Switzerland doesn’t just have a train system; it has a world-class scenic gallery on tracks.

In 2026, the rail infrastructure is better than ever, making it possible to cross the entire country through nothing but “panorama” windows.

Here are the four most beautiful train journeys you can take right now.

1. The Glacier Express (“The World’s Slowest Express”)

This is the “Grand Dame” of Swiss rail. It connects the two most glamorous mountain resorts—Zermatt and St. Moritz—in an 8-hour journey that crosses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels.

• The View: The Oberalp Pass (the highest point at 2,033m) and the Rhine Gorge (Switzerland’s Grand Canyon).

• The Experience: Panoramic glass that curves into the roof. For the ultimate luxury in 2026, book Excellence Class, which includes a 5-course meal with wine pairings and a private bar.

• Pro-Tip: Sit on the left side if traveling from Zermatt to St. Moritz for the best views of the Rhine Gorge.

2. The Bernina Express (UNESCO World Heritage)

This 4-hour route from Chur to Tirano (Italy) is arguably the most dramatic. It is the highest railway across the Alps and transitions from massive glaciers to Italian palm trees in a single afternoon.

• The View: The Landwasser Viaduct (the famous curved bridge leading into a tunnel) and the Brusio Spiral Viaduct, where the train loops 360 degrees to manage the steep descent.

• The Experience: High-altitude adventure. You’ll pass the sparkling turquoise Lago Bianco at 2,253 meters above sea level.

• Pro-Tip: If you don’t want to pay the reservation fee for the panorama cars, take the local regional trains on the same tracks. You can open the windows in those for much better photos!

3. The GoldenPass Express

This route connects Montreux (on Lake Geneva) to Interlaken (the heart of the Bernese Oberland). As of 2026, the new trains feature “jumping” bogies that allow them to change track gauges, meaning you no longer have to switch trains.

• The View: A transition from the terraced vineyards of Lavaux to the classic Swiss “chocolate box” landscapes of Gstaad and Lake Thun.

• The Experience: The Belle Époque carriages feel like a 1920s film set, while the modern Prestige Class offers heated leather seats that rotate to face the view.

4. Gotthard Panorama Express

This is a “Boat + Train” combo. You start with a vintage steamboat across Lake Lucerne and then transfer to a panoramic train that travels the historic Gotthard route to Lugano (the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland).

• The View: The legendary “church of Wassen”—you see it three times from different heights as the train spirals through the mountains.

• The Experience: It bridges the gap between the rugged north and the Mediterranean-style south.

🚆 Quick Comparison for your 2026 Trip

💡 Insider Tips for 2026

• The Swiss Travel Pass: If you plan on doing more than two of these, buy the Pass. It covers the ticket price for all these routes (though you still have to pay a separate seat reservation fee for the panoramic cars).

• The “Grand Train Tour” App: Download the official app. It uses GPS to alert you when a “highlight” is coming up so you can get your camera ready.

• Luggage: Don’t drag suitcases through the aisles. Use the SBB Station-to-Station luggage service; they’ll transport your bags to your next hotel for about 12 CHF per bag.