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Switzerland: The Ultimate Train Travel Destination
Switzerland is one of the world’s most developed rail nations — and the ideal country to explore in depth by train. Approximately 5,200 km of track covers every village and attraction nationwide, with a punctuality rate approaching 98%. Scenic carriages pass through snow peaks, lakes, gorges, and vineyards — a moving landscape painting. In 2026, the Jungfrau V-Bahn new line opened fully, cutting the journey from Interlaken to the Jungfraujoch summit from 75 minutes to 52 minutes.
From China, Zurich or Geneva Airport are the main entry points. Both airports have rail stations directly inside the terminal — you can board a train to anywhere in Switzerland without retrieving luggage. The core tool for Swiss travel is the Swiss Travel Pass, giving unlimited train, bus, and lake steamer rides for 8, 15, or 22 consecutive days.
Jungfrau Region: The Ultimate Top of Europe Experience
The Jungfraujoch (3,454 m), known as the “Top of Europe,” is Switzerland’s most iconic attraction. The cog railway departs from Interlaken Ost, transferring at Grindelwald and Kleine Scheidegg — full journey approximately 75 minutes (52 minutes on the 2026 new line).
The train bores through tunnels inside the Eiger and Mönch, with gradients up to 25% in places — one of the engineering miracles of history. Stopping 30 minutes at Kleine Scheidegg before continuing up is recommended: this station offers the best angle for photographing the Mönch, with the imposing Eiger North Face directly ahead.
Summit facilities include the Sphinx Observatory (360° views over the Alps), Ice Palace (ice-carved corridors at about -3°C), snow playground, and Europe’s highest chocolate factory. Tickets including the cog railway and all summit facilities run approximately CHF 220/person. Using a Swiss Travel Pass gives 50% off — a saving of about CHF 110.
In the Jungfrau Region, Grindelwald and Mürren are two contrasting villages: Grindelwald is a modern alpine resort with comprehensive facilities, ideal for families; Mürren is a car-free quiet village, perfect for travellers seeking pure natural immersion.
Matterhorn: Sunrise and Sunset over the King of Peaks
The Matterhorn (4,478 m) is Switzerland’s most famous mountain and the Alps’ most photographed landmark. Its unique pyramid — four sheer walls rising from all sides — makes it one of the world’s most instantly recognisable peaks.
The best way to view the Matterhorn is the Gornergrat Railway, Europe’s highest outdoor cog railway. Departing from Zermatt, 32 minutes to the Gornergrat viewpoint at 3,089 m — the Matterhorn directly ahead, Monte Rosa behind, and the Gorner Glacier below. At sunrise, golden light washing across the pyramid is breathtaking.
The classic Matterhorn photography location is the Riffelsee lake reflection — best shot between 6–7 AM when the sun rises from the east and the water surface is perfectly still. This requires spending the night in Zermatt and departing at 4 AM.
Zermatt is an eco-friendly car-free town — all vehicles must be parked in Täsch’s car park and a shuttle train taken into the village. Get a Switzerland eSIM from Airalo; hotel Wi-Fi in Zermatt is generally good, but mountain signal is limited — prepare offline maps.
Glacier Express: Threading Through Snow Peaks and Gorges
The Glacier Express is Switzerland’s most famous scenic rail route, linking St. Moritz and Zermatt in about 8 hours, crossing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, reaching the Alps’ highest rail point (Oberalp Pass, 2,033 m).
Panoramic carriages feature retractable oversized glass ceilings; comfortable seats are paired with multilingual audio guides (Chinese, English, French, German) for each scenic point along the route. The dining car serves refined Swiss local cuisine with a wine list featuring Valais Pinot Noir.
Pre-book Glacier Express seats on Klook — book 3 months ahead in peak season. Peak season (July–August) 1st-class seats run approximately CHF 350/person. Seat reservation fees are extra (~CHF 35/person) but guarantee your specific window position.
The Glacier Express highlight section runs between Andermatt and Chur — snow peaks, gorges, ravines, and rushing streams pass in rapid succession. The Oberalp Pass section at lunchtime is the most visually overwhelming.
Switzerland Practical Information
The CHF/RMB rate is approximately 1:8; Switzerland is among the world’s most expensive countries. A typical restaurant lunch is CHF 30–50; supermarket litre of milk ~CHF 1.80, a sandwich ~CHF 6. Tap water is safe to drink; restaurant water costs ~CHF 5/glass — bring your own bottle.
Swiss Travel Passes are available from the SBB website or airport counters. 8-day consecutive pass ~CHF 450, 15-day ~CHF 570. Pass holders get free entry to 500+ museums including the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva and the Swiss National Museum in Zurich.
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