If you are looking for breathtaking views and stunning scenery, taking a trip around Europe is probably the perfect itinerary for you. This is exactly what we did during our recent adventure and one particular day trip that we took was stereotypical of why many people consider Europe to have the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the world. The Golden Pass in Switzerland typifies the natural beauty we all associate with Europe.
As you pass through the Swiss Alps all the way from Montreux to Lucerne, you will certainly have a much greater appreciation of nature and landscape forms. Whether you are traveling along this route in summer or the heart of winter as we did, the beauty here is unmistaken. We want to share our journey along the Golden Pass and hopefully entice you to take the trip for yourselves.
Golden Pass Route
Based in Zurich for our adventures around Switzerland, we made an early start by using our Eurail pass and taking a trip from Zurich to Montreux. Essentially this journey takes you from the north east corner of Switzerland to the south west corner by Lake Geneva. Passing through the cities of Bern and Lausanne, the scenery along this route is scenic and an eye-opening experience, but this is nothing compared to the route you take leaving Montreux.
If you are holders of a Eurail Pass as we were, you can simply hop on the Golden Pass train and enjoy the scenery without having to worry about additional costs with reservations. The route is essentially broken down into three main legs, though depending on how many times you decide to explore Swiss villages along the way, it could be several more.
- Montreux to Zweisimmen
- Zweisimmen to Interlaken (Either Interlaken Ost or West)
- Interlaken to Lucerne
I would highly recommend using the Eurail Rail Planner app to organize your itinerary and determine the best schedules that fit your needs. Please be aware that if you are wanting to take the Golden Pass Scenic railway, this train only departs at certain times so planning ahead is critical if you want to board for example the panoramic train.
Scenery in the Swiss Alps
After boarding the Golden Pass Scenic Train in Montreux we made the journey through the Swiss Alps to the town of Zweisimmen.
Passing through idyllic Swiss villages along the way and climbing higher and higher through the Alps, it is near impossible to use words to describe the scenery you pass by. Unfortunately taking pictures out of a train window is not easy, especially when the sun is shining brightly and reflecting against the snow packed landscape. But we wouldn’t have had this any other way because traveling through the heart of the Swiss Alps with sunshine and snow is a perfect combination.
From Montreux to Zweisimmen, the journey starts passing by Lake Geneva and then begins to weave into the Swiss Alps through the vineyards and to the town of Gstaad. Depending on how long you plan to spend along the Golden Pass will determine whether you decide to get out and explore the Swiss villages of Gstaad, Zweisimmen et al.
Given that we wanted to complete the Golden Pass route in just one day, we bypassed exploring these towns but definitely look forward to heading back in the future to find some hidden gems in the heart of Switzerland.
Interlaken to the Top of Europe
Leaving Zweisimmen we made our way to Interlaken where we were finally able to leave the train for a few hours and have a true Swiss Alps experience. Passing through the Alps before heading by the Lake Thun shoreline is an exhilarating experience as you peer through the windows of the Golden Pass scenic train. I never realized just how interesting a train journey could be before we visited Europe on this trip. Every journey offers a unique variation but the Golden Pass certainly offers something very different to anything else we encountered.
Arriving in Interlaken, just like many of the other towns in the Swiss Alps, it is a popular tourist spot for skiers wanting to test their skills on some of Europe’s most infamous slopes. Although on this trip we didn’t get to experience Jungfraujoch, we would both love to head back there to head to the well-acclaimed ‘Top of Europe’ attraction.
Interlaken is certainly a town worth spending a day or two exploring, especially if you want to enhance your skills or even try skiing for the first time.
Final Leg of the Golden Pass
Our time in Interlaken was cut short as we embarked on our final leg of the journey to Bern. Yes, that’s right we decided to rearrange our itinerary so that we could spend the evening wandering around the city of Bern rather than taking the ‘official’ final part of the Golden Pass from Interlaken to Lucerne.
This decision was primarily because of the lack of daylight and we figured this part of the scenic journey would be better saved for a return trip to Switzerland. Heading across the Brünig Pass and passing by the numerous lakes and mountain top regions is yet another reason why dividing the Golden Pass into multiple days is a highly recommended choice.
The journey from Interlaken to Bern allowed us to regroup and reminisce on the amazing day we encountered throughout the Golden Pass. Perhaps taking this trip from Montreux all the way to Lucerne is feasible during the summer when there is more daylight, but trying to do all of this in one day in winter is a really tough ask especially if you want to spend some quality time in Interlaken as we did.
Summary
Switzerland is a nation that I am sure many other countries are envious of, not only because of their historical position as a ‘neutral’ nation but due to the abundance of natural beauty everywhere you look. The Golden Pass through the heart of Switzerland passes through the Swiss Alps and is stereotypical of this beauty at any time of the year. Whether you are an avid skier or a rambling backpacker, heading through this part of Switzerland is mouthwatering and a must-see for everyone.
This was one hell of a day trip and I would encourage all of you to experience this if you visit Switzerland. Thanks to Eurail for including this within their pass because it undoubtedly provides a unique and memorable representation of the whole country.
Disclaimer – We would like to thank Eurail for providing us with complimentary passes for our adventures around Europe which included the Golden Pass journey. The content of this post are solely our personal opinions/experiences and we were not financially compensated for this post.
I was there in Summer about 5 years ago and it was just beautiful then as well!! I parasailed in Interlaken and the view of the Alps from up there was breathtaking (although I will admit to be too scared to look sometimes! lol)
Would love to go back in the winter time but am not a big fan of the cold!
Stunning photos! No worries, you’ll make it to Jungfraujoch someday!
I hopped on this train for a bit in 2013 when I was going from Montreux to a random stop where I caught another train to Gruyeres. I wasn’t on for long, but it was gorgeous the bit I got to see!
Nice to know this is a trip worth taking even in the winter, and that you can do it by train. No worries with a car!
and thank you for hosting #WeekendWanderlust
Steve
I took a train up to Mount Jungfrau when I was in Switzerland and just loved it up there! I would love to go back and see some more breathtaking areas like this! Great summary 🙂
Switzerland has beautiful scenery! I’ve been there in the summer many years ago and I was charmed! It looks good with all the snow, but I prefer the green fields and slopes to be honest!!
Oh my, this is such a timely post for me! I’ve been wondering about doing this trip for years! Thanks for the information!
Awesome photos guys! The scenes captured here seem surreal (because of all those pines covered heavily with snow).
Absolutely in love with all your pictures. We were going to have a long layover in Switzerland this spring, but that got canned. Maybe I can convince the hubby to do a winter rail route like you did…
This sounds brilliant! I hadn’t heard about the Golden Pass when I was in Switzerland, but as you’ve pointed out, it’s a stunning country so I do want to return. We’re holding out until their dollar drops but when it does, we’re there!
Great photos of the Alps. I too had not heard of the Golden Pass, however I lucky enough to experience Switzerland a few years ago. I like to go back.
This looks like such an amazing train journey–I have always wanted to do a similar trip! The scenery looks gorgeous!!
I really want to visit Interlaken!
I’ve been to Switzerland many times and it definitely stands out between other European countries, both for its nature and indeed for being a neutral nation. I’ve unfortunately never had the chance to travel through by train (only with our car through a tunnel, loaded on one) but it’s definitely high up on our wishlist of things to do one day…
I really regret not going to Switzerland when I was in Europe– I just wish it wasn’t so expensive! Someday I’ll get there…
some of these views look really familiar! I’ve done pretty many train travels in Switzerland and I certainly can say this is the best country for traveling by train, the views are breathtaking, you can see best parts of the country while moving around!
Sounds like a lovely route. By rail is definitely the way to get around Switzerland, especially the mountainous areas outside of Summer. You can just enjoy the view without having to worry about icy or winding roads.
I’m glad I stumbled upon your post, Chris. We are headed towards Switzerland in May too. I’m planning to do part of the route you did, but in reverse order.