Why Switzerland Is a Train Lover’s Dream

Laura Badertscher • July 19, 2024

Discover why Switzerland’s legendary rail tours are engineering marvels.

For anyone fascinated by railways, engineering, and stunning landscapes viewed from the comfort of a train window, Switzerland is the ultimate destination. It’s a country where the train isn’t just a way to get around, it’s a cultural experience, a marvel of design, and a front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.


Here’s why Switzerland belongs on every rail lover’s bucket list.

 

A World-Class Rail Network

Switzerland’s train network is not only efficient, it’s expansive, punctual, and integrated with trams, buses, boats, and even mountain cableways. The trains reach nearly every corner of the country, from remote alpine villages to urban centers, making them the most accessible and reliable way to travel.


Whether you’re planning short regional hops or all-day panoramic journeys, the network is designed for smooth, scenic, and often spectacular travel.

 

Technical Marvels

Switzerland is a land of tunnels, viaducts, cogwheels, and funiculars. For enthusiasts interested in rail construction and infrastructure, it’s a masterclass in engineering:


  • Landwasser Viaduct, A curved limestone bridge plunging into a tunnel in the side of a cliff (Bernina line)


  • Oberalp Pass, The highest point on the Glacier Express route, often snow-covered well into spring


  • Spiral Tunnels of the Albula Line, Genius-level rail design that allows trains to gain elevation gradually


  • Pilatus Cogwheel Railway , The steepest cogwheel train in the world, climbing up to 48% gradients from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm with spectacular views over Lake Lucerne


  • Jungfrau Railway, Europe’s highest railway station at 3,454 meters, reached via cogwheel train


Many of these marvels can be viewed up close, photographed, or even walked beneath via nearby trails.

 

Train Culture Is Everywhere

Switzerland is one of the few countries where train travel is not only common, it’s celebrated. Stations are clean, well-equipped, and often historically preserved. SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) is a national pride, and model train shops, transport museums, and rail cafes are easy to find.


You can even explore:


  • Heritage steam trains that run on select weekends


  • Private railway lines with retro rolling stock and first-class dining

 

Unmatched Scenery at Every Turn

Even the most scenic routes in other countries can’t quite compete with what Switzerland offers in a single afternoon: alpine peaks, deep valleys, glacial rivers, cliffside villages, medieval towns, and glittering lakes.


And the best part? Much of it is visible from your window, so you can relax and enjoy the scenery as it passes by.

 

Travel Your Way

At Hello Switzerland Tours, we specialize in curated rail-based experiences for travelers who want more than just a seat on a famous train.


Whether you’re looking to explore the most iconic routes or hidden regional gems, we offer:



  • Flexible itineraries with time for photography, walking, and meals


  • Expert local commentary


  • No group crowds, no rigid schedules


Let us plan the route so you can sit back and enjoy the ride.

 

Ready to board? Explore Switzerland like a true rail enthusiast, with the comfort, insight, and freedom you won’t get from a mass-market tour.


Ready to tour Switzerland?

Negative Reviews for the Glacier Express
By Laura Badertscher July 4, 2025
The Glacier Express is crowded, overpriced, and inflexible. Discover a better, more authentic way to travel the Glacier Express route.
Gondola from Mount Pilatus summit to Lucerne
July 4, 2025
Plan a perfect day trip from Zurich to Lucerne and Mount Pilatus, including routes, costs, tips, and guided tour options.
photo taken from the window of a red train traveling through a green landscape in Switzerland
By Laura Badertscher October 22, 2024
Travel sustainably in Switzerland. Discover how slow, scenic train travel, authentic villages, and local food make for a better Swiss vacation.