GoldenPass Line

The GoldenPass runs from Montreux on Lake Geneva up through the Pays-d'Enhaut and the Saanenland to Zweisimmen, then on to Interlaken - a route that crosses from French-speaking vineyard country into German-speaking chalet country in a few hours. Its engineering problem was gauge: the Montreux line is metre gauge and the Bernese Oberland line is standard, so passengers had to change at Zweisimmen for a century. In 2022 the GoldenPass Express began running through, using bogies that change gauge and adjust height automatically while the train moves slowly over a special track - a system developed specifically for this route. Some services use Belle Epoque or panoramic carriages with raised seating.

The main sights

• A gauge-changing train - bogies that switch under the carriages in motion.
• Two language regions in one ride - vineyard Vaud into chalet Bernese Oberland.
• Panoramic and Belle Epoque cars - depending on the service.
• The Lavaux terraces at the start - the climb out of Montreux.

When to go

All year; October for autumn colour. A day.

Practical notes

Not every service is a through train or a panoramic one - check what you are booking. Seat reservations are needed on the Express. It is a scenic route, so bad weather removes most of the value. Fares are high without a rail pass.

Nearby

Montreux and Chillon are at one end; Interlaken and the Jungfrau valleys at the other.