Sunday, September 20, 2015

The GoldenPass, an unforgettable journey in the Swiss Alps

Stretching over 150 miles, The GoldenPass train line takes travellers on an unforgettable journey across the Swiss Alps. It links six beautiful lakes and two very different regions: German-speaking Lucerne in central Switzerland and French-speaking Montreux

Golden Pass Train
You can choose to travel in sleek modern golden-colored trains or take opulent Belle Epoque coaches, which are stocked with Swiss wines and delicacies to keep you happy along the way. Some trains have VIP seats right at the front with large panoramic windows where nothing obstructs the spectacular panoramas. It is up to you whether you want to take the entire scenic train ride in one day or split and stop along the route to visit the towns along the way, which include Meiringen, Interlaken, Spiez, Zweisimmen and Gstaad.

Lungerersee
After leaving Lucerne, the GoldenPass travels past the majestic Pilatus Mountain, shimmering Lake Sarnersee and Lake Lungernsee and starts climbing the BrĂ¼nig Pass at an altitude of 1008 m, which connects the Bernese Oberland and central Switzerland. The train stops in the quiet town of Meiringen where you can get off and discover the ruined Castle of Restiturm, the Reichenbach Falls and taste famous meringue dessert, which the town claims to have invented.

After Meiringen the GoldenPass continues on past stunning Lake Brienz to Interlaken, a great base for exploring the Jungfrau region with its magnificent mountain peaks. Next stop – the picturesque town of Spiez located on the South shore of Lake Thun. The town is dominate by a medieval castle and surrounded by vineyards with the Bernese Alps as a backdrop.

Spiez
The train line proceeds into the Simmen valley studded with quaint farms and pretty villages overlooked by dramatic mountain peaks. On to Zweisimmen with its ski resorts and the glamorous car-free mountain resort of Gstaad with its luxurious hotels, gourmet restaurants and boutiques, which has become a magnet for international celebrities.


Photos via Flickr by: Paula Funnell, Timo Newton-Syms, Manfred Morgner.