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Scenic & Panoramic

Europe's Greatest
Scenic Rail Journeys

These are the routes people travel specifically to ride - not to get somewhere faster. The Glacier Express, the Bernina Express, the Flåmsbana: journeys where the train is the destination, and every kilometre is worth watching.

Journey Summary

FromZermatt (1,604 m)
ToSt. Moritz (1,775 m)
Duration7h 45m
Distance291 km
Highest point2,033 m (Oberalp Pass)
Best seasonJune–October for alpine meadows and clear summit views; December–March for deep snow and frozen landscapes
Peak crowdsJuly & August
2nd class fareFrom CHF 152 (2nd class) + CHF 22 reservation
1st class fareCHF 259 + CHF 22 reservation

Route Highlights

  • 291 bridges and 91 tunnels threading across the Swiss Alps
  • UNESCO-listed Albula/Bernina railway section - a World Heritage route
  • Panoramic dome cars with floor-to-ceiling curved windows throughout
  • Crosses the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 m - the highest point on any regular Swiss rail service
  • Full dining and at-seat meal service available - book in advance in summer
When to Go

June–October for alpine meadows and clear summit views; December–March for deep snow and frozen landscapes

Peak: July & August - book seats 6–8 weeks ahead minimum.

Panoramic reservation fees are mandatory on all scenic services - seats cannot be guaranteed without one.

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Photographer's Seat Guide

The difference between left and right side can be the difference between the iconic shot and a photo of your own reflection.

Zermatt → St. Moritz
Sit: Right side of the train (south-facing)

Right side gets the Matterhorn pyramid as you pull out of Zermatt - on a clear morning it fills the window. Between Visp and Brig, right side holds the upper Rhône valley. Through the Furka and Oberalp climbs, right side faces south into the high-alpine Tavetsch valley. Approaching Disentis the Benedictine monastery appears above - right side again. The descent into Chur is best from either side.

St. Moritz → Zermatt
Sit: Left side of the train (south-facing on return)

Left side leaving St. Moritz has the frozen Engadine lakes in winter and the Inn Valley in summer. Through the Albula section, left side catches the famous spiral viaducts at Brusio from above - have the camera ready as the train loops around itself. Descending into the Anterior Rhine valley, left side frames the Ruinaulta canyon (the "Swiss Grand Canyon"). Arriving at Zermatt from this direction, left side delivers the Matterhorn at close range.

Insider Tips

  • Book the Excellence Class dome car 3–6 months ahead for July and August - these sell out entirely
  • The mandatory reservation fee (CHF 22) cannot be skipped even with a Swiss Travel Pass or Eurail Pass
  • Morning departures from Zermatt (around 08:52) get raking golden light on the eastern rock faces
  • The train halts briefly at the Landwasser Viaduct - it does not stop, but it slows significantly
  • Bring layers: the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 m is cold even in July, and panoramic cars are air-conditioned

Read the full route guides

Glacier ExpressBernina ExpressFlåm RailwayBergen LineRauma RailwayMunich → VeniceSeat reservationsRail passes
🇨🇭 Switzerland🇮🇹 Italy🇳🇴 Norway
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Panoramic reservation fees are mandatory on all scenic services and cannot be skipped with a rail pass. Book early - panoramic cars sell out months ahead in summer.