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Interlaken & the Jungfrau Express at Christmas

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20252026
6 days From $2,695 $2,495 per person
4.6 stars(5 reviews)
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Experience sensational views and snow-capped peaks on a Christmas journey to the "Top of Europe," traveling on the Jungfrau Express to the continent’s highest station

Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
Save up to $500

Early Booking Offer: Save up to $500 per person on 2025 & 2026 Winter Vacations. Ends May 16th.

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Mobility Rating 2

2025 Tour code: LNX26

About the tour

Celebrate Christmas in the idyllic Bernese Oberland, staying in the resort of Interlaken, surrounded by panoramic views, sparkling lakes and snow-capped peaks.

Journey on the Jungfrau Railway to the highest train station in Europe, experiencing jaw-dropping views across the vast Aletsch Glacier. Cross the snowy Brünig Pass to lakeside Lucerne, the "City of Lights," all lit up in its winter finery, and then spend Christmas Day in the quaint alpine village of Grindelwald, ascending the summit of Grindelwald First mountain by cable car before a traditional Christmas dinner in Interlaken.

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Unforgettable Experiences

Admire spectacular views from the ‘Top of Europe’
Admire spectacular views from the ‘Top of Europe’
On a trip to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe, experience magnificent views of the snow-frosted Mönch and Eiger peaks and the Aletsch Glacier, which stretches as far as the eye can see.
Discover enchanting Lucerne on Christmas Eve
Discover enchanting Lucerne on Christmas Eve
Enter a Swiss winter wonderland on Christmas Eve, taking a spectacular journey across the Brünig Pass to the lakeside city of Lucerne, known as the "City of Lights."
Visit idyllic Grindelwald on Christmas Day
Visit idyllic Grindelwald on Christmas Day
Explore the fairytale village of Grindelwald, one of Europe’s oldest mountain resorts beneath the imposing Eiger, riding to the summit of Grindelwald First Mountain by cable car.
Stay in the Swiss resort of Interlaken
Stay in the Swiss resort of Interlaken
Our base for five nights is the picturesque town of Interlaken, nestled in the heart of the Bernese Oberland between Lakes Thun and Brienz, and surrounded by Switzerland’s spectacular "big three" mountains.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Interlaken

Your Christmastime rail vacation begins today in Switzerland's financial center, Zürich. Here, you can use your included open train ticket to board the train to Interlaken at your leisure. Since you are unescorted today, you are free to follow your own timeline and perhaps visit one of the city's Christmas markets before settling into your seat and soaking in your first looks at the beauty of Switzerland in the wintertime as you travel toward Interlaken.

This pristine resort town is nestled between Lakes Thun and Brienz, watched over by the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau Mountains. As you arrive in this picturesque setting, make your way to our modern hotel to check in for a five-night stay. With beautiful views of the Bernese Oberland and a fantastic location within Interlaken, our hotel puts numerous adventures within reach during our seasonal trip. Take a moment to find your room and freshen up before joining the group for our first dinner together in the hotel's restaurant. Overnight Interlaken.

*Please note: the order of this festive itinerary differs depending on the date of departure. For the tour departing on December 23, we take the Jungfrau Express to the "Top of Europe" on Christmas Eve and spend Christmas Day in Lucerne. The excursion on the 26th is the trip to Grindelwald and a cable car ride to Grindelwald First Mountain.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - To the “Top of Europe” on the Jungfrau Railway

Today is the highlight of our trip: An excursion to the summit of Jungfrau on the Jungfrau Railway. First, we join the Bernese Oberland Railway to Lauterbrunnen, where the Wengernalp Railway takes us to Kleine Scheidegg. The views on this steep route are outstanding, with sights including the White Lütschine River Valley and Staubbach Falls, often frozen in winter.

The Jungfrau Railway begins at Kleine Scheidegg and runs the remaining six miles to just below the summit of Jungfrau Mountain. After a viewing stop along the way, we emerge from the tunnel at Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. With plenty of free time here, you could have a meal in the restaurant or visit the Ice Palace, which features a labyrinth of ice caves containing hand-carved sculptures recreated annually (payable on entry). Admire the endless expanse of the Aletsch Glacier from the Sphinx Observatory, or head to the Lindt store for an insight into the history of Swiss chocolate. After today's experience, we head back to our hotel, where you are free to dine independently this evening. Overnight Interlaken.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 3 - Christmas Eve in Lucerne, the “City of Lights” 

A spellbinding train journey aboard the Luzern-Interlaken Express to Lucerne makes for a memorable Christmas Eve outing. Entering stunning alpine scenery, we travel along the banks of Lake Brienz to Meiringen in the shadow of the famous Reichenbach Falls. From here, we climb the Brünig Pass through breathtaking winter scenery to an elevation of 3,287 feet and then descend past lakes to Lucerne.

The day is yours to wander Lucerne's old town and sightsee as you please. An illuminated tree stands nearly 50 feet high, casting a golden glow across the main square, and the skating rink is another seasonal attraction. You could wander through this lakeside city's Christmas markets or admire Lucerne's cobbled streets, which embody tradition, culture and well-preserved medieval architecture, from ornate churches to frescoed historic houses and the 14th-century covered Kapellbrücke.

This evening, we retrace our journey to our hotel in Interlaken, where we enjoy a Christmas Eve dinner. Overnight Interlaken.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Christmas Day in Grindelwald

On "the most magical day of the year," we make our way by rail to the character-filled alpine village of Grindelwald, blanketed in snow and nestled at the foot of the imposing Eiger. From here, we take a cable car journey to the summit of Grindelwald First Mountain, where we can appreciate impressive panoramas of the valley below and look across at the mighty Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau Mountains.

Descending the mountain back to Grindelwald, there is a bit of time to admire the attractive wooden chalets and quaint town squares of this fairytale setting, all while admiring its backdrop of dramatic mountains. Later, we return to Interlaken with free time to soak in the ambiance of the holiday before sitting down to a traditional Christmas dinner at our hotel. Overnight Interlaken.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - A day at leisure in Interlaken 

Today is a free day, giving you a chance to explore Interlaken or possibly venture further out to nearby alpine destinations. Locally, you could take a boat ride across one of the lakes before warming up at a cozy café. Alternatively, you could wrap up warmly and head out on one of the many nature trails that start in the town. Interlaken's history can be traced to a monastery built here in the 12th century, while the surrounding landscapes provide a gateway to the Bernese Oberland. This region is home to over 45 scenic mountain railways and aerial gondolas that you are free to discover using your Swiss Travel Card for 50% off fares. 

This evening, we gather at our hotel and sit down to a farewell dinner, toasting this incredible Swiss adventure. Overnight Interlaken.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Tour Conclusion

This memorable Christmas journey has taken us into idyllic alpine scenery and aboard renowned Swiss railways. From our base in Interlaken, we have climbed to the "Top of Europe" on the Jungfrau Railway, explored the charming lakeside Lucerne, the "City of Lights," and visited the unique village of Grindelwald, dominated by Grindelwald First Mountain.

Your time in Switzerland comes to a close after breakfast this morning. With an open rail ticket, you can transfer independently by rail to Zürich, where you are free to continue your journey home.  

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Please note

Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotel

Hotel Metropole, Interlaken

Hotel Metropole, Interlaken

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Trains

Bernese Oberland Railway in Winter
Wengernalpbahn Railway in Winter
Jungfrau Railway in Winter
Jungfraujoch

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Reviews

4.6 stars4.6 / 5 · 5 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (3)
  2. 4 stars
    (2)
  3. 3 stars
    (0)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

David Donselar

5 stars

Submitted 31 Dec 2024

This journey to Interlaken by rail was simply outstanding from start to finish. Switzerland is beautiful and traveling to small mountain towns from our base in Interlaken was well coordinated throughout. Our tour leader (Gordon) did an excellent job keeping us on track at a pace that was just right. The lodging was wonderful and centrally located between the two train stations in Interlaken, which was convenient. If you take this journey, you won't be disappointed.

from Vacations By Rail
Hi David - It's wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your Swiss rail vacation! The photos you captured are very inspiring! We hope to help plan your next vacation with you soon!
1 comment

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David Donselar
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MYERS, CAROL

5 stars

Submitted 09 Jan 2023

It was an awesome trip! Perfectly designed with unforgettable experiences, great accommodations, and dining. Mandy is the best of tour managers. Kept it all together which was no easy task.

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MANN III, ARTHUR WILKINSON

5 stars

Submitted 06 Jan 2023

It was a wonderful trip.

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Gail

4 stars

Submitted 2/Jan

Our first time doing a group rail tour. The Interlaken hotel could have been nicer but overall, a good tour.

from Vacations By Rail
Hi Gail - thank you very much for sharing this review - we're glad to know that you had a good time! We'd love a chance to hear more about your experience, especially your thoughts about the hotel in Interlaken. Please drop us a line at XXX@XXX. or call our Chicago office at 877-929-7245. Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am CST to 7:00 pm CST. and Saturdays from 9:00 am CST to 3:00 pm CST. Thanks again!
1 comment

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TOWELL, FAY

4 stars

Submitted 04 Jan 2023

Quite an experience. Wonderful sights and good people in our group; Mandy Angus was a super tour guide. The negative thing about the trip was that I always felt rushed and the changing trains when having to tote our luggage was exhausting.

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