Is the train from Zurich to Grindelwald scenic?

Day trip from Zurich to Grindelwald and Interlaken It includes a scenic rail journey between Grindelwald and Interlaken. You'll see the peaks of the Mönch, Jungfrau and Eiger, and shop for Swiss goods in the Bernese Oberland. There's also free time in Grindelwald included to spend as you wish.



The train journey from Zurich to Grindelwald is exceptionally scenic, particularly during the second and third legs of the trip. While the first hour from Zurich to Bern is a standard high-speed run through pleasant countryside, the journey truly transforms after you change trains in Interlaken. The final 35-minute ascent from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald on the Bernese Oberland Railway (BOB) is a "gold standard" Swiss experience, featuring steep climbs alongside turquoise rivers, plunging waterfalls, and the looming presence of the Eiger and Wetterhorn peaks. For the best views, travelers in 2026 are advised to sit on the right-hand side of the train when heading toward Interlaken for views of Lake Thun, and then on the left-hand side for the final climb into the Grindelwald valley. The integration of modern "panoramic" windows on many SBB and private rail cars ensures that even the "standard" commute feels like a world-class sightseeing tour, making it one of the most visually rewarding rail routes in the Jungfrau region.

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Glacier Express Topping our list is none other than the Glacier Express, probably the most iconic and luxurious scenic Swiss rail journey. Known as the 'slowest express train in the world', the entire journey will grant you with undisputed panoramic views of the country's most dramatic scenery, no matter the season.

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Experience. Explore the idyllic Bernese Oberland and magnificent Jungfrau mountain region on a full-day tour from Zurich. The day includes free time to explore the famous mountain resorts of Grindelwald and Interlaken, located between 2 lakes.

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Zurich to Interlaken scenic route is via Lucerne - Lucerne to Interlaken Ost is scenic Brünig mountain pass, part of Golden Pass line. From Interlaken to Montreux with train change in Zweisimmen for the second part of Golden Pass line. Check possible itineraries with http://www.sbb.ch/en timetable application.

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You can enjoy the Bernina Express as a day trip - this is the highest railway across the Alps, yet the train negotiates 55 tunnels, 196 bridges and steep inclines with ease. The carriages have panoramic windows so that you can enjoy unrestricted views of the stunning landscape through which you are travelling.

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1. The Bernina Express. Connecting Chur to Poschiavo in Switzerland, and to Tirano in Italy by crossing the Swiss Engadin Alps, the Bernina Express features breathtaking views from its panoramic, red carriages.

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The choice is yours! Interlaken is more like a transport hub and it's also a larger town so it has more choices of shops and restaurants just to browse. Grindelwald is a scenic village (still with enough restaurants and some shopping) that is much more scenic than Interlaken.

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The first step is to take a train from Zurich to Lucerne. Then you'll take the GoldenPass line from there to Interlaken. The last leg is from Interlaken to Grindelwald. Lucerne makes a picturesque stop on the journey between Zurich and Grindelwald.

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1. The Lake Lucerne region has without doubt the most splendid landscape of Switzerland. Only about 45 minutes drive from Zurich you find yourself inside a diverse mountain and lakeside scenery with iconic peaks, dent forests, shimmering waters and stunning alpine panoramas.

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If you're looking for views then this route will most likely disappoint, especially if you're used to Swiss standards. There is some token scenery in the form of two lakes en route to take in however.

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If you're planning a trip to Grindelwald, Switzerland, I recommend spending 1-2 days there. In 1-2 days, you can have fun at Grindelwald-First, enjoy the stunning Swiss Alps, take a scenic train ride and visit popular attractions such as the Jungfraujoch or the Eiger Trail.

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The cliff walk itself is free, but most people will have to pay to get up the mountain by cable car. I expected the actual cliff walk to be longer and higher than it was. There are some great views however, so it was kind of worth it for that.

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The Jungfrau 'Top of Europe' requires a surcharge and in the high season a seat reservation (5 CHF) might be required. Swiss Travel Pass gives you a 100% Discount for the journey from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen/Wengen and Grindelwald.

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TIP: If you only have one day for Interlaken and don't know where to start or don't feel like planning everything, there are also nice day tours that you can consider instead. The most popular tours depart either from Zurich or from Lucerne and visit Interlaken and Grindelwald on the same day.

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