Switzerland Insider

Switzerland is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, and there’s no better way to experience its stunning beauty than by taking a ride on a cogwheel train. These unique trains, designed a hundred or so years ago to tackle steep mountain slopes, offer some of the most scenic and memorable journeys in the Alps. If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland, here are some of the best cogwheel train rides you absolutely need to check out.

1. Gornergrat Railway

Route: Zermatt to Gornergrat

The Gornergrat Railway is an incredible journey from the charming village of Zermatt up to Gornergrat, sitting at an impressive 3,135 meters above sea level. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the iconic Matterhorn and the surrounding Alps. It’s one of those rides where every turn offers a new, postcard-perfect scene. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy activities like hiking and visiting the observatory, or just soak in the panoramic views of 29 peaks over 4,000 meters. But let’s face it, you only came for the Matterhorn and this is arguably the best point to see it! It’s an experience you won’t forget.

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2. Wengernalp Railway

Route: Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg

The Wengernalp Railway, which runs from Lauterbrunnen or from Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg, is another must-do. This cogwheel train takes you through green meadows and up into the dramatic highlands of the Bernese Oberland. The views are simply spectacular, with of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains in sight. At Kleine Scheidegg, you can enjoy hiking trails with breathtaking views or take another train up to Jungfraujoch. It’s a beautiful and scenic ride that showcases the best of Swiss alpine beauty.

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3. Mount Pilatus Railway

Route: Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm

If you’re up for a bit of excitement, the Mount Pilatus Railway is the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, with gradients up to 48%. The journey from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm offers stunning views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains. At the summit, you can take in the incredible panorama, go hiking or just relax. It’s a thrilling ride that provides an adrenaline rush as well as spectacular scenery.

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4. Rigi Railway

Route: Vitznau or Goldau to Rigi Kulm

Known as Europe’s first mountain railway, the Rigi Railway takes you from Vitznau (or Goldau on the other side) up to the summit of Mount Rigi. The ride offers beautiful views over Lake Lucerne and the Alps. At the top, there’s a whole range of activities, from hiking and wellness resorts to simply enjoying the stunning views across 13 lakes and numerous alpine peaks. It’s a peaceful and relaxing journey that lets you experience the magical beauty of the Swiss landscape. Mt Rigi is included in the Swiss Travel Pass.

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5. Rochers-de-Naye Railway

Route: Montreux to Rochers-de-Naye

The Rochers-de-Naye Railway starts in the lakeside town of Montreux and climbs up to Rochers-de-Naye. The journey provides amazing views over Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountains. At the summit, you can visit a marmot park, explore a botanical garden, and enjoy hiking trails with panoramic views. In winter, you can even go skiing or snowshoeing. It’s a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of the Lake Geneva region. Rochers-de-Naye is included in the Swiss Travel Pass.

6. Brienz Rothorn Railway

Route: Brienz to Brienzer Rothorn

The Brienz Rothorn Railway is a nostalgic steam train journey that climbs from the village of Brienz to the summit of the Brienzer Rothorn. This route offers stunning views of Lake Brienz and the Bernese Alps. At the top, you can enjoy hiking trails and a meal at the mountain restaurant while taking in the incredible alpine scenery. It’s a perfect blend of historic charm and natural beauty.

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7. Schynige Platte Railway

Route: Wilderswil to Schynige Platte

The Schynige Platte Railway is a delightful ride from Wilderswil (just outside Interlaken) to Schynige Platte, famous for its beautiful alpine gardens and stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. At the top, you can explore the alpine garden, hike along scenic trails, and enjoy the breathtaking vistas of the Bernese Oberland. It’s a wonderful experience that combines the charm of an old-time train journey with the beauty of the Swiss Alps.

Special Mention: Jungfrau Railway

While being a cogwheel train, the Jungfrau Railway deserves a mention for its incredible destination. This train takes you to the Jungfraujoch, known as the “Top of Europe,” at 3,454 meters above sea level. The views from the top are breathtaking, but the ride itself is mostly inside a tunnel through the Eiger and Mönch mountains. While the destination is spectacular, if you’re looking for a scenic ride, the cogwheel trains listed above offer much more in terms of panoramic views and scenic experiences. The scenic portion of the ride from either Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen will be on the Wengernalp Railway mention in this post as well!

Photo location on Jungfraujoch

Discounts and Coverage with the Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Half Fare Card

If you’re looking to explore Switzerland while saving money on transportation, the Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Half Fare Card are excellent options. With the Swiss Half Fare Card, you can enjoy up to 50% off on most trains, buses, and boats, as well as on many mountain railways and cable cars. This includes discounts on scenic cogwheel train rides like the Gornergrat Railway and the Brienz Rothorn Railway. Additionally, some rides, such as the Rigi Railway and the Rochers-de-Naye Railway, are fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass, allowing you to experience these incredible journeys at no extra cost. These passes provide great value, making it easier and more affordable to explore Switzerland’s breathtaking landscapes.

FAQ: Cogwheel Train Rides in Switzerland

Are cogwheel trains included with the Swiss Travel Pass?
Some cogwheel train rides, such as the Rigi Railway and the Rochers-de-Naye Railway, are fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass, allowing you to enjoy these scenic journeys without additional costs. For other cogwheel trains, you will receive a discount of up to 50% with the Swiss Travel Pass.

Can I get discounts on cogwheel trains with the Swiss Half Fare Card?
Absolutely! The Swiss Half Fare Card offers up to 50% off on most cogwheel trains, including popular routes like the Gornergrat Railway and the Brienz Rothorn Railway.

How long do the cogwheel train rides typically take?
The duration varies by route, but they typically take between half an hour to an hour or a bit more. For example, the Gornergrat Railway takes about 33 minutes, while the Brienz Rothorn Railway takes roughly an hour to reach the summit.

Are there any scenic cogwheel trains that operate year-round?
A few cogwheel trains, such as the Rigi Railway, operate year-round, offering spectacular views in both summer and winter.

Are these cogwheel trains suitable for families with children?
Yes, cogwheel trains are a great family-friendly activity, providing a comfortable and scenic way to explore the mountains without the physical exhaustion of hiking, which is typically not enjoyed by kids.

What should I bring with me on a cogwheel train ride?
Bring a camera for the beautiful views, a jacket for cooler temperatures at higher altitudes, and some water and snacks. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also a good idea, especially in summer.

Are there bathrooms available on these trains?
Most cogwheel trains do not have bathrooms, but there are facilities available at the stations and often at the destination points. It’s a good idea to plan accordingly.

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