The Lötschberg mountain route
The Lötschberg mountain trains cross the Alps between north and south on this varied scenic journey. Of course you can travel in both directions.
The route can be divided into 4 main sections.
Section 1: Bern-Spiez
The train starts in Bern. After leaving the city, you’ll head for Thun in the western part of the Bernese Oberland. If weather is clear, you can see the snow-capped Bernese Alps on your left.
Between the scenic lakeside towns Thun and Spiez, you’ll have the shores of Lake Thun on your left side as well.
Section 2: Spiez-Goppenstein
The train bends south after Spiez and enter the pretty Kander valley, passing the towns Frutigen and Kandersteg.
This is where the entrance to the long Lötschberg base tunnel can be found, but the mountain trains don’t use it. Instead, they start to gain height after Frutigen with the aid of spiral loops and viaducts. It’s an impressive piece of engineering. Beautiful views on both sides await you.
The Lötschberg tunnel between Kandersteg and Goppenstein concludes this part of the ride. Car trains use this tunnel too.
Section 3: Goppenstein-Brig
You’ll leave the Lötschberg tunnel near Goppenstein, which is at the southern side of the Alps.
Another impressive mountain section gets you to Raron, where you’ll see the wide Rhone valley appear far below. A gradual descent over several high viaducts follows, with the Rhone valley at your right hand.
Sit on the right side for views of the Rhone valley while descending.
Section 4: Brig-Domodossola
The last part of this route continues into Italy through the Simplon pass. There’s a mountain road for cars and buses, but the trains use the Simplon tunnel to Iselle di Trasquera in Italy. Car trains use this tunnel as well. Shortly after, you’ll reach the destination Domodossola.
Which section is best?
There are many towns along the route where you can hop on and off, so you can choose any part of the route that suits your plans.
If we had to choose, we’d pick Spiez-Goppenstein-Brig as the highlight of this trip. You'll experience impressive railway engineering and great views of the mountains here.
Dates of operation
The trains operates all year. Check the timetable before you start your trip.
TIMETABLE
Find train schedules for your trip. You can search for connections from and to all towns along the railway line. Enter 'Goppenstein' or 'Kandersteg' as a via-station for the Lötschberg mountain route.
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