The most underrated train journeys in Switzerland

Routes like the Glacier Express may be justly famed, but beyond lie a plethora of overlooked rail itineraries — all of which uncover a more surprising side to Switzerland. Think gorgeous Italianate cities, sunlit vineyards and time-capsule towns, where local life proceeds at the same pace it has for centuries. Here's how to plot an alternative tour of this beguiling country.

Bellinzona to Lucerne

Best for: all sides of Switzerland

The often-bypassed town of Bellinzona — home to three of Switzerland’s best-preserved medieval castles — deserves a linger. After exploring, take the Gotthard Panorama Express north. Boarding this famed train is like stepping into a reel of film, every landscape glimpsed through its windows a new scene. One moment, you’re racing past the palms and piazzas of the Italian-speaking region of Ticino. The next, you’re ascending past waterfalls, chestnut groves and romantic, solitary chapels, spiralling through mountain tunnels towards the storybook town of Lucerne. This slow and scenic journey swaps drab efficiency for full-colour immersion — pulling into the lakeside city of Lucerne feels like surfacing from a dream.

Remember to pack: A wide-lens phone camera — the transition from palm trees to snowfields deserves a panoramic shot.

Bern to Lausanne

Best for: a multilingual visit

This brisk hop between the Swiss capital and the second largest city on Lake Geneva is far more than a straightforward transfer. This SBB line traces a direct link between German-speaking Bern and French-speaking Lausanne, making for a richly layered journey. Break the ride in Fribourg, a handsomely medieval city of cobbled lanes and cathedral towers. Its riverside promenades and soaring gothic cathedral make for a rewarding detour. From here, the train glides south along the Saane valley and slips into the waterside city of Lausanne, where terraced vineyards and glittering lake views await. In summer, join the locals for a swim in the super-clean water, followed by a glass of chasselas on the quay.

Remember to pack: A reusable water bottle — Lausanne’s free fountains offer some of the purest tap water in Europe.

Zurich to Appenzell

Best for: cities and small towns

Start in Zurich, avoiding Bahnhofstrasse in favour of the more characterful quarters of Switzerland’s largest city. Away from the main thoroughfare, you’ll find a flea market tucked under a viaduct, riverside picnic spots along the Sihl and brutalist curiosities like Pavillon Le Corbusier. Take the train east, into a more bucolic landscape. This little-known route combines Swiss Federal Railway (SBB) intercity services with the Appenzeller Bahn, a narrow-gauge line that meanders through meadows and villages painted in primary colours. Appenzell itself is a storybook place — car-free and governed by ancient cantonal custom. The journey takes just over two hours, but it’ll feel like you’ve travelled back at least a century.

Remember to pack: A tote bag for cheeses, kirsch, beer, schnaps, biberli (a traditional Swiss pastry made with honey and nuts) and hand-painted wooden spoons, all made in Appenzell.

Visp to Zermatt to Gornergrat

Best for: mountain views

This ride to the summit of Gornergrat offers Alpine drama on an intimate scale. Begin in Visp, a sunny riverside town backed by terraced vineyards, then board the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn for the gentle climb to the car-free resort of Zermatt. From here, the Gornergrat Bahn — Europe’s highest open-air cogwheel railway — ascends through forests and across rocky ridges to a viewing platform. The payoff is staggering: 29 peaks above 4,000 metres (13,123 feet), including the chiselled face of the Matterhorn, rear up around you in silent theatre. Time your arrival for late afternoon and watch the glaciers blush pink as the sun dips behind the horizon.

Remember to pack: Sunglasses and a neck warmer — it can be icy at altitude.

Gossau to Wasserauen

Best for: Rural life and rides

This branch-line journey through the Appenzell countryside is a big hit, winding from Gossau to the valley terminus of Wasserauen. The line rolls past clapboard houses and tidy farms, where chickens peck beside the flowerbeds. Depending on the day, you might board a themed carriage operated by Appenzeller Bahnen — fondue rides, brunch events and even murder mystery specials pop up throughout the year. Once in Wasserauen, board a cable car to the top of the Ebenalp mountain — where, 1,640 metres (5,381 feet) up, the Alpstein Alps appear as one glorious sweep.

Remember to pack: A decent nose — Appenzeller cheese is famously bold, and you’ll smell it before you see it.

(Surprised by these Swiss train journeys? Discover more of Switzerland here.)