Swiss Alps Panorama by Rail

Package overview

This is the trip for travellers who would rather watch the scenery than drive it. Trains and cable cars cover every leg, so the itinerary is comfortable for all ages.

Sample bases are Interlaken or Grindelwald in the Bernese Oberland and Zermatt below the Matterhorn, with a city night in Lucerne at the start or end.

A summer version of this plan adds hiking and boat trips; a winter version swaps them for snow sports and Christmas markets.

Trip highlights

• Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe by cogwheel railway
• Matterhorn viewpoints at Zermatt
• Panoramic rail rides through alpine passes
• Lake Lucerne or Lake Brienz boat trip
• Car-free villages and mountain funiculars

Sample day-by-day itinerary

The order of visits can change depending on weather, opening hours and traffic.

1. Day 1

   Kuala Lumpur – Zurich – Lucerne

   • Arrive in Zurich and take the train to Lucerne (sample routing).
   • Short orientation walk along the lake and the Chapel Bridge.
2. Day 2

   Lucerne – Interlaken

   • Morning in the old town, then a panoramic train to Interlaken.
   • Afternoon free by Lake Brienz or Lake Thun.
3. Day 3

   Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

   • Cogwheel railway journey via Kleine Scheidegg, with time at the glacier viewpoint.
   • Optional ice palace visit and the Lindt chocolate experience.
   • Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
4. Day 4

   Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen valleys

   • Cable car to Grindelwald First for viewpoint walks (weather permitting).
   • Afternoon in Lauterbrunnen for the waterfall valley and cliff-side village.
5. Day 5

   Interlaken – Zermatt

   • Scenic train journey through the Lötschberg route to the car-free village of Zermatt.
   • Evening free on the main street with Matterhorn views at the end of the road.
6. Day 6

   Gornergrat and Matterhorn

   • Cogwheel train to Gornergrat for the classic Matterhorn panorama.
   • Optional glacier paradise cable car or a gentle valley walk.
7. Day 7

   Zermatt – Zurich

   • Train back to Zurich for the final night.
   • Free time for shopping in the old town before departure.
8. Day 8

   Zurich – Kuala Lumpur

   • Transfer to the airport by train for the flight home.

What is included and not included

Departure dates

Sample dates These dates are illustrative examples only. Real departure dates must be confirmed with the airline and hotel at the time of enquiry.

• Sample: 08 – 15 Jun 2027 Summer hiking season in the sample plan
• Sample: 06 – 13 Sep 2027 Illustrative date only
• Sample: 06 – 13 Dec 2027 Winter version of the sample plan

Important travel notes

• Mountain weather changes quickly; layers, a waterproof jacket and proper shoes are essential.
• Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc, which is not always the same as euro pricing in neighbouring countries.
• Some mountain railways operate maintenance closures in specific weeks – dates must be checked before travel.
• Passport, visa and travel insurance requirements are the traveller's responsibility and must be verified with the relevant official authority.