Grand Train Tour of Switzerland

The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland combines all the very best train routes in Switzerland. Naturally included, and not to be missed, are the canton of Valais, Zermatt and the world-famous Glacier Express.

From Geneva to the Matterhorn

The journey begins in Geneva travelling towards Martigny – the gate to the alpine passes of the Great St. Bernhard and Forclaz. Martigny is a town with a 2000-year history behind it. The train trip continues through the Rhone Valley to Brig, awarded the ‘Alpine City 2008’ prize. The famous Stockalper Castle lies at the foot of the Simplon Pass and is a hub for many excursions. From Visp or Brig the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway brings its passengers through the snow-covered Nikolai Valley to Zermatt, the village with the most iconic mountain in the world, the Matterhorn.

Excursion tips

Onwards and upwards from Zermatt. If you want to see the Matterhorn from its very best side then a trip with the Gornergrat Railway is the next leg of your journey, from which you will see the Matterhorn and the breath-taking views for the entire 30-minute ride. Gornergrat lies at 3,089 metres above sea level and is the perfect starting point for panoramic excursions and activities. Discover the beauty of the region on a hike or with a mountain bike or just enjoy a great meal with a scenic backdrop. There are various restaurants on the peak or along the routes, which cater to every taste. Don’t forget to take that amazing selfie with the Matterhorn in the background!

Glacier Express

Zermatt is not only famous for its special mountain but is also the starting or finishing point for the equally famous Glacier Express, a panorama train that yearly fascinates thousands of travellers. From the tranquil village in the Matter Valley the train sets off towards the charming region of Goms and then to Andermatt, another mountain resort, located at the foot of the Oberalp Pass. Here the boundaries of the cantons Uri and Graubünden meet. The trip over the pass is surely one of the highlights on the Glacier Express journey. Arriving on the other side the views are equally impressive. Look out for the Benedictine monastery in Disentis, the striking Rhine Gorge, the scattered forts in the Domleschg valley and the Rhaetian Railway’s Albula line, which has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.