Switzerland by Rail

Just back from an incredible week exploring Switzerland by rail on the Golden Pass Express route. The trains in Switzerland are clean, quiet, comfortable, with many options for food and drink while passing through incredible scenery of alps and lakes. The trip began in Geneva at the Hotel d'Angleterre where I was treated to a luscious High Tea in the hotel dining room overlooking Lake Geneva. The first rail stop on this journey was to Lausanne and the majestic Beau-Rivage Palace. This lakeside grand hotel has a beautiful spa, an incredible breakfast buffet, and fine dining at the elegant Cafe Beau Rivage. A walking tour the next day led by a knowledgeable local acquainted our small group with historical and contemporary Lausanne. Our next destination on the rail was in Interlaken at the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, where we enjoyed a fun (and delicious) chocolate making workshop at The Funky Chocolate Shop and a special Italian dinner on property at Ristorante e Pizzeria Sapori. From Interlaken, we went to the magnificent Grand Resort Bad Ragaz. Multiple pools, fabulous spa, and quaint village for shopping made for a perfect visit. One highlight of the trip was “4 Countries in a Day.” By car, we visited Liechtenstein and Vaduz Castle, a beer garden and cafe in Germany, a winery in Austria, and back to Switzerland. Our final destination was the newly built Huus Quell Appenzell - a stunning 5 star property in the small village of Appenzell. Its shopping district has no cars, and we visited many wine and cheese shops, boutiques, and a brewery led personally by the hotel’s owner, Jan Schoch.

For a relaxing and scenic vacation, I can think of nothing better than the Golden Express route through Switzerland. Hiking, biking, wine, chocolate, and cheese make for an unforgettable trip.