- Switzerland
Naomi van Hagen
Content
A train journey through Switzerland had been on our bucket list for a while, but we never expected the route to be so surprising and diverse. In a single trip, you can explore the vibrant city of Zurich, sail across the magical Lake Lucerne, hike mountain peaks with stunning views of the Alps, and soak up the Mediterranean vibes at sunny Lago Maggiore. This Swiss train itinerary is a series of highlights, from breathtaking nature to delicious gastronomy, from peaceful moments to lively experiences. And what makes it even more special? You can do it all by train. Interested in discovering Switzerland this way? We share our full train route, with practical tips and exciting stops along the way!
Why travel around Switzerland by train?
Honestly? We didn't know that traveling by train through Switzerland would be so much fun. Of course you sometimes hear that it is well organized, but that it would be so beautiful and relaxing really surprised us.
Transfers are smooth, connections are reliable and routes wind through impressive mountain landscapes, past beautiful lakes and through charming villages. A train ride in Switzerland really feels like part of the journey. In fact, like a destination in itself. Through the huge panoramic windows you see the Alps slowly looming up, the clear lakes glistening beneath you and you suddenly dive into the sunny south. And all this while you sit relaxed in a comfy chair with a cup of coffee in your hand.
The route in short: from Zurich to Lago Maggiore
The train route through Switzerland that we followed is part of the 'Grand Train Tour of Switzerland'. It takes you from stylish and modern Zurich, through the peaceful Lake Lucerne region, all the way to the sunny south. You travel from beautiful Zurich to the charming town of Vitznau, with views of mountain peaks and direct access to Mount Rigi. The journey ends in Mediterranean Ascona, where palm trees sway, houses are painted in pastel colors, and sipping a cappuccino by the water feels just like being in Italy. Each destination is completely different, and all that within one surprisingly diverse train route.
How many days out for this train route?
This train tour of Switzerland can be done well in 7 to 8 days, with travel days. A day-to-day plan could be:
First 2 days in Zurich to explore the city at leisure;
Then 2 days in Vitznau to go up Mount Rigi, sail across Lake Lucerne and totally unwind;
And 2 days in Ascona, where in the Mediterranean atmosphere you end the trip on Lake Maggiore.
Do you have a little more time? Then we would definitely recommend 10 days. Choose to spend an extra day in Vitznau relaxing by the water and take trips from Ascona to Locarno and the mountain village of Dagro, for example.
Destinations along the route through Switzerland
From modern cities to idyllic mountain villages and Mediterranean lakes, this train route shows you different faces of Switzerland. These are the places you won't want to miss along the way.
1. Zurich: a stylish start to your train adventure
Zurich is one of those cities you really have to experience to appreciate. Start your day with a refreshing morning dip in the river and stroll through the colorful Altstadt. Then head to the trendy West Zurich region, where you'll find all sorts of fun concept stores and bars. This stylish city is sure to surprise you. Moreover, Zurich is very easily accessible by train from the Netherlands and Belgium (via Germany), which makes it an ideal starting point for your tour of Switzerland.
Wondering what to do in Zurich, where to eat and what are the best places to stay? Check out our extensive tips for a city break to Zurich.
2. Vitznau and Lake Lucerne: a scenic escape to the Swiss mountains
Between the shimmering waters of Lake Lucerne and the imposing peaks of the Rigi you will find Vitznau, a hidden gem where the Swiss Alps welcome you in peace. From Zurich you travel comfortably by train to Lucerne, where you transfer to the boat to Vitznau, a beautiful route across the lake that immediately sparks the vacation spirit.
From this idyllic village you can also hop on a boat in no time to Brunnen, an atmospheric town on the other side of the lake, where you can dine, for example, at Birdy's by Achtien, a cozy and stylish restaurant with insane shared dining dishes.
Spend the night here in a truly dream spot: the elegant Hotel Vitznauerhof. With its location right on the water, stylish rooms and a terrace where you want to sit for hours, this is one of those addresses that you really don't want to leave.
3. Mount Rigi: the panoramic highlight of your Swiss train journey
The Rigi, also called the Queen of the Mountains, is one of the most beautiful places to visit during your train tour of Switzerland. From Vitznau you board the historic cogwheel railway, the oldest in Europe, which takes you to the top of the Rigi in about half an hour. The ride itself is already an experience, with increasingly impressive views of Lake Lucerne, surrounding valleys and Alpine peaks. Once at the top, numerous hiking trails await you over rolling alpine meadows and past spectacular viewpoints. On clear days you can see all the way to the Black Forest and Mont Blanc.
You can choose a short circular hike or a longer hike to a lower station. If you're staying in Vitznau, the starting point is literally around the corner. You can walk straight to the cog railway station and immediately begin one of the most iconic train routes in the country.
4. Ascona in Ticino: the most Italian town in Switzerland
As soon as you arrive in Ascona, you will notice it immediately: this is where the sunny south begins. The atmosphere is relaxed, the facades are colorful and the trees gently sway in the breeze. This charming little town on the Swiss part of Lake Maggiore feels almost Italian, which is exactly its charm. Stroll along the promenade overlooking the shimmering lake, settle down on a terrace for a gelato or a glass of local wine, and enjoy the Mediterranean that makes Ascona so beloved.
From Vitznau you travel to Ascona in about 3.5 hours. First by bus to Brunnen, then by train to Locarno and then a short bus ride to your final destination. The route is doable and you'll also be treated to stunning views along the way.
Those looking for a little more excitement can head to the nearby city Locarno. This city is known for its international film festival and atmospheric old town.
In terms of food, too, you're in the right place. In Ascona is Riva Ascona a trendy place on the waterfront where you can enjoy a cocktail and delicious lunch. For a typical Italian atmosphere, have a seat at Ristorante Osteria Nostrana, a classic on the promenade with excellent pizza and a lively terrace. In Locarno is Ristorante Fiorentina highly recommended if you're in the mood for an atmospheric Italian dinner right in the middle of the old town.
5. Dagro: tranquility, nature and history in the Malvaglia Valley
Want to get off the beaten track? Then plan a day trip to Dagro, a hidden mountain village about two hours from Ascona. Just the route there, through the impressive Malvaglia Valley, is an experience in itself.
From the village of Malvaglia take the cable car up to the mountain terrace where Dagro lies, at 1,400 meters above sea level. This ride alone is an adventure with magnificent views.
This valley has been inhabited since the 13th century and houses some of the oldest buildings in the canton of Ticino. In Dagro you will find charming wooden cottages built on dry stone walls, called cascine, which used to serve as peasant quarters and today are mostly used as vacation homes. The atmosphere there is authentic and almost timeless.
You can enjoy hiking here and indulge in the trails through chestnut forests and along mountain meadows. For a lovely break along the way Ristoro Sass Malt highly recommended. A small restaurant where you can enjoy homemade dishes made to la nonna's recipe on the terrace. Pure Italian flavors, overlooking the valley. What more could you want?
Practical tips for your train journey through Switzerland
A train tour of Switzerland is not only incredibly beautiful, but also very easy to plan. Especially with the right preparation. Below we answer the most frequently asked questions and share useful tips for en route. You can also find inspiration on the website of Switzerland Tourism.
Is it convenient to purchase the Swiss Travel Pass?
For those who travel multiple train routes, as with this route from Zurich to Lake Maggiore, the Swiss Travel Pass often the cheapest and easiest. This allows unlimited travel on virtually all trains, boats and buses in Switzerland. Cable cars like the one to Mount Rigi are also partially or fully included, as is admission to some museums.
The Swiss Travel Pass is available for 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 consecutive days, so you can choose what best suits your travel plans. You can also easily take your luggage on the train, although it's nice to travel nice and light. Reservations for the trains are usually not required, but are often smart for panorama trains and popular routes in high season. Use the SBB app to plan your trip.
You will still need an international train ticket for your trip from the Netherlands to Switzerland. The train departs from Amsterdam CS, Utrecht CS, and Arnhem CS. It is wise to book this ticket on time, as this can make a big difference in the cost. Check out the NS International website for dates, times and ticket prices.
What is the best travel time?
The summer months (June through September) are the best time for this itinerary through Switzerland. You’ll have the highest chance of clear weather for mountain views and boat trips, and many cable cars are fully operational. The Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, Ticino, is also the most fun to visit during this period.
If you’re looking for inspiration for a winter train trip through Switzerland, check out our article on train journeys in Switzerland in winter: from Glacier 3000 to Mount Pilatus with tips for panoramic trains, winter hikes, and picturesque alpine villages.
The best places to stay during your Switzerland journey
During our train trip through Switzerland, we stayed in three beautiful hotels, each with its own charm. In Zurich we chose the trendy CitizenM Zurich, ideally located for exploring the city. On Lake Lucerne we slept in the elegant Hotel Vitznauerhof in Vitznau, an amazing, dreamy spot right on the water with views of the Alps. In the sunny south, in Ascona, we stayed in the lovely Seven Boutique Hotel, where Italian coziness and Swiss hospitality come together.
Combine your trip to Switzerland with other countries
Is this trip easy to combine with other countries? Yes, definitely! You can combine it with Austria and Italy. This train route ends in sunny southern Switzerland, near the Italian border. From Locarno and Ascona, you can easily travel further to Milan and other beautiful destinations in northern Italy.
Austria is also easy to reach from Switzerland. Via Zurich, you can easily travel on to popular cities such as Innsbruck and Salzburg. This way, you can make your Switzerland trip a multifaceted exploration of the Alpine region, with beautiful landscapes and cultural highlights in multiple countries.
Your dream trip through Switzerland
Dreaming of an unforgettable train journey through Switzerland, but don’t want to plan it all yourself? With our tailor-made travel service, we design a trip that perfectly matches your wishes. From scenic train routes and unique hotels to panoramic rides, boat trips and mountain adventures, we take care of every detail. During a personal video call, we’ll discuss your preferences and get started right away. All you need to do is relax and enjoy the ride.
Naomi van Hagen
Curious, creative and passionate about travel, I’m always on the lookout for unique destinations where culture, gastronomy and adventure come together. As a travel blogger, I share personal stories and insider tips from countries like Brazil, Greece, Indonesia, Thailand and Peru, from hidden gems and rich traditions to unforgettable culinary experiences. My blogs are based on real travel experiences and in-depth local knowledge. Ready to plan your own adventure? As a personal travel consultant, I’ll help you create a tailor-made trip that perfectly suits your travel dreams.
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