally comfortable hotels, while St Moritz, Lucerne, Lausanne and Montreux offer lake views, idyllic mediaeval old towns and a series of annual cultural festivals and events. For those in search of fresh mountain air, head to Interlaken, Zermatt or Wengen, in the shadow of the mighty Eiger. In each region you will enjoy delicious fresh cuisine, accompanied by delicious Swiss wines.

The Swiss rail system is one of the most extensive and efficient networks in the world.With slick connections and modern stations, a journey offers supreme comfort and a breathtaking backdrop of lake and mountain scenery. In addition to the regular network of trains, there are a number of ‘Scenic Routes’ with panoramic glass-topped carriages, historic rolling stock and on-board restaurants. We suggest an itinerary that starts and ends in Zurich, however it can all be tailor-made to your preferences.

4-NIGHT TAILOR MADE RAIL HOLIDAY

FROM £2,399 PER PERSON

INCLUDES:

Return flights from London Heathrow to Zurich
First Class Swiss Rail Pass
Seat Reservation on the Glacier Express
2 nights at the Waldhaus Sils, on Bed & Breakfast
2 nights at the Lenkerhof Gourmet Resort, on Bed & Breakfast
Kirker Concierge

ITINERARY

This is an almost an exact replica of the trip I did with Kirker Holidays in June 2025, taking in the villages of Sils (near St Moritz) and Lenk in the Bernese Overland, together with a number of scenic trains across the country – including the magical Glacier Express, which I know is on many ‘bucket lists’.

There are a lot of trains over five days, and three of the days are spent on trains, but as everything can be tailored to your request, it can be done as leisurely or quickly as you require (I would suggest a stop in Lucerne or Interlaken for example).

The itinerary below is essentially what we did, with our suggested train times, but as you have a First Class Rail Pass, you can catch any train (although Glacier Express requires reservation).

DAY 1 – SCENIC TRAINS TO ST MORITZ

Travel begins with a morning flight from London Heathrow to Zurich, arriving at 09:35. The journey to St. Moritz begins by train – a beautifully scenic route that takes in Lake Zurich, Lake Walen, and the Albula Line, with its iconic tunnels and viaducts.

These were our suggested rail timings for this journey (as a guide):

Zurich Airport to Zurich HB: 11:15 – 11:25 (IR 75)
Zurich HB to Chur: 11:38 – 12:52 (IC 3)
Chur to St. Moritz: 12:58 – 14:56 (IR 38)

On arrival in St. Moritz, a shuttle transfer takes you to the elegant Hotel Waldhaus Sils for a two-night stay.

DAY 2 – ST MORITZ OR SILS MARIA

Today is yours to either explore the lovely walking (or skiing opportunities) in or around Sils and St Moritz. We were originally planned to take a journey to the Val Fex Valley by horse-drawn carriage (which you can find in the village), but we ended up taking the train from St Moritz and taking the up to Muottas Muragi. There’s so much you can do in the area.

DAY 3 – GLACIER EXPRESS

For us it was an early start as we checked out and took the transfer back to St. Moritz station for one of the world’s most iconic rail journeys – the Glacier Express. The route to Brig takes in the Albula Tunnel, Rhine Gorge, and Oberalp Pass, with First Class panoramic seating and a two-course lunch served on board.

We had a very early start, but there are a number throughout the day – the 0930 may suit most, it does however mean you arrive into Lenk later.

Our rail timings for the day were (as a guide):

St. Moritz to Brig: 07:07 – 13:40 (Glacier Express 901)
Brig to Spiez: 13:45 – 14:21 (IC 6)
Spiez to Zweisimmen: 14:38 – 15:30 (GoldenPass Express 4075)
Zweisimmen to Lenk im Simmental: 15:35 – 15:53 (R 32)

Arriving in Lenk, transfer to the stylish Lenkerhof Gourmet Spa Resort.

DAY 4 – LENK / BETELBERG

Lenk is in a spectacular valley, and after breakfast we ascended Lenk’s local mountain, the Betelberg, using the gondola just next to the hotel. At the top, there are spectacular views and where we had lunch at the mountain restaurant. For the adventurous, there’s the option to take a Trotti Bike back down to Lenk – a fun and unique way to return via forest paths and alpine trails. Although you could easily spend time in the lovely village centre, or have a short stroll around the top of the Betelberg.

DAY 5 – SCENIC TRAINS TO ZURICH

After a relaxed breakfast, check out and begin the scenic journey back to Zurich Airport using the Lucerne–Interlaken Express – one of Switzerland’s most peaceful and panoramic train journeys. There are a number of trains, so you might want to consider sending your luggage ahead, so you don’t have to lug it around from train to train.

Our suggested rail timings:

Lenk to Zweisimmen: 10:35 – 10:52 (R 31)
Zweisimmen to Spiez: 11:02 – 11:47 (R 11)
Spiez to Interlaken Ost: 12:06 – 12:26 (RE 9)
Interlaken Ost to Lucerne: 13:04 – 14:55 (RE 9)
Lucerne to Zurich Airport: 15:35 – 16:44 (RE 9)

Plenty of time for an early evening flight back to London.

Many of you know that I love walking, and I’m probably just as famous for my love of transport – so it wasn’t really a difficult decision to do this trip because I have wanted to go on the Glacier Express for years. Having travelled around Europe on different train networks, although similar, they don’t match Switzerland for the efficiency and cleanliness onboard the trains – everything is so precise and clinical. We didn’t have a single delay, and everything worked like clockwork!

You also go there for the views, and these are views you just can’t get to when you take a car or transfer, and are all part of charm of doing a holiday like this. Especially if you have a First Class ticket, you’re bound to get some amazing views, even if the weather isn’t entirely conducive – although saying that we had some of the most spectacular weather, possibly too hot at times.

Still, this is one amazing itinerary combining some of Switzerland’s greatest highlights!

HOTELS

WALDHAUS SILS, SILS MARIA (NR ST MORITZ)

Perched in a wonderful position above the village of Sils Maria, in
between two lakes and flanked by mountains and forests – the views
from Waldhaus Sils are truly spectacular. Opened in 1908, this historic
grand hotel is still owned and run by the same family ensuring a very
personal, friendly and altogether Swiss experience. The hotel retains
many of its original festures and has added more modern touches over
the years – the 140 bedrooms are available in three styles; nostalgia,
classic and modern. The bar, lounge and library are full of character,
as is the ‘Arvenstube’ restaurant. There is an indoor swimming pool,
sauna and massages are available. The quaint village of Sils Maria can be easily explored on foot. The resort of St. Moritz is just 15 minutes drive
away.

LENKERHOF

Situated in the charming village of Lenk with stunning vicws of the beautiful Simmental Valley, the Lenkerhof offers a peaceful Alpine retreat. combining gourmet cuisine across three restaurants with exceptional spa facilities. The comprehensive 7sources spa features outdoor and indoor swimming pool, sauna. gym and a range of rejuvenating treatments. There are 83 modern rooms and suites, most of which come with balconies and stunning views overlooking the valley.

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