GOLDEN PASS LINE
Montreux-Zweisimmen-Interlaken-Lucern
The
Golden Pass Line represents the most diverse of the Swiss scenic train
routes. From beautiful Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva in French speaking
Switzerland - on the "Swiss Riviera“ - through vineyards
and green pastures where cows provide the milk for the famed cheese of
Gruyere -
past resorts like Gstaad - to Interlaken in the shadows of the mountains
of the Jungfrau Region. From Interlaken Ost continuing over the Brünig Pass
on to Lucerne in central Switzerland, the Golden Pass Line continues its service with the Lucerne-Interlaken Express of the Zentralbahn (in that line's cars with stadard ticketing) on to the shore of the lake region
where
the country
was born. The Golden Pass route - whether its "Golden Pass Classic" Wagons
Lit of the days of the Orient Express, or its sleek panoramic viiew coaches
in gold,
white and blue livery, passes high mountain peaks, and along the shores
of six lakes, through lands of two languages.
The
Golden Pass Line Route can be taken as a pre-booked tour, or as the line
runs along regular rail routes through most of its course, can be traveled
like any other train. The Golden Pass trains can be taken with a Swiss
Pass or other rail pass, without supplement. For special view seating,
a seat reservation is recommended, especially for the Golden Pass “Classic” line
which runs on the narrow gauge tracks between Montreux and Zweisimmen.
The VIP “Grand Vue” dome view seats at the front of the train does
require both a reservation and a supplement charge. The trains operate
both first class and second class sections. For groups, reservations
are mandatory. The full route journey along the Golden Pass Line takes
about 5 hours, with train changes at Interlaken and Zweisimmen. Choice
Panoramic or Classic?
Beginning
in 2015, a new service will begin along the Golden Pass Line. In the
past, two separate versions of engine and rolling stock where needed
because
part of the route is on narrow gauge track, but new trains are to begin
service with carriages that can traverse the entire route without changing
trains, and will provide full service meals like the Glacier Express. But that's a year off, yet. With so many of Switzerland’s
great sights along the route, the Golden Pass Line is ideal for a Swiss
Pass so it can be taken in stages,
stopping
along
the way for some of Switzerland’s most impressive excursion mountain
trains and cable ways, from Gruyeres to Chateau D'Oex and Gstaad,
the Jungfrau Region, the lakes of Thun and Brienz, and Lucerne. © sbr
Golden Pass Line Booking
The Golden Pass provides a few different options on sections of its route.
Panorama Coaches and Dining
Between Lucerne & Interlaken East
Panorama coaches in 1st class
Dining car
Between Interlaken East & Zweisimmen
Saloon coaches in 1st class
Railbar service
Between Zweisimmen & Montreux
Panorama coaches in 1st und 2nd class
"Grande vue" VIP front seats (seating supplement)
Railbar service
Excursion Routes from the Golden Pass Stops
From Lucerne
Mt Pilatus – The World's Steepest Cog Mountain Railway
Mt Rigi – Lake Steamer Cruise to the Mountain Train
From Interlaken
Jungfraujoch – Railway to the highest station in Europe and
Eiger Windows
Schilthorn – Aerial Tram to the Revolving Restaurant from
James Bond
From Montreux
Swiss Chocolate Train – Classic coaches to the Chocolate
Factory
Rochers-de-Naye – Cog Rail to Marmot`s Paradise