Published 28th Nov. 2023
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Switzerland is renowned for its storybook scenery, and our Europe specialist, Arran, got to sample them for herself on a rail-focused research trip. Incredible train journeys took her through valleys and over mountains, with stops to feast on hearty Swiss cuisine along the way. Eager to know Arran’s top tips for getting around the country? Read on for her rundown...
My trip was during late May and early June – a gorgeous time to visit. As the snow begins to melt, the colours across the valleys really pop.
I started in Zurich, in northern Switzerland, then hopped on a train to central Switzerland where I visited Mount Rigi. I then went on to visit the Swiss mountain village of Murren (via the cable car from the Schilthorn summit, which was a cool way to arrive). From there, I rode the Glacier Express to St Moritz, and then the Bernina Express to Tirano (in Italy) and then finally back to Chur, in Switzerland.
I made the most of Swiss public transport – trains, cable cars and buses. And, unlike what I’m used to in England, everything ran perfectly on time! It was so easy and seamless, a bonus that can’t be overlooked when travelling long distances.
The breathtaking scenery I saw from the train windows. The Glacier Express and the Bernina Express are both incredibly special journeys because of these views. It was so amazing to travel through valleys and over mountains by train, and I was amazed by how peaceful it all was. The Bernina Express was particularly special – it’s slightly less well known, but was my favourite journey on the trip. The scenery is really dramatic as you climb up and over the top of the Bernina Pass, and having lunch in Italy is a bonus treat.
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I was in Switzerland, so Swiss chocolate of course! The stuffed cabbage rolls in Chur were also very hearty. They’re filled with a mix of ground pork or lamb, Swiss cheese, tomato and onion. I’ll definitely be trying (and failing) to replicate them at home.
A lovely three-course meal with table service on the Glacier Express. The food is freshly prepared on board, with everything from Swiss chard wrapped around Spätzli dough to chicken tikka masala. I’ve never had lunch with a continually changing view – it made a nice change to the usual M&S sandwich.
If you’re going to take lots of trains, make sure you pack as lightly as possible. It makes changing trains much less of a hassle, something I’m sure we all appreciate.
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