Scenic rail routes Interlaken, Zermatt, Lucerne

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    10 May 2017 at 5:22:32 #811759

    Hello

    I am travelling in Switzerland with my wife during July intending to travel by rail between planned destinations. The outline itinerary is below; my question is whether experts in the region would advise travelling by scenic train on the routes between destinations or whether we could get as much enjoyment out of travelling on ‘normal’ trains along the routes? Also, whether there are normal trains travelling on exactly the same routes as the scenic trains; and apart from the panoramic windows/roofs what would be the difference. Many thanks.

    Itinerary:

    Arrive Geneva by air and travel Geneva to Interlaken (afternoon train) stay 4 nights in Interlaken

    Travel Interlaken to Zermatt (daytime) stay 3 nights in Zermatt

    Travel Zermatt to Lucerne (daytime) stay 2 nights in Lucerne.

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    10 May 2017 at 15:18:52 #863089

    Hi Herakles8,

    The only full scenic route with a panoramic train would be between Montreux and Interlaken (after leaving Geneva). I would recommend the panoramic trains on this route for sure – The Golden Pass. Reservations aren’t needed (though perhaps recommended between Montreux and Zweisimmen – there are train changes as there isn’t a direct train).

    Traveling to Zermatt from Interlaken and then to Lucerne you would only be on a panoramic train (Glacier Express) to/from Visp and Zermatt (which isn’t far). So in this case I would just take a normal train – the route is exactly the same and as you noted the only difference is the larger windows…. and better food service as well. 🙂

    Lucas

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    10 May 2017 at 16:25:45 #863090

    That is really helpful Lucas and very much appreciated. We will obviously be using the trains and mountain transport during our stay in the various locations as well so are sure to cover much of the scenic routes during our visit.

    Thanks again.

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