Lotschberg
Line and Centovalli Train :
The Lotschberg Line and Centovalli Train offer the shortest connection and the
route with the best views between Bern and the Lake Maggiore.This route also
connects the UNESCO world Heritage site Bern and the Jungfrau - Aletsch - Bietschhorn
, the alpine world's first world heritage landscape. The journey from north
to south offers a wonderful view o the Rhone Valley as one descends the southern
ramp towards Brig and then enters the Simplon Tunnel on the way to Italy.
On the ride between Domodossola and Locarno with the Centovalli Train you
can see gushing waterfalls, tidy vineyards, chestnut forests and villages
that time forgot roll by your window.
You will however need valid documents to enter Italy.
Regio Express Bern - Emmental - Entlebuch - Lucerne
The BLS Regio Express will bring you to one of Switzerland's most original
areas. It connects some of Switzerland's best with some of its least known
attractions and is a natural connector between the UNESCO World Heritage
site Bern and the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch.enjoy the most unforgettable
landscapes on this 80minutes ride with its unique nature and culture that
harks back to another time.
The
regions Emmental and Entlebuch are considered touristic Switzerland's
best-kept secrets. The Emmental, best known for its large holed cheese is
nestled between the prealpine and the Jura and is accessible by Regio
Express via Konolfingen and Langnau.But the region has much more to offer
than cheese: gastronomy with gusto, interesting hikes and natural
experiences, as well as lovely traditional architecture.
The Entlebuch was named as Switzerland's first UNESCO Biosphere reserve. It
is best known for its swamps, its intact Fauna and flora and its Touristic
offers, for instance the idyllic nature Kneipp park << Schwandelalp >>,
which was awarded special recognition by Switzerland Tourism. The region is
accessible by Postbus, which departs Schupfheim on an hourly basis.
The BLS Regio Express runs on an hourly basis between 6am and 10 pm in both
directions.
San Bernardino Route Express :
A historical excursions where you see castles, manors and ruins as you pass
through the impressive Viamala and Rofla Gorges.Crossing elegant bridges,
the Postbus brings you from Chur to Bellinzona. On the way you will see
traces of tribes and civilizations of yore, such as the Allemans, the
Romans, the Walser and the Lombards. Along the way you will see a variety of
languages, architectural styles and cultural customs .all in the smallest of
space. The historical village of Spluegen was once an important trading post
between the Spluegen and the San Bernardino Pass. These days the Postbus
simply drives through the 4.2 mile long San Bernardino tunnel, an
engineering feat that has allowed the area to be open all year round. Once
in Bellinzona, you will see the three castles that mark the city, and has
been declared cultural heritage by UNESCO.
The San Bernardino express runs all year long, six times per day in each
direction. Travel time aprox 21/2 hrs.
Engadine - Meran Route Express :
A picturesque drive by Postbus from Engadine Valley through the untouched
Swiss National Park and the dreamy Munster Valley to Mals (Italy). Shortly
after Zernez, the Postbus will start climbing the longish Ofen Pass (6762
ft. a.s.l) from where you have a marvelous view onto the Munster Valley and
the Vinschgau.
In the south west you will spy the grandiose Ortler Massive, a mountain
group dominated by eternal snow. The drive continues through charming
villages until you reach the frontier village Mustair, wih is world famous
cloister, a further UNESCO world heritage site. Cross the Swiss- Italian
border between Mustair and Taufers.Then the Postbus drives through medieval
Glurns, only to arrive in Mals a few minutes later.From here change over to
the Vinschgauer railway which will bring you to Meran in an hours time.
Ticino Route Express :
On This route you see some of the highest Alpine passes Switzerland has to
offer. Depart Oberwald and continue over the Nufenen Pass (8177 ft a.s.l)
until you come to Airolo.From the pass you will be able to enjoy a unique
Alpine Panorama.
Then the bus takes you over serpentine roads over the Gotthard Pass (6956
ft a.s.l). From here the drive continues to Hospental and the Urseren Valley
to Andermatt , an old stagecoach stop.From Andermatt here is a possibility
to connect to the Romantic route Express.
The Ticino route runs from June 24 to Oct1,once a day from Andermatt and
twice a day from Oberwald.Travel time approx.4 hrs.
Romantic route express :
Leave the Reuss valley and climb breathtaking mountain roads till the
Postbus reaches the Furka Pass (8022 ft. a.s.l) before coming down into
Gletsch on the other side. Steep switchbacks brings the bus to the Grimsel
Pass (7140 ft. a.s.l)
Then swoops by a deep blue manmade lake and on through the Hasli Valley to
Meiringen ,where the world famous meringues,this airy confection of sugar
and egg whitea,were invented.Cool glacier contrasts the meadows exploding
with colours,all sety to the sound of cowbell clanging .Then it is on
through the romantic Reichenbach Valley and over the Grosse
Scheidegg.Eventually the bus reaches Grindelwald,the Alpine village of world
renown. Here enjoy the views of the Eiger north face,as well as other
imposing mountain peaks that surrounds the charming village.
The romantic route runs once per day from june 24 to October 1 in both
directions;from Andermatt via Furka and Grimsel Pass ,from Grindelwald via
Susten Pass.Travel time aprox 7 hrs,
Boats on Lake Lucerne :
Routes:
· Lucerne - Weggis - Vitznau - Beckendried - Brunnen - Fluelen
· Lucerne - Kehrsiten - Stansstad - Alpnachstad
· Lucerne - Kussnacht am Rigi
The flotilla on lake Lucerne consists of five nostalgic lake steamers and
15 elegant salon motorboats. Together, these twenty boats ply the lake on
various routes that add up to 24 miles. Along the way passenger will be able
to admire nature at its best: gently Rolling Meadows, idyllic bays, dramatic
fjords, and near- vertical cliffs.
Add to this natural spectacle some of Switzerland's most significant
historical Landmarks: see the Ruetli Meadows, where the Swiss Confederation
was founded in 1291,William Tell's Chapel, and the Schiller Rock.
The boat runs daily and year round. They connect famous resorts to hiking
trails and cable car stations. An excellent excursion departing from
Alpnachstad is by world's steepest cogwheel train to Mt.Pilatus.In Lucerne,
Brunnen, Fluelen and Alpnachstad; passengers have the option to connect to
international train routes. Apart from the Wilhelm Tell Express, various
other arrangements that are offered are - The Lunch Boat, the Cake Boat, sun
down cruise, Fondue Boat, the Indian Buffet, the Sushi Boat and the Jazz
cruise on the steamer, as well as many more special offers of musical and
culinary sort. All boats provide excellent cuisines.
Boats
on Lake Geneva :
Route
· Geneva - Lausanne/Evian - Vevey - Montreux - St.Gingolph
It has been 130 years since the Belle Époque lake steamers ply the
water of Central Europe's largest lake, criss - crossing the lake to connect
Swiss villages and towns to French destinations, such as Geneva to Montreux
via Lausanne and Evian (France).Whether the lake is shrouded in early
morning mists or a blood- red sunset on the mountains , the on-board
restaurant is always good for a delicious treat.
You can scan the shores for the famous sights seen from an unfamiliar
prespective,such as the various castles grand and small (like Castle Chillon
in Montreux).The boat calls on places that are gateways to other exciting
adventures,such as taking the cogwheel train to the Rochers-de-Naye or Les
Pleiades, or theSwiss chocolate train going to Gruyeres and Broc.The boat
runs frequently in summers while in winters the schedule is reduced.
Boats on Lakes Thun and Brienz :
Routes
· Thun - Interlaken West
· Interlaken East - Brienz
The lakes Thun and Brienz are home for a fleet of 15 boats, of which two
boats are paddle steamers.The lakes are surrounded by imposing mountains
makes it a sight to behold in any weather.The shore of lake Thun are
exceptionally attractive and dotted with castles, churches , picturesque
parks and natural reserves.Gentle slopes and snow covered caps make for a
picture perfect backdrop .Lake Brienz have a very special color and dreamy
vistas of wild country side and dense pine tree forests and cozy villages.
Lake Thun Season 2006
Summer: June 4 - Sept 10,2006
Hourly connection between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Spring and autumn: April 2 - June 3 and Sept 11- Oct 5,2006:
2 -4 connections daily
Lake Brienz season 2006
Summer : June 4- Sept 10,2006
Hourly connection between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Spring and autumn :April 2 - June 3 and sept 11- Oct 5,2006
2-4 connections daily.
Boat cruises on Lake Biel, the River Aare, and Three - Lakes :
Routes
· Lake Biel cruise :Biel - Erlach - Biel
· River Aare cruise : Biel - Solothurn or viceversa
· Three- Lakes cruise : Biel - Erlach - Murten or viceversa
The lake Biel fleet has 9 boats, including the MobiCat, the world's largest
solar catamaran. This unusual boat operates purely on solar energy, offers a
brunch cruise every Sunday in summers and can even be rented for private
events.Lake Biel is ringed by romantic Vineyards that offers some of
Switzerland's loveliest hikes.Or you can enjoy the St.Peter's Island.Stop in
Ligerz and visit the Vintner's Museum or take the Vinifuni to Preles ,from
where you can enjoy a breathtaking view.
One of the prettiest river cruises is between Solothurn and Biel on the
Aare.Here one get to see the Altreu with its imposing stork colony and
Buren, a charming medieval
Village with a beautifully crafted wooden covered bridge.
The three lake cruise (Lake Biel - Lake Neuchatel - Lake Murten)takes in
the vineyards of Lake Biel ,the romantic St.Peter's Island,the Zihl and
Broye Canal and finally winds up in medieval Murten.
Railways of the Jungfrau region :
Routes
· Interlaken East - Lauterbrunnen / Grindelwald - Kleine Scheidegg -
Jungfraujoch
· Lauterbrunnen - Muerren - Schilthorn
· Wilderswil - Schynige Platte
· Grindelwald - First
Jungfraujoch -Top of Europe
At 11698ft a.s.l.,the Jungfrau is arguably the highest train station in all
of Europe.Snow and ice are guaranteed but so is a good time: The Sphinx
Terrace with its fantastic view onto the Aletsch Glacier,the Ice Palace and
the walking plateau for walks in eternal snow are attractions that are open
all year round.
Kleine Scheidegg - Eiger North face
At the foot of the Eiger,Monch and Jungfrau mountains with a top- tier view
of the Eiger North face, the Kleine Scheidegg is the meeting point for all
the mountain climbers and Hikers.
Schynige Platte - Paradise of Nature
The Schynige Platte is a classic among alpine excursions. With its
nostalgic cogwheel train, interesting and well-groomed hiking trails and a
botanical alpine garden, it offers something or everybody.
Grindelwald - First
A brief 20 minutes cable car brings passengers from Grindelwald to the
First. From here, you can admire the alpine peaks and set out on hikes on
the 60- miles- long trail network.
Schilthorn - Piz Gloria
Appreciate the full beauty of the Swiss Alps from the 10000ft. high summit
of Schilthorn.A 20minutes cable car ride from Muerren.Just sit back and
relax comfortably in the revolving restaurant ,and watch more than 200
mountain peaks pass by as you enjoy a coffee or a meal.
Swiss Pass,Swiss Flexi Pass and Swiss Youth Pass holders :ride free till
Grindelwald ,wengen and Muerren.from there enjoy a 50% discount up to
Jungfrau,the Schynige Platte,Schlithorn and to the First.
Swiss card holders :enjoy a 50% discount on all the routes of Railways and
cablecars of the Jungfrau region.
Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn :
Route
· Goschenen/ Disentis - Andermatt - Oberwald - Brig - Zermatt
(Gornergrat)
From Goschenen (connected from Zurich / Lucerne /Milan) the trip leads
through the wild Schollenen gorge upto Andermatt.Or start at Disentis, an
alpine town dominated by one of the most beautiful baroque churches north of
Alps. The trip leads through the Tujetsch (headwater region of the Rhine) to
the Oberalp pass (6708 ft.a.s.l.), the highest point of the trip. The train
then skirts along the Oberalp Lake and descends in several wide curves
towards Andermatt.
From Andermatt on the level ground through the Urseren valley to Realp and
from there through the 10-mile -long Furka tunnel to the sunny and lovely
Goms (Headwater of the Rhone), the wide, high valley with its sun tanned
villages typical for the Valais.
From Brig, the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn brings you to Zermatt,the car free
village of Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn.The journey leads through a
wildly romantic valleys offering an outlook upto numerous mountain peaks and
glaciers.Shortly before Zermatt,the Matterhorn comes into view and enthralls
you with its splendor.
Engadine Star :
Route
·Landquart - Klosters- Zernez - St.Moritz
Enjoy the wonderful panorama from the comfort of your seats on this two
hours train ride. Start -off in Landquart, climb the steep ascent to
Klosters, pass through the Vereina tunnel, the worlds longest meter-gauge
tunnel, to Zernez and St.Moritz, up there activities are manifold: Hike in
the Swiss National Park. Where you can view pristine flora and fauna up
close, take a stroll around Lake St.Moritz, through the Staz Forest or climb
up to the local Segantini Museum, dedicated to the artist whose paintings
captures the area so well.St.Moritz offers plenty to do and the Engadine
Star gives you 6 hours of time in case you want to take the same train back
on the same day.
Aqualino :
Route
·Landquart - Klosters - Scuol - Tarasp
The scenic train Aqualino brings closer one of Switzerland's most beautiful
areas. The train cuts through charming Prattigua and then rushes through the
12-miles -long tunnel just after Klosters.After a good 20minutes, the
Aqualino arrives in the Sun-flooded Engadine and turns left. The village of
Scuol sports many houses covered in the traditional art form of Sgraffito, a
two toned plaster with one scratched away to reveal a pattern. Here,
Romantsch, Switzerland's fourth official language is spoken. He fountains
spout the local mineral water, making the into popular gathering places.The
mineral Spas at Scuol are also famous.A special attraction close by is the
Swiss National Park.
Swiss Chocolate Train :
Route
·Montreux - Gruyeres - Broc and back
The Swiss Chocolate train is a joint venture of Golden Pass services and
Cailler- Nestle. Ride in first - class comfort in a <> Pullmancar,
vintage 1915 and /or the modern panorama car offering the stunning views of
the vineyards surrounding Montreux and medieval Gruyeres. Depart Montreux on
the Swiss Riviera, ascend to Gruyeres, home of the famous Gruyeres cheese,
and eventually continue up to Broc, where the chocolate factory is situated.
The supplement to 1st class pass is available for approx USD 27 and
includes:
-Seat Reservation on the train
-Coffee and croissants on the train
-Bus from and to Gruyeres train station
-Visit to castle of Gruyeres
-Visit to cheese factory in Gruyeres
-Film presentation, factory visit and chocolate sampling in the Nestle
Chocolate factory.
Jura Railways :
Route
·La Chaux -de - Fonds --- Le Noirmont - Glovelier / Tavannes
Discover Off-the - Beaten track Switzerland with its undulating hills
dotted with horse farms. This is watch country! And so its only benefiting
that La Chaux-de-Fonds has one of the world's most eminent watch museums.
From there chug through the beautiful country side to the charming and
untouched villages of Le Noirmont and Glovelier/Tavannes.From Glovelier,
there is a lovely and well posted 4-hours hike to St.Ursanne.Recently, some
remnants of Roman road and a roman tunnel were found near Tavannes, also a
good departure point for interesting hikes. There are also train connections
to the rest of the Swiss travel System in La Chaux de fonds; Glovieler and
Tavannes.The Jura railway train runs on an hourly basis.
Trains in the Chablais Region :
Routes :
· Aigle - Leysin
· Aigle - Les Diablerets
· Aigle - Ollon - Monthey - Champery /Morgins
· Bex - Villars (- Bretaye)
Aigle - Leysin
A 30 minutes cogwheel train connects Aigle, home to an impressive wine
museum, to Leysin ,also known as the sun terrace of the area.The view from
here are spectacular and well worth a trip.
Aigle - Sepey - Les Diablerets
A 45minutes train ride connects Aigle to Les Diablerets, gateaway to the
Les Diablerets Glacier where eternal snow reigns. On the way, cross the wild
and romantic valley of Les Ormonts.
Aigle - Ollon - Monthey - Champery / Morgins
Depart Aigle and ride through the Val d'Illiez to Champery in the Portes de
Soleil area. In winters Champery is a skier's Mecca, and in summers a hiking
paradise. The train also stops in Troistorrents, from where a bus leaves for
Morgins,another resort in that area.
Bex - Villars (- Bretaye)
The red train of the Bex- Villars Railways connects Bex to the
sophisticated resort of Villars ,a resort with 75miles of ski slopes and
about 190miles of hiking trails.From Villars you can also take a cogwheel
train to the Col-de-Bretaye at 7620 ft.a.s.l. (50% discount with Swiss
Pass,Swiss Flexi Pass,Swiss Youth Pass and Swiss Card.
All trains runs at Hourly intervals.
Train in the Swiss Riviera Region :
Routes
· Montreux - Caux - Rochers-de-Naye
· Vevey - Blonay - Les Pleiades
· Vevey - Mont-Pelerin
Discover the Swiss Riviera by cogwheel train and funicular from Montreux to
Vevey.
Rochers-de-Naye (Marmot's Paradise)
High above the Lake Geneva lies Rochers-de-Naye, offering visitors
breathtaking views of the lake and the French Alps. Discover marmots from
all over the world in the didactic center.
Les Pleiades
A cogwheel train leaves Vevey and brings visitors to Les Pleiades, a
vantage point offering many lovely hikes and an open-air exhibit depicting
the cosmos (Astro- Pleiades). Here you can learn all about planets and the
Galaxy.
Mont-Pelerin
Discover the vineyards of the Lake Geneva Region on the ride that connects
Vevey and Mont-Pelerin, a plateau high above the city with a wonderful view.
Appenzell Railways :
Routes
· St.Gallen - Gais - Appenzell
· Gossau - Herisau - Urnasch - Appenzell - Wasserauen
· Altstatten Stadt - Gais
The Appenzell Railways connect the main towns of this charming area ,such
as St.Gallen with its Abbey Library,Appenzell with its Tudor-style houses,
more than a thousand -years-old Herisau and Gossau ,dominated by the 13th
century castle Oberberg.Discover unspoilt country side dotted with
impressive farms and compact towns on the round trip with the Appenzell
Railways. Whether you come for the wonderful hiking or for a mountain
excursion, this area has something to offer for everyone, the area has
something to offer for everyone.An excursion to Mount Santis or to the other
mountains(Hoher Kasten,Kronberg or Ebenalp .Discount on all aerial cable
cars with Swiss pass, Swiss Youth pass, Swiss flexi pass and Swiss card.
Trains minimally runs on an hourly basis ,and some such as the St.Gallen -
Appenzell runs every half hour.The St.Gallen -Gais and the Gais-Altstatten
Stadt routes since they are connected by7 cogwheel train with an impressive
gradient(160% 0)
Zentralbahn :
Routes
· Lucerne -Stans -Engelberg (-Titlis)
· Lucerne - Sarnen - Brunig - Meiringen - Interlaken East
The Zentralbahn connects Lucerne to Interlaken east via the picturesque
Brunig Pass and to Engelberg.Depart from sophisticated Lucerne and discover
the wonder world of rugged mountains and crystal blue lakes.In an hour you
will be in the baroque cloister of Engelberg,now also the home of the modern
and appetizing cheese factory where they make the popular bell shaped
cheese.The trip through many charming villages and unique vista points.
The trains of Zentralbahn runs hourly between 8a.m. and 9p.m.,from Lucerne
to Stans and Giswil even at an interval of half hour.
MOUNTAIN
- TOP TRAINS AND CABLE CARS :
The Swiss Pass,Swiss youth Pass,Swiss Flexi Pass as well as the Swiss Card
are considered like a half fare card.Any of these can get you a 50% discount
on all mountain top trains and aeriel cable cars.
RAILAWAY - EXCURSION IDEAS :
A Swiss travel system ticket also gets you up to 30% discount on many
leisure activities offered by RailAway.
THE FURKA STEAM TRAIN :
A real steam train pulls the nostalgic train composition from Realp (4686
ft. a.s.l.) to Furka (7128 ft.a.s.l.).Here a Postbus connects you to either
Meiringen or Oberwald, holders of Swiss travel system tickets obtain a 20%
discount.
