[StevefromHou]

16 August 2019 at 17:34:27 #823424

Hello Forum,

I’ve been on here before and had been given great information in the past. I am just starting my planning for some rail travel that I would like to complete this winter coming up. I love riding the rails in Switzerland to view the rugged terrain.

I think of there being 4 main scenic train routes; Golden Pass, Glacier Express, Bernina Express & Gotthard Panorama Express.

I have taken all of these routes in the past but never in the middle of winter. I am thinking I would like to do the GE, BE & GPE this winter coming up. I have a couple questions to get started.

When is the middle of winter in Switzerland?

Best way to get between Tirano and Lugano without Bernina Express Bus?

I understand the steam powered paddleboat doesn’t run in winter for GPE, would there be another boat or just take train between Lucern and Fluelen?

Thank you, Steve

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[rockoyster]

Reply 1 of 4 • 17 August 2019 at 2:39:58 #920184

Hi Steve,

When is the middle of winter in Switzerland?

Mid to end January (getting later owing to climate change).

http://www.myswissalps.com/weather/winter

Best way to get between Tirano and Lugano without Bernina Express Bus?

Two options:

• Via Milan and/or Monza.
• Via Varenna then ferry to Menaggio and Italian bus to Lugano. I’m not sure what their winter timetables look like.

I understand the steam powered paddleboat doesn’t run in winter for GPE, would there be another boat or just take train between Lucern and Fluelen?

Yes there are conventional diesel boats. Not as romantic as the traditional paddles steamers but they will get you there. Just watch the timetable. There are restricted sailings in the dead of winter.

[Annika]

Reply 2 of 4 • 17 August 2019 at 6:30:14 #920185

Hi there Steve!

Great that you’ll be making such a scenic journey in winter! In addition to Rockoyster’s excellent information, here are some more sources:

• http://www.myswissalps.com/besttimetovisit/winter, explaining about the winter season in Switzerland;
• http://www.myswissalps.com/timetable, allowing you to plan each of your trips, incuding Lugano-Tirano;
• http://www.myswissalps.com/boatlakelucerne, explaining about boat options at Lake Lucerne and linking to seasonal timetables;
• http://www.myswissalps.com/glacierexpress
• http://www.myswissalps.com/berninaexpress
• http://www.myswissalps.com/gotthardpanoramaexpress
• http://www.myswissalps.com/goldenpass

This sample scenic train itinerary may be helpful: http://www.myswissalps.com/plantrip/doityourself/sampleitineraries/scenictrainswinter. You can adapt it to your own needs and preferences.

[User]

Reply 3 of 4 • 17 August 2019 at 8:12:43 #920186

Hi Steve-

Looking forward to some more great pictures.

I have stored your images from the front seats on the panoramic train MOB section of the Golden Passline.

Slowpoke

[StevefromHou]

Reply 4 of 4 • 20 August 2019 at 14:01:29 #920187

Thank you Slowpoke for the compliments…being from Houston, Texas I probably look at the snow and mountains differently than others.

I will be posting more questions as time get near.

Thank you to all the MySwissAlps.com crew, very helpful.

Steve