RIGI-KULM RAILWAY

Though a brand new technology of golden colored trains was launched this yr, sacrificing the romance of the previous rattling purple trains, Europe’s oldest mountain railway continues to be a basic that propels you briefly time to elegant 360-degree views over a mosaic of lakes and snow-encrusted Alps. Though removed from the very best alpine vantage level (1797 metres), the surroundings is unbeatable, oxygen ample and you are not confined to a viewing platform, since a 50-kilometre ridge of meadows and forests unfolds to your mountain climbing or sledging pleasure. The road often runs steam locomotives and classic carriages, typically on Wednesdays. See rigi.ch

JUNGFRAU RAILWAY

Photograph: Swiss Journey System

Contemplate a spherical journey from Interlaken by way of Grindelwald for open alpine vistas, then again by way of Lauterbrunnen for a textbook glaciated valley draped in waterfalls. The strains meet at Eiger Glacier Station, from which you are hauled by means of the Eiger’s stomach – although home windows in its north face present icy panoramas on a fast prepare cease. The 3454-metre summit advanced overlooks the Aletsch Glacier, half the Alps and landscapes that stretch to Germany. You’ll be able to lower your journey time on this lengthy journey – two hours every method – by utilizing the spectacular new Eiger Specific cable automotive for a part of the journey. See jungfrau.ch

LUCERNE-INTERLAKEN EXPRESS

Photograph: Ch.Perret

This sedate prepare journey will not take you to dizzying summits, solely throughout the lowly Brunig Go at 1013 metres. However do your self a favour: the nation surroundings is attractive as you roll alongside the shores of Lake Brienz and thru the unique Swiss heartland, previous a sequence of small lakes in inexperienced valleys the place cowbells clank and church spires rise above shingled chalet roofs. With trains operating each hour, you may be tempted to hop off for a brief hike. At Alpnach you possibly can connect with the Mount Pilatus prepare, which ascends on the world’s steepest rack railway line. See zentralbahn.ch

BERNINA EXPRESS

Photograph: Switzerland Tourism

A symphony of snowy surroundings accompanies you on this rail journey between historical city Chur and Alp Grum in Switzerland’s southeast nook. The journey begins with castles, orchards and vineyards however quickly corkscrews over bridges and thru tunnels into the excessive Alps with views of the jagged Bernina Vary. The Montebello Curve means that you can {photograph} the entrance of the prepare in opposition to glaciers and snow peaks earlier than you cross glacial lakes and attain Europe’s highest rail crossing (2253 metres). The railway line’s century-old engineering, which is as spectacular because the landscapes, is World Heritage listed. See rhb.ch

GORNERGRAT RAILWAY

Photograph: Switzerland Tourism

Not lengthy out of Zermatt, cogwheels grind and also you’re pressed in opposition to the again of your seat as this purple prepare clanks previous chalets and cow pastures, then the larch forests that make this journey a color explosion in autumn. Finally the prepare positive aspects sufficient peak to eyeball the snow peaks. The icy hatchet of the Matterhorn instructions consideration, however glaciers and the Monte Rosa massif are magnificent too. Gornergrat (3089 metres) deserves a lingering terrace lunch, though mountain climbing trails meander in all instructions. The railway stays open all winter; ski runs begin at midway station Riffelalp. See gornergrat.ch

GLACIER EXPRESS

Photograph: Switzerland Tourism

This panoramic vacationer prepare runs between stylish resorts Zermatt and St Moritz by way of 29 bridges, 91 tunnels and a vertical geography of valleys, gorges and ice-encased peaks that take eight hours to barter. The primary half, although dramatic, hugs the valley and is out of sight of glaciers; probably the most splendid part begins at Andermatt and gives expansive views of snowfields and mountains. A brief part by means of a gorge that corrals the foaming younger Rhine is wild and exquisite, whereas the Albula Valley sends the tracks into dizzying spirals that cross elegant, vertigo-inducing viaducts. See glacierexpress.ch

Brian Johnston travelled as a visitor of Switzerland Tourism (myswitzerland.com) and Swiss Journey System (swisstravelsystem.com).