Golden Pass and Bernese Oberland

Day by day itinerary | Inclusions | Routing

Visit the major Swiss cities Lucerne, Interlaken, Montreux and the Bernese Oberland village Lenk in the authentic Simmental valley

Relax at the Lenkerseeli with a view of the Wildstrubel

GoldenPass Line is one of the most picturesque panoramic train lines in Switzerland with a breathtaking scenery. It links Lucerne, situated at the scenic Lake Lucerne which bears its name, in the historic heart of Switzerland with Lake Geneva and the famous city of Montreux on the so called Riviera, a relatively mild climate area that even has palm trees. Both, Lucerne and Montreux have convenient direct train connections to Zurich and Geneva and their airports.

The highlights of the route are Interlaken in the heart of the Bernese Oberland with the famous mountain peaks Eiger, Moench and Jungfrau. From here the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe will be visited (included).

This tour shows you Switzerland at its best with historic cities, great landscapes and passing 6 scenic lakes! You get to see the glacier covered peaks, the longest glacier of the Alps, the Aletsch glacier with 22 km length and visit the highest railway station in Europe, Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe in the heart of the Bernese Oberland.

An intermediate stop and overnight will be made in the authentic village of Lenk in the Simmental (Simmen valley), home of the famous Swiss cows.

Day 1 – Arrival in Switzerland

Whether from any of the 3 Swiss international airports (Zurich/Zürich, Basle/Basel or Geneva/Geneve) or by train from Germany, France, Austria or Italy, the package includes the train trip from Swiss international airports or the border station to Lucerne/Luzern and at the end back to the airport or border station, so no need to buy any additional train ticket. All travel within Switzerland is included! And as an extra benefit, with this package tour all further excursions by train, mountain train, cable car, boat or bus can be obtained for half the price.

Upon arrival at Lucerne you can explore the beautiful city. Of course you can visit the historic district with the famous Chapel Bridge. Also you can stroll through the narrow streets. If you want to visit the famous Lion Monument, just continue your walk, because the city is relatively small. Next to the Lion Monument, you can visit the Glacier Garden and the huge Bourbaki panorama. Lucerne was covered by a glacier 10,000 years ago and the traces are still visible. The city is beautifully located on the Lake Lucerne and therefore a stroll over the boulevard is recommended. In summer you can enjoy an evening cruise and endulge the sunset.

Overnight in Lucerne

Day 2 – Lucerne-Interlaken and Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

After the Swiss breakfast buffet (included with all overnights) a short walk or taxi ride will bring you to the station. There, the Luzern Interlaken Express, the red train which is part of the GoldenPass Line, will be waiting for you, but don’t be late as the Swiss are famous for their punctuality. The train will leave on time!

Enjoy the first part of the GoldenPass Line in the fully air conditioned panoramic train. A restaurant car is located in the middle of the train for hot and cold meals, beverages and snacks. 5 lakes „pass by“ on your train trip to Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland. Especially the last one, Lake Brienz, is extremely beautiful.

Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

Now you continue to a unique, high alpine glacier world. Aboard the legendary Jungfrau Railway you reach Europe’s highest altitude railway station (3,454 m). This mountain railway was built back in the late 19th century and opened on August 1, 1912. Originally the goal was the summit of the Jungfrau (4,158 m), but in 1912 the financials did not permit to go on with the construction and then World War I put an end to the project. Now the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe is the highest railway station and the highlight of every tour through Switzerland.

View from the Eismeer station on the way up to the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

On December 5, 2020 the new Eiger Express was opened and permits breathtaking views to the Eiger north face. This very steep wall is one of the most difficult climbs in the Alps. It was the greatest climbing challenge in the 1930’s. Numerous stories about these climbs and fatal accidents can be told.

At the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe you can see the longest glacier of the Alps, the Aletsch glacier, 22 km long! You can hike over the glacier to the nearby Moenchsjoch hut. At the Ice Palace you can go inside the glacier and see the ice sculptures. Don’t miss the view from the Sphinx Terrace, which can be reached by one of the fastest elevators in Switzerland.

Overnight in Interlaken

Day 3 – Interlaken-Lenk

After the impressive day at the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe it is time to board the train for the second part of the GoldenPass Line. First you will travel along Lake Thun. Then after a change in Spiez, the train winds through the lovely Simmental valley, well known for its Swiss cows that give rich and creamy milk for cheese and chocolate! At Zweisimmen a local train will take you to Lenk at the end of the Simmental valley.

Lenk is a quiet village mostly visited by the locals. The contrast to the internationally known cities is immense. Take your time to stroll around or hop on one of the gondola cableways that lead up to genuine Swiss Alps where you may encounter the aforementioned cows (only in summer)

Overnight in Lenk

The village of Lenk is surrounded by alpine meadows and the Bernese Oberland mountains

Day 4 – Lenk-Montreux

First you backtrack to Zweisimmen where you board the GoldenPass Line train and leave the Bernese Oberland. You will first pass the famous resort town of Gstaad where many rich and famous celebrities reside. Then, you will enter the Romandie, the French speaking part of Switzerland. Later, you will see the breathtaking view of Lake Geneva. So this means that soon you will arrive in Montreux.

GoldenPass Line near Gstaad with the Gruyeres mountians in the background

In the afternoon, you can walk over the promenade along Lake Geneva to the famous Chillon castle. The walk takes about 45 minutes. You can go back by boat (limited service in winter). Other options are the visit of the vineyards of Lavaux or Chaplin’s World. From Montreux, you can also take the cogwheel railway up to the 2,042 m high summit of Mt. Rochers de Naye. You’ll experience a beautiful 55 minutes journey through a picturesque landscape with breathtaking views over Lake Geneva and the Alps. In fine weather, both the Eiger and Mont Blanc can be seen in the distance. You can enjoy a range of leisure activities, including the unique La Rambertia alpine garden and the marmot paradise.

Overnight in Montreux

Day 5 – Individual Departure

It is time to say goodbye. However, even the journey back to the airport or border station follows through the beautiful Swiss landscapes. Depending your destination, a stopover in the city of Geneva, Bern or Zurich is a good choice. Because all train stations in Switzerland are conveniently located in the centre of each Swiss city, a quick tour of the city can be done easily. At every station luggage lockers are available so your luggage can safely stay at the station.

Alternatively, another tour can be added or you may want to stay a few extra days in Switzerland.

Routing

You can start or end the tour at any Swiss airport or border station.

Golden Pass and Bernese Oberland route