A Traveller's Guide to Crossing Switzerland by Train
The Swiss rail system is one of the finest in Europe. For such a mountainous country Switzerland has a highly developed rail network which allows travel to places which would be otherwise inaccessible. In Switzerland all trains have to overcome the problem of extremely mountainous terrain. Sometimes this is as simple as passing through a tunnel but in other places the track spirals up to gain greater height. The same conditions which make laying railway tracks difficult make building roads almost impossible so in some parts of rural Switzerland the train has overtaken the car as the preferred mode of transport.
Trains of Switzerland
"There are two types of Swiss train."
In Switzerland train tickets for commuter travel are almost as expensive as in the UK. By taking advantage of an extensive selection of rail passes, Great Rail Journeys is able to drastically lower the price compared to buying tickets on the day.
Scenic trains include the Glacier Express, the Bernina Express and many funicular railways.
Funicular railways use simple mechanical principles to safely scale the imposing heights of the Swiss Alps. They offer stunning views and unlike a cable car there is a real sense of being part of the landscape rather than separate from it.
A Humanitarian History
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, sometimes known as simply the Red Cross, is arguably one of the most important humanitarian movements in the world. Starting with the compassion of a single man, the organisation has grown to the point where there is no need to visit Switzerland to train with the movement as they have branches in almost all developed countries.
Switzerland by Train - Travelling Experience
In Switzerland few trains arrive late with an average rate of delay less than that of the best British rail companies. With over 3,000 miles of track through challenging terrain this is no mean feat.
The experience of crossing Switzerland by train is generally very good. As well as punctual, well maintained services, several routes are designed to make the most of the Swiss countryside with trains like the Glacier Express leading the way.
The Glacier Express is often described as the slowest express train in the world because it decelerates to take in the views. This does slow down the journey but with comfortable seats, onboard catering facilities and panoramic windows it makes for an exceptional day out.
"English is an almost universal language in Switzerland so train times and announcements are often delivered in the regional language plus English."
Switzerland by Train - Eating Out
Great Rail Journeys' tours of Switzerland by train include almost all of the costs of travelling including some meals. If you choose to dine out during your holiday you can expect to find a mix of German, French and Italian cuisine with a distinctly Swiss flavour.
"Switzerland is famous around the world for chocolate and muesli but the most iconic Swiss dish is fondue."
First recorded in the Iliad, fondue is a communal dish where diners dip morsels of food into a shared pot of thick sauce. Any serious fondue chef should consider travelling to Switzerland to train in the art of this distinctive dish, as not only did the Swiss invent it but they have also mastered the etiquette of serving it.
Switzerland by Train - Etiquette
All of Great Rail Journey's tours across Switzerland by train are accompanied by a Tour Manager. The Tour Manager sees to the day to day running of the tour and is on hand to give advice throughout the journey.
General guidelines for etiquette are that the Swiss are a formal people and that please, thank you and excuse me are well received.
"Tipping is not obligatory but to not tip at all is rude unless you have received poor service. Rounding up to the nearest Swiss Franc is appropriate for most small bills."
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Travelling to Switzerland by Train
Crossing Switzerland by train is a unique experience but even the journey there can be rewarding. Great Rail Journeys passes through either rural France or along the Rhine Gorge in Germany when travelling to Switzerland by train. Both routes enjoy comfortable, high speed services and views of the countryside that act as a visual aperitif to the Swiss Alps.
"Please call the number at the top of this page for more information about holidays in Switzerland by train."