By rail · FUNICULAR AND MOUNTAIN RAILWAY RIDES IN SWITZERLAND
Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 funicular and mountain railway rides in Switzerland justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.
From Lucerne, a guide such as Gaby, Judith, or Dominik leads you by bus, gondola, aerial cable car, cogwheel train, and boat to Mt. Pilatus. You get mountain views, free time for easy walks, and a summer cruise back to Lucerne.
“Great tour w/excellent company and guide. Wonderful way to experience Pilatus. Strongly recommend.”
Travel from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch with a multilingual guide, riding the gondola from Grindelwald to Eiger Glacier and the cogwheel train to the summit. You get at least two hours at the top for the Sphinx Terrace, Plateau, Ice Palace, and Alpine Sensation before returning through Lauterbrunnen.
“Great organisation, kudos to Olga who was so motivated despite having a sore throat”
Travel from Zurich to Jungfraujoch with an English-speaking guide, riding the cogwheel railway, Ice Palace route, Sphinx Observatory, and Eiger Express. Guides such as Kid, Raymond, and Xavier are praised for keeping groups together and taking photos, though the 11.5-hour day can feel rushed.
“This was an exceptional tour. It is a bit rushed because you cover a lot on this day tour but completely worth it if one has limited time to spend in the mountains. Our guide Kid was so fun, organized and he took the best pics and videos which made the whole experience memorable. Our driver was also very good. Completely worth the money!”
Take the 10-minute funicular from Interlaken Harderbahn to Harder Kulm at 1,322 meters. Walk to the Two Lakes Bridge, look toward Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, and enjoy the restaurant or sunset before choosing your return ride. The $49 round-trip ticket is valid for one day.
“lovely lady at reception allowed us specific access due to mothers wheelchair usage very wheelchair friendly with free parking very helpful and friendly staff breathtaking views at the top helpful shops at the top selling merchandise, snacks and drinks as well as a restaurant”
Travel from Zurich to Jungfraujoch with a multilingual guide, riding the Eiger Express gondola and cogwheel train to 11,332 feet. Explore the Sphinx Observatory, Ice Palace, and Alpine Sensation, with stops in Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen. Guides may include Lars, Olga, Monica, or Andrea.
“Wonderful. I strongly recommend. Bus was comfortable. The guide was awesome lady. Explain and show the places. Was a wonderful experience.”
Leave central Lucerne by coach for Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, and Jungfraujoch. Your guide handles the trains and Eiger Express, leaving you to enjoy the Ice Palace, Sphinx Observatory, Aletsch Glacier, and high Alpine views. Guides may include Kid, Hans, Raymond, or Hansruedi.
“A full day adventure. Our tour guide Kid took very good care of us and took lots of pictures for us. Take food as there is not much time to purchase food.”
Travel from Lucerne through Interlaken and Grindelwald to Jungfraujoch, using the Eiger Express gondola and mountain railway. Your guide handles the connections, then gives you time for the Sphinx Terrace, Aletsch Glacier, Ice Palace, and Alpine Sensation before returning through Wengen and Lauterbrunnen.
“The trip was as amazing!! The most gorgeous scenery on our 8 days in Europe. Guides, Dave & Sophia and driver, Louis, were excellent. The only slight issue was the lower section of the bus was a little warm, but the vents on the upper section worked great! Overall, we would rate this excursion as the BEST of our entire trip!!”
Travel from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch with a multilingual guide, taking the Eiger Express, cogwheel train, Sphinx Terrace, Alpine Sensation, and Ice Palace. The trip lasts about seven hours and includes reserved transport, but cold weather, crowds, and limited summit time require good planning.
“Fantastic well organised tour, Roberto, Bernie and a wonderful bus driver Sash looked after us every step of the day. They have a wealth of knowledge and are funny and make everyone feel welcome would recommend this tour to anyone”
Travel independently from Interlaken toward Grindelwald Terminal, continue by cable car and mountain train to Jungfraujoch, and explore Europe’s highest railway station. Allow 6 to 8 hours, dress in layers, check the forecast, and keep your booked train schedule in mind.
“Very great, bit more instruction could help but still very good”
Travel independently from Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Wilderswil, or Wengen to Jungfraujoch by cogwheel railway. At 3,454 meters, explore the Sphinx, Ice Palace, Plateau, Alpine Sensation, shops, restaurants, and Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven. No guide is included.
“Jungfraujoch is a sight to behold and it's staggering the amount of activities that are available for the whole family when you get to the top. Despite that though after having been up there and back I feel the price is a good £60-£80 too high for what you're getting.”
Travel from Lucerne to Jungfraujoch by coach, Eiger Express gondola, and cogwheel train. You’ll visit the Sphinx Observatory, Alpine Sensation, and Ice Palace with a multilingual guide. Guides have included Maude, Fernando, Sofia, and Bruno. Expect a long, weather-sensitive day at high altitude.
“We enjoyed great views of the Alps from gondola and cog wheel train. The Ice Palace was impressive and unique.”
Meet your guide in central Lugano for a boat ride to Cassarate, then take the funicular up Monte Brè. Walk through Brè village, see Ticinese homes and local art, and enjoy views toward Lake Lugano and, on clear days, Mount Rosa. Expect moderate walking.
“Amazing! We saw so many things and our guide was very knowledgeable!”
Take a round-trip train journey from Grindelwald Terminal to Jungfraujoch at 3,454 meters. Your ticket includes a seat reservation between Eigergletscher and Jungfraujoch, plus about two hours to see the Plateau, Aletsch Glacier, Ice Palace, and Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven. This is a self-guided visit, not a guided tour.
“this was super experience and everything went super smooth. just show your voucher and that's it. enjoy the show.”
Take an unguided return ride from Wilderswil to Schynige Platte aboard a lovingly maintained 19th-century cogwheel train. At 1,967 meters, you can visit the Botanical Alpine Garden, follow hiking trails, hear alphorns around midday, and enjoy the mountain restaurant views.
“Highly recommended! the views from this place are amazing. at the top they have a restaurant or a bar where u can grab drinks and enjoy the views. they also have a hike you can do either from the bottom to the top or from the top to the bottom. but definitely worth it.”
Meet your guide at Lugano Region Info Point at 10:00 AM, walk along the lakeshore past LAC and Santa Maria degli Angeli Church, then ride up Monte San Salvatore. You’ll have summit free time, picnic options, a restaurant discount, and a guided return by funicular.
“J’en suis très satisfait et mes enfants étaient ravis. Je recommande.”
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