A croissant on Bern’s Bundesplatz in the morning, an espresso in Italy in the afternoon, and an Aperol Spritz by Lake Maggiore in the evening – discover three of Switzerland’s most spectacular scenic train journeys, where the journey itself becomes the experience.

With our new Member Benefits, HotelCard members can now travel across Switzerland at a special price: the SBB Trial Half Fare Travelcard is available exclusively for just CHF 33.–. Offer valid until the end of May, only with a valid HotelCard..

Train Rides

1. From the Federal City to Bella Italia

2. From Glacier to Gelato

3. From Lavaux to Simmental

From the Federal City to Bella Italia

This route brings together the best of two worlds: Swiss alpine views and Italian dolce vita. From Bern, travel along the historic Lötschberg mountain line to Domodossola, then head into Ticino. With every stop, the scenery, language, and mood shift beautifully.

ℹ️ This entire route is covered by the GA and Half Fare Travelcard.

© BLS AG, Interlaken Tourism

Bern – Spiez – Kandersteg – Brig – Domodossola (2h 15min)

Ride the RegioExpress Lötschberger over bridges and through spiral tunnels along the historic Lötschberg line to Brig. After passing through the Simplon Tunnel, you’ll arrive in Domodossola, Italy – perfect for a coffee on the piazza or a stroll through the old town.

Tip: Every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Piazza Mercato in Domodossola comes alive with a vibrant market full of local specialties and Italian charm.

Domodossola – Locarno – Bellinzona – Bern

The journey continues with the Centovalli Railway – a true highlight! Cross over 80 bridges and 30 tunnels through the “Valley of a Hundred Valleys,” past chestnut forests, waterfalls, and charming villages. Stop and soak up the flavours of Ticino in Locarno and Bellinzona before returning to Bern via Lucerne and Lake Lucerne.

Lago Palagnedra © Swiss Tourism

HotelCard partner hotels along the route

This route blends alpine beauty with Mediterranean lifestyle. Selected partner hotels along the way invite you to pause and stay a little longer.

From Glacier to Gelato

A journey like no other: From Chur, travel along the UNESCO-listed Albula Line into the Engadine, then follow the Bernina Line all the way to Tirano. Want to continue? Extend your trip on the Bernina Express Bus through Valtellina to sunny Lugano.

ℹ️ The best way to experience this route is aboard the Bernina Express – note that a panoramic train surcharge applies. Alternatively, you can take regular RhB trains with the same incredible views.

Bernina Express on the Landwasser Viadukt © RhB, Andrea Badrutt

Chur – Bergün – Pontresina – Poschiavo – Tirano (4h 30min)

Departing from the capital of Graubünden, the train follows the Albula Line through dramatic spiral tunnels and over the famous Landwasser Viaduct. Then it’s through the Upper Engadine and across the Bernina Pass, passing the Morteratsch Glacier and turquoise Lago Bianco at 2,234 m above sea level. The descent into the Poschiavo Valley brings a gentler landscape and the first taste of Italianità before reaching Tirano.

Alp Grüm, Bernina Express © Suisse Tourism

Tirano – Lugano mit dem Bernina Express Bus (ca. 3h)

If you're not done with la dolce vita just yet, continue your panoramic adventure from Tirano aboard the red Bernina Express Bus. Wind through the vineyards of Valtellina, past picturesque villages and along Lake Como, before arriving in Lugano – then it’s a speedy ride back to German-speaking Switzerland via the Gotthard Base Tunnel. A seat reservation is required for the Bernina Express Bus.

HotelCard partner hotels along the route

Take a break in the mountains or unwind in sunny Ticino – with HotelCard, every stopfeels like a holiday in itself.

From Lavaux to Simmental

Expect picture-perfect landscapes on this route: From Bern to Lake Geneva, travel through the Vaud region with views of Lavaux’s vineyards, palm trees, and lakeside towns. After Montreux, hop on the panoramic GoldenPass Line with its classic carriages and wide windows, taking you through Simmental and back to German-speaking Switzerland.

Bern – Lausanne – Vevey – Montreux

From Lausanne, the train follows the Lake Geneva shoreline. On your left, the water sparkles; on your right, the steep vineyards of Lavaux rise dramatically. Vevey and Montreux are perfect for a stopover – enjoy a lakeside stroll, a coffee with a view, or a glass of local white wine. Expect palm trees, Belle Époque facades, and Mediterranean vibes.

© David Bochud

Montreux – Zweisimmen – Spiez – Bern

This is where the GoldenPass Line begins. Choose between the modern GoldenPass Panoramic or the nostalgic GoldenPass Belle Epoque. he Belle Epoque train runs daily without a surcharge (departures from Montreux at 9:43 a.m. and 2:43 p.m.) and takes you on a trip back to the 1930s.

The train gently winds uphill, offering sweeping views over Lake Geneva, crosses the “Pays-d’Enhaut,” and passes traditional chalets en route to Gstaad and Zweisimmen. The return journey through Simmental and along Lake Thun brings you back to Bern.

GoldenPass Belle Epoque © MOB - GoldenPass

HotelCard partner hotels along the route

We wish you a relaxing journey – and many unforgettable moments along the way.