Swiss Alps, Lakes & Canyons by Scenic Trains, Boat and Cogwheel Discount Tickets

5.0
★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 2 reviews |
location pin icon Lucerne, Switzerland
location pin icon Lucerne
5.0 /5
2 reviews
View all Swiss Alps, Lakes & Canyons by Scenic Trains, Boat and Cogwheel photos
View all Swiss Alps, Lakes & Canyons by Scenic Trains, Boat and Cogwheel photos

Get your discount tickets for the Swiss Alps, Lakes & Canyons by Scenic Trains, Boat and Cogwheel, save up to 9% !

Select your ticket

9% OFF Refundable
Including Train Tickets
FROM

$30.27

REG. $33.22

Offer details

One Payment - All Covered: Select this option for the convenience of having your train tickets arranged and added to your trip (including booking fee). Pickup included
9% OFF Refundable
8 adults excluding tickets
FROM

$135.63

REG. $148.85

Offer details

Requires self-purchase: For Swiss Travel Pass holders or if you prefer to buy your own Day Pass fee-free at SBB: CHF 119 (19<16y). I’m happy to help. Pickup included
9% OFF Refundable
Excluding Train Tickets
FROM

$135.63

REG. $148.85

Offer details

Self-purchase required: For Swiss Travel Pass holders or if you prefer to buy your own Day Pass fee-free at SBB: CHF 119 (19<16y). I’m happy to help. Pickup included

Overview

Join me on a tour through the heart of Switzerland - all by public transport just like the locals. We ascend Europe’s first-ever cogwheel train to the majestic Queen of the Mountains, Mount Rigi. Breathe in the fresh air and take in breathtaking 360° views over glittering lakes, forested hills, and the snow-capped Alps. From the summit, we descend to the other side, where a scenic cruise awaits. Relax on deck as the boat glides across crystal-blue waters framed by dramatic mountain scenery. Our route then carries us through spectacular spiral tunnels, a masterpiece of Swiss engineering, into hidden valleys at the country’s heart. Next, we board another cogwheel mountain railway, climbing across the Alps through the Grand Canyon of Switzerland, where cliffs, gorges, and rushing rivers reveal nature’s raw beauty. As evening falls, we return aboard a restaurant wagon, where you can enjoy a meal or drink while the train carries us back - the perfect ending to a day of Swiss wonders.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Zurich HB mainstation: Official Meeting Point Look for the official Meeting Point sign — four arrows pointing toward a central circle — inside the main hall of the train station on the main floor. You can’t miss it; there’s a huge clock mounted right above it.

Pickup Information

Pickup location details: Zurich Airport: in front of the SBB ticket counters, Winterthur mainstation: Official Meeting Point

Language Offered

Arabic-GUIDE

German-GUIDE

English-GUIDE

Italian-GUIDE

French-GUIDE

Itinerary

1. Arth-Goldau
Enjoy a first short train journey as you travel from Zurich to Arth-Goldau. Leaving the busy city behind, the route leads along Lake Zug and through the rolling foothills of central Switzerland, offering ever-changing views of lakes, forests, and mountain peaks. Sit back, relax, and experience how seamlessly Swiss rail connects urban and alpine landscapes.
Duration: 40 mins
2. Mount Rigi
Ride the historic cogwheel train up Mount Rigi, the “Queen of the Mountains,” and enjoy a journey through meadows and forests to the summit. At the top, take in sweeping 360° views over Lake Lucerne and the Alps, stroll along easy panoramic paths, and relax at a mountain café while soaking up the scenery.
Duration: 120 mins
3. Lake Lucerne
Step aboard for a cruise across the sparkling waters of Lake Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and steep wooded slopes, the scenery changes with every turn. Charming villages and historic landmarks line the shores, while graceful swans glide across the water. Relax on deck and breathe in the alpine air, or enjoy the views from inside as the boat carries you past dramatic cliffs and rolling hills reflected in the lake. With every bend, new panoramas open — from Mount Rigi and Pilatus towering above to quiet bays and hidden valleys along the shoreline. Whether you’re seeking peaceful moments, photo opportunities, or simply the joy of gliding across crystal-clear waters, a cruise on Lake Lucerne is an unforgettable Swiss experience.
Duration: 120 mins
4. Gotthard Panorama Express SBB
Travel through the very heart of Switzerland on the Gotthard Panorama Express, where engineering brilliance meets breathtaking alpine landscapes. The journey carries you along the historic Gotthard railway, famous for its spectacular spiral tunnels. These masterpieces of 19th-century engineering twist deep into the mountains, allowing trains to climb through dramatic valleys and sheer cliffs. From your seat, watch as the train curves high above its own tracks, revealing ever-changing views of rugged peaks, rushing rivers, and stone villages nestled in the valleys. Each tunnel exit offers a new panorama — a true showcase of Swiss ingenuity and natural beauty combined. Relax and enjoy the slow unfolding of the Alps from the comfort of panoramic carriages. A ride on the Gotthard Panorama Express is more than a train journey — it’s a passage through history, culture, and the very soul of Switzerland.
Duration: 45 mins
5. Schollenenschlucht
Journey into the dramatic Schöllenen Gorge, where towering cliffs and roaring waters create one of Switzerland’s most legendary landscapes. Cross the historic Devil’s Bridge, a site of myths and battles, and feel the power of the river that carved its way through solid rock. The gorge is both a natural wonder and a gateway to the Alps, where history and legend meet in breathtaking scenery. From here, continue your adventure on the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB). This narrow-gauge mountain railway climbs steep gradients, winds through tunnels, and crosses dizzying viaducts as it links central Switzerland with the high alpine world. Along the route, glaciers, deep valleys, and snow-dusted peaks unfold before your eyes, making every moment a highlight. Together, the Schöllenen Gorge and the MGB offer a perfect blend of wild nature, cultural history, and world-class railway engineering — an alpine journey you won’t forget.
Duration: 15 mins
6. Travel across the spectacular Oberalppass, the high mountain crossing that links central Switzerland with the canton of Graubünden. At over 2,000 meters above sea level, the pass offers sweeping panoramas of rugged peaks, alpine meadows, and sparkling mountain lakes. Reaching the summit by train is an unforgettable experience: the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn climbs steep gradients and winds through tunnels and viaducts before emerging at the top. Here you’ll find the famous red lighthouse — a symbol marking the source of the Rhine River — standing proudly against a backdrop of alpine scenery. Whether blanketed in snow or glowing in summer light, the Oberalppass showcases the raw beauty of the Swiss Alps. Crossing it is more than just a journey — it’s a moment where history, landscape, and engineering meet in perfect harmony.
Duration: 75 mins
7. Ruinaulta Rheinschlucht
Discover the breathtaking Ruinaulta, also known as the Rhine Gorge or the “Swiss Grand Canyon.” Formed by a massive rockslide thousands of years ago, this dramatic valley is one of Switzerland’s most striking natural wonders. Towering white cliffs rise above the turquoise waters of the Rhine, while forests, meadows, and hidden side valleys complete the spectacular scenery. The best way to experience the gorge is by train on the Rhätische Bahn (RhB), whose tracks run right along the river through tunnels and over bridges, offering constantly changing views of the cliffs and rapids below. From your window, you’ll see sheer rock walls, rushing waters, and untouched alpine landscapes unfold with every turn. Whether in the glowing light of summer or surrounded by autumn colors, the Ruinaulta is a place of raw beauty and peaceful grandeur — a natural masterpiece that fully deserves its title as the Swiss Grand Canyon.
Duration: 75 mins
8. Walensee
The tour gently concludes with the train ride from Chur back to Zurich. Take a seat in the restaurant carriage and enjoy a relaxed meal or drink while the landscapes quietly unfold one last time. The route leads along the shimmering Walensee, a lake often praised for its serene beauty, set against a backdrop of green slopes and small villages at the water’s edge. It’s a peaceful contrast to the wild valleys and gorges seen earlier in the day — a final moment to take in Switzerland’s variety before returning to Zurich.
Duration: 70 mins

Inclusion

Boat Cruise

Possible adaptations according to your interests and needs

Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.)

Personal guide Dave: Swiss local, qualified geographer & teacher

Exclusion

Meals

Cancellation Policy

Check mark icon Refundable tickets

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
  • 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Supplied by Swiss D Tours

Reviews

5.0

★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 2 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

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