Marvel at expansive views of the towering Swiss Alps, verdant valleys, sleepy mountain villages, stunning chalets, ancient castles, UNESCO World Heritage vineyards, and the Mediterranean surroundings of the Swiss Riviera aboard the GoldenPass Panoramic. This rail line is noted as one of Switzerland's oldest electric railways, as the Montreux-Oberland Bernois Railway completed the route in 1905. Passengers had a "Golden Time" traversing the 39-mile course between Montreux and Zweisimmen, and thus, the name "GoldenPass Panoramic" was coined.
Travelers can begin their travels in either Montreux, on Lake Geneva's shores, or Zweisimmen, surrounded by the majestic scenes of the Bernese Oberland. Trains depart hourly from both locations 365 days a year. Guests unlock Switzerland's immense natural beauty and cross the French-German language border during the ever-impressive 2-hour expedition from either direction.
All of the cars throughout the GoldenPass Panoramic are fully climate-controlled. Both First- and Second-Class travelers may order their favorite drinks from the Rail Bar during the journey. Boxed lunches can also be ordered in advance when booking a ticket.
Wherever passengers choose to sit for their trip, they are in for a voyage to remember. Beginning in Zweisimmen, vistas of the Swiss Alps surround. This typical Swiss village is filled with outdoor charm and is a hub for hikers, skiers, and naturalists. Quaint houses dot the valley below as the train hugs the mountainside. Proceed across bridges and through tunnels, emerging with incredible panoramas of pasture lands, evergreen forests, meadows, and charming towns framed by the Alps' grandeur.
As an alternative to the panoramic train, some of Great Rail Journeys' escorted tours of Switzerland enable guests to travel in the GoldenPass Classic Train. This beautiful train recreates the Belle Époque style of the luxurious Golden Mountain Pullman Express which was in service during the 1930s.
Reminiscent of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the GoldenPass Classic Train takes guests on a journey back into the golden days of luxury rail travel in the splendour of ornate, wood-panelled carriages with plush and indulgently comfortable seats. The Classic Train's large windows ensure that passengers enjoy outstanding views of the GoldenPass Line's remarkable landscapes and the train even has a dedicated 'wine cellar' carriage in which you may sample a variety of excellent regional wines.
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