Whenever a train passes, I'm reminded of when-and where-I first fell in love with rail travel: Switzerland, 1992, on a solo trip between Rome, Italy, and Interlaken, Switzerland.
It started with a second-class overnight journey from Roma Termini to Interlaken via Spiez. I was headed north, chasing snow and the thrill of snowboarding in the Swiss Alps. The train carved out of the Eternal City as dusk gave way to the deep darkness of night, and somewhere before dawn, something changed. I'll never forget the moment the train shot out of a pitch-black tunnel and into a snow-covered mountain scene, with a chalet-dotted valley below. The winter whites of the Alps caught the morning light, and in that instant, I was captivated-filled with excitement and nervous energy.
That was the first time I felt what overland rail travel can do: bring a new perspective, connect you to place, and etch moments into memory. And to this day, I wonder-if my first rail journey hadn't been through Switzerland, would the story have unfolded the same way?
I still remember that trip like it was yesterday. I changed trains in Spiez, continued to Interlaken, and the next morning boarded another train to Grindelwald. From there, I caught a cogwheel train up to Kleine Scheidegg for a full day of snowboarding in the shadow of the Eiger. Every connection was flawless-on the way there and all the way back to Rome.
If you're thinking about taking your first international rail journey, here are three reasons why I'd make the case for Switzerland:
1. Trains Are Part of Swiss DNA
Switzerland doesn't just have a rail system-it has a national appreciation and passion for precision, connection, and reliability. Trains aren't just transportation here; they're a way of life. Locals commute by train, families ride them daily, and visitors marvel at how punctual, clean, and seamlessly integrated everything is-from local lines to long-distance routes and mountain trams. The Swiss rail and public transportation network is so ingrained in daily life, it makes travel less stressful and a lot more enjoyable.
You're not just using trains to get from one place to another-you're experiencing a culture that values engineering, accessibility, and simplicity. The Swiss Travel Pass makes navigating the entire country incredibly easy, and you'll often find yourself transferring between trains, buses, boats, and even gondolas-all on a single ticket. It's transportation as an art form, and when done right, it allows for some fantastic, spontaneous improvisation.
2. All Routes Are Scenic-Not Just the "Scenic" Ones
Everyone's heard of Switzerland's famous panoramic trains-the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and GoldenPass Line. And yes, they're spectacular. But in Switzerland, it's hard to find a rail journey that isn't breathtaking.
Whether you're winding past lakes on the way to Lucerne, climbing to alpine villages near Zermatt, or following valley floors through the Bernese Oberland, it's virtually impossible not to gaze out the window for fear of missing something spectacular. Even commuter trains offer scenery that rivals postcards. Snow-capped peaks, wonderfully green meadows, waterfalls, and wooden chalets-it's all there, right outside your window.
The rail network doesn't just connect cities; it carries you deep into the heart of the Alps, to places that feel remote and magical, yet are effortlessly accessible.
3. The Swiss People Make It Better
For all the talk of scenery and schedules, what I remember most from that first trip-and every trip since-is how kind and helpful the Swiss people are. Language is rarely a barrier, especially today, as most speak excellent English, and there's a genuine sense of hospitality that doesn't feel forced.
Train conductors, café owners, hotel staff-everyone I encountered was welcoming, professional, and proud of the country they call home. They make navigating the system feel less like a task and more like being part of something.
That sense of calm, of things working as they should-it sets the tone for your whole trip. It's part of what makes Switzerland such a confidence-building first destination.
Final Thoughts
Your first train trip leaves a mark. It shapes the way you see the world, how you travel, and what you seek from a journey. For me, that moment in 1992-riding into the Alps with snow on the ground and the unique sound only a train can make-was the beginning of a lifelong love affair with rail travel.
