GoldenPass Line

Route: Lucerne - Brünig Pass - Interlaken - Zweisimmen - Montreux


This attractive itinerary, rich in tradition, takes you from Central Switzerland to Lake Geneva. You pass through the historic sites of the Lucerne region travelling onboard the GoldenPass Panoramic train, cross the Brünig Pass  and alongside Lake Brienz to Interlaken (change train).

From Interlaken the Journey continues across the Simme Valley to Zweisimmen (change train) to reach the celebrated resort of Gstaad before continuing towards the magnificent vineyards on the shores of Lake Geneva.

Seat reservations are recommended.

On the Zweisimmen to Montreux section the front coach has a first class VIP section, right at the front of the train where you feel as if you are driving! Special supplements apply for these VIP seats and reservations are compulsory.

Timetable - valid until 12 December
All trains stop at Sarnen, Meiringen, Brienz, Spiez, Gstaad, Château-d'Oex and Montbovon.

Lucerne depart     07.55   09.55   12.55   14.55
Interlaken Ost arrive     09.55   11.55   14.55   16.55
  depart 09.08           15.08   17.08
Zweisimmen depart 10.19           16.19   18.26
Montreux arrive 12.13           18.13   20.13
                     
Montreux depart         09.45   11.45   13.45
Zweisimmen depart         11.38   13.37   15.36
Interlaken Ost arrive         12.50   14.50   16.50
  depart 10.04   12.04       15.04   17.04
Lucerne arrive 12.04   14.04       17.04   19.04

GoldenPass Line Costs
Based on half fare card which is included in all our holidays (except self drive)
Lucerne to Montreux or vice versa 2nd class £23 per person 1st class £37 per person
Lucerne to Interlaken or vice versa 2nd class £10 per person 1st class £16 per person
Interlaken to Montreux or vice versa 2nd class £16 per person 1st class £26 per person
Gstaad to Montreux or vice versa 2nd class £8 per person 1st class £13 per person
GoldenPass Line booking fee
£4 to £11 per person


ALL FARES ARE AS A GUIDE ONLY AND WILL VARY ACCORDING TO YOUR ACTUAL INTINERARY

First and Second Class Travel.
Lucerne - Interlaken. First class panoramic viewing cars with air-conditioning and ultra-large windows which extend into the roof curvature of the carriage ceiling, 48 seats (12 x four-seater compartments and central aisle) with table and Long-window viewing cars 38 seats (4 x four and two seater compartments and 2 club compartments with 7 seats and central aisle). Second class 56 seats (9 x four and two seater compartments and central aisle).
Interlaken - Zweisimmen. First class 'GoldenPass Lounge' with 27 seats (furnished with comfortable leather sofas and chairs) and 'Salon Bleu' carriages with 36 seats feature pivoting individual chairs. Second class 80 seats (20 x four seater compartments and central aisle).
Zweisimmen - Montreux. All panoramic viewing cars both 1st and 2nd class offering unrestricted views. First class carriages have 33 seats (four and two seater compartments with central aisle). 8 first class VIP seats at the head of the train are also available for an additional reservations fee of £5 per person. Second class carriages have 48 seats.
GoldenPass Classic trains. There are a number of 'Classic' trains that operate on this section, these trains are with new Belle Époque coaches and a wine cellar coach.Please ask for details.

On Board Meals and Drinks. Between Lucerne and Interlaken the panoramic restaurant car offers à la carte meals according to the time of day. The journeys from Interlaken to Zweisimmen and Zweisimmen to Montreux have a well stocked mini bar.

Your journey on the GoldenPass Line

Route: Lucerne - Brünig Pass - Interlaken - Zweisimmen - Montreux

All trains stop at Lucerne, Sarnen, Meiringen, Brienz, Interlaken Ost, Spiez, Zweisimmen, Gstaad, Château-d'Oex, Montbovon and Montreux

Lucerne - Interlaken
Between Lucerne and Brünig-Hasliberg stations the train climbs 566m in altitude, featuring a section from Giswil and
 
Meiringen where the GoldenPass Line Panoramic train needs to engage its cog rail system to overcome a gradient four times steeper then the famous Gotthard line. The journey continues to Meiringen famous as a starting point for visits into the gorges and mountain lakes of the area as well as a strong association with Sir Arthur Colyn Doyle. The last part of this section is along Lake Brienz into Interlaken.

Interlaken - Zweisimmen
Interlaken, famous as a centre for trips into the Jungfrau region, is located between Lakes Brienz and Thun. The Train line runs alongside Lake Thun and offers views of Beatenberg and the Niederhorn. Spiez is a delightful lakeside town from where the railway line heads inland into the mountains and about five minutes after leaving Spiez Wimmis Castle in its elevated position with the 10th century Church of St Martin in front comes into view on the left. Having come through the narrow gorge, the journey continues through the Simmen Valley, home of the Simmental Cows. Breeding and exporting the Simmental breed brought great wealth to the farmers, a fact reflected by the splendid farmhouses. Weissenburg Spa stimulated the tourist industry in the region in the 19th century when visitors from all over Europe were encouraged to visit the spa.

Zweisimmen - Montreux
The impressive iron viaduct high above Gstaad, health resort for the rich and famous, offers a good view of the chalet mountain village. It is immediately evident that the town takes great pride in their wooden buildings here. Beautifully adorned old houses line the promenade through the car-free village. From Gstaad the train continues to Saanen, famous for the Jehudi Menuhin concert held every year in the stunningly beautiful 15th century Mauritius Church and Châteux -d'Oex before descending through the Jaman Tunnel to Montreux. Shortly after emerging from the tunnel the fabulous view opens onto Lake Geneva, with a length of over 70km is surrounded by the lofty peaks of Swiss and French Alps.

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Scenic Rail Journeys

The highlight of a Swiss holiday is to travel along one of the many scenic routes which cross Switzerland. These journeys are a great way of combining resorts to create your own two centre or multi-stay holiday and we have shown a few suggestions but we will be happy to help you with your individual requirements.

Tours available:

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