A good winter route through the Swiss Alps begins with a simple question: should the train spend as long as possible travelling through changing landscapes, or should there be time along the way to get off and explore a place? Between Valais and Graubünden, both options are within easy reach. Train windows become viewpoints, but daylight, connections and the timetable determine how much of the landscape is actually visible.
The Glacier Express connects Zermatt and St. Moritz via Brig, Andermatt, Disentis and Chur. According to the operator, the journey along the entire route takes approximately eight hours. Along the way, narrow valleys alternate with high Alpine stretches; in Graubünden, the Rhine Gorge and the Albula line are among the distinctive landscapes. The route offers a passing portrait of the Alps: long, varied and designed to fill an entire day’s travel. Those who prefer to get off more often should think of the journey in stages and carefully check the timetable and possible connections.
Panoramic carriage or regional train?
The panoramic train is the right choice if the uninterrupted journey itself is the main attraction. This requires planning: a seat reservation is compulsory on the Glacier Express. Nor does it operate continuously throughout the year. The 2026/27 winter timetable begins on 5 December; according to the operator, there is an annual break in service before then. The Glacier Express will therefore not run on 11 November 2026. Regional services along these routes are separate and must be checked individually for the specific day.
In Graubünden, the landscape can also be explored by regular train. The Rhaetian Railway runs along the Albula and Bernina lines, which have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. On the Bernina line, the Bernina Express connects the Engadin with Tirano in Italy. Regional trains also operate; according to the Rhaetian Railway, these have no panoramic carriages and do not offer the Bernina Express’s additional services. For those who want greater flexibility and plan to stop along the way, they offer a different way to experience the same railway landscape.
Part of the Albula line’s appeal lies in its construction history: built in the early 20th century, this mountain railway negotiates changes in elevation with tunnels, galleries, bridges and viaducts. UNESCO describes the Albula and Bernina lines as technical and architectural structures that blend into their Alpine surroundings. In winter, this dialogue becomes particularly clear: the railway alignment reveals just how much engineering skill was needed to connect valleys and settlements.
What makes a good winter route
The most impressive route is not automatically the best for every day of travel. Daylight is the first crucial consideration: those who want to see plenty of scenery should time their journey so that the longer stretches are not mostly covered in darkness. Duration is equally important. An uninterrupted panoramic journey suits travellers who want to spend several hours on the train. For families, photographers or people who enjoy walking and stopping for a meal, a shorter section with a stopover may be more enjoyable.
Another consideration is how the connections work. Allow enough time to change trains, particularly when a connection is tight or several rail operators are involved. This also applies when travelling from Germany: Valais and Graubünden can be reached by rail, but the specific connection depends on the day of travel. Timetables, engineering works and disruptions change; they should be checked before departure. Clear views and snow cannot be guaranteed either. A train journey remains interesting even when the mountains are temporarily shrouded in cloud: valleys, villages and railway architecture also shape the experience.
For a single day, a section of the Bernina line is a good option: the connection between St. Moritz and Tirano leads from the Engadin through Valposchiavo to Italy. Those taking the panoramic train should check its current winter timetable; a journey by regional train can be planned independently of this, but must still be based on the services available that day. For a gentler pace, a stopover is worthwhile rather than trying to fit in the longest possible round trip. This makes the route particularly appealing to rail travellers who want not simply to collect landscapes, but to divide the journey into distinct sections.
At a glance
- Best time to travel: Winter days with sufficient daylight; snow conditions and visibility vary.
- Getting there: By train to Valais or Graubünden; check onward connections for your day of travel.
- Highlights: The Rhine Gorge, the Albula and Bernina lines, viaducts and the transitions between Alpine regions.
- Tip for a day trip: Choose a section of the Bernina line and allow time for a stop along the way.
- Glacier Express and Rhaetian Railway; check timetables and service updates before travelling.
Original reviewed by the editors · 11 November 2026
