© Switzerland Tourism / André Meier

Swiss views

Viewing the corkscrew Brusio Viaduct from above as the Bernina Express spirals round

1. Matterhorn

The Gornergrat mountain train climbs up a gentle slope with the pyramidal Matterhorn in the background
© Gornergrat Bahn, 2017

This iconic Swiss mountain inspired the design for Toblerone and is instantly recognisable with its pyramidal peak. Views are almost ubiquitous from the tranquil town of Zermatt, but the best place to see the Matterhorn is from the charming Gornergrat Mountain Railway.

View the Matterhorn from Zermatt and the Gornergrat Railway on the First-Class Glacier Express, Zermatt and Matterhorn, or visit Zermatt on the Traditional Glacier Express.

2. Palü Glacier

A winding valley leads from a distant glacier, past steep slopes and to a turquoise lake in the foreground

Sprawling between rocky peaks near the border with Italy, the ethereal Palü Glacier comes into full view from Alp Grüm station on the route of the Bernina Express. The best view is from the platform and many trains pause at this remote alpine station so passengers can savour the glacier’s magical beauty.

See the Palü Glacier on the Classic Glacier Express or enjoy the view with a glass of chilled prosecco on the First-Class Glacier Express, Zermatt and Matterhorn.

3. Top of Europe/Sphinx

The Aletsch Glacier is covered with snow as it winds through a gentle valley on the top of the Jungfrau mountain
© Jungfraubahnen 2019

A mind-blowing panorama of permanently snowy peaks and the spectacular winding Aletsch Glacier – the longest in the Alps – greet you from the viewing platforms at the ‘Top of Europe’ and Sphinx Observatory, reached by travelling to Europe’s highest station on the Jungfrau Express.

Visit the ‘Top of Europe’ on the Jungfrau Express Five-Star All Inclusive.

4. Lake Brienz

Viewed from the top fo the Brienz-Rothorn railway, a turquoise lake gently curves below numerous mountain peaks
© Switzerland Tourism

Glistening a beautiful turquoise, Lake Brienz nestles between spectacular mountains that rise directly from its shore. The charming Brienz-Rothorn Mountain Railway provides incredible views from on high, which the Grandhotel Giessbach is accessed by a cruise across this emerald lake.

Enjoy views of Lake Brienz on the Jungfrau Express Five-Star All Inclusive and Mountaintops of Switzerland.

5. Lake Geneva

A snow-capped ridge appears in the hazy distance behind a brilliant blue lake shimmering in the sun

Western Europe’s largest lake is bordered on its southern edge by imposing French Alps, and chic Montreux is perfectly positioned to soak up the crystalline beauty of the lake. Riding the GoldenPass into the hills above Montreux offers even better views.

Savour views of Lake Geneva on the GoldenPass. (no link yet)

6. Pilatus Kulm

The sun shines above the horizon and on the Pilatus Kulm hotel, nestled at the top of a mountain with views over the lakes
© PILATUS-BAHNEN AG

A spectacular hotel wedged between the summits of majestic peaks lends itself perfectly to panoramic views of lakes and mountains as far as the eye can see. Due to its position at more than 6,500 feet, it is also one of the best places to see sunrises and sunsets in Switzerland.

Stay at Pilatus Kulm on the Mountaintops of Switzerland.

7. North face of the Eiger

The imposing rocky north face of the Eiger dominates the landscape of alpine meadows after leaving Grindelwald
© Switzerland Tourism/Stefan Schlumpf

The charming valley town of Kleine Scheidegg is used as a base to explore the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains. From here, it is possible to take the Jungfrau Express to the highest station in Europe, enjoying views of the north face of the Eiger on the way.

View the north face of the Eiger on the Jungfrau Express Five-Star All Inclusive, or take a gondola on the GoldenPass Express.

(no link yet)

People walk on a skyway that juts over the edge of a mountain near Harder Kulm, with views of snow-capped peaks behind them

8. Harder Kulm

© Jungfraubahnen 2019

Rising high above Interlaken and accessed by a funicular, this spectacular mountain offers panoramic views of the city and lakes Thun and Brienz. For the brave, there is also the Two Lakes Bridge, a viewing platform that juts out into the air.

Take a trip to Harder Kulm on the Jungfrau Express Five-Star All Inclusive and the Grand Alpine Explorer.

9. Brusio Viaduct

Viewing the corkscrew Brusio Viaduct from above as the Bernina Express spirals round
© Switzerland Tourism / André Meier

Swiss ingenuity at its finest, this corkscrew bridge serves to transport the Bernina Express from the mountainside to the valley floor, spiralling a full 360° in 360 feet. This incredible route is best experienced first-hand onboard the train.

See the Brusio Viaduct on the First-Class Glacier Express, Zermatt and Matterhorn and the Glacier Express All Inclusive.

10. Oberalp Pass

The wide and majestic Oberalp Pass as a road and railway winds through the immense alpine valley
© Switzerland Tourism / Robert Boesch

The highest part of the Glacier Express route, the Oberalp Pass rises to more than 6,700 feet above sea level. Passing countless remote mountain huts and secluded villages, mile after mile of stunning mountain scenery greets you from your panoramic carriages.

Travel the Oberalp Pass on the First-Class Glacier Express, Zermatt and Matterhorn and the Glacier Express All Inclusive.

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