Historiska tågresor genom Alperna: Upplevelser och tips

Writer: Co-operation partner

There is travelling - and then there is travelling. The kind where every moment feels like a scene from an old film. Where the landscape transforms into living works of art, and time seems to slow down. Imagine sinking into a comfortable train seat while the rails below you sing their monotonous melody.

Outside, the mighty peaks of the Alps sweep past, framed by crystal-clear air and a sky that shifts in every shade of blue. Light plays across the valleys, and small villages cling to the mountainsides as if they have always been there.

This is no ordinary journey. It's a journey through both landscape and history, where every bend reveals a new view that might as well have been taken from an old postcard.

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Cultural stops along the way

Along the Alpine railways, historic towns and charming villages await, with each stop offering a unique blend of culture, history and entertainment. For those who want to add a touch of glamour to their trip, a visit to the best casino abroad a perfect element.

Those who prefer flexibility can let online casinos come along for the ride - a convenient solution for those who want to play while travelling. Licensed by gambling authorities such as the MGA and UKGC, foreign casinos often offer a wider range of games, more generous bonuses and more payment methods than their domestic counterparts. Would you rather experience the classic atmosphere of a physical casino?

Along the railway lines of the Alps, there are several exclusive gambling palaces where elegance meets excitement and world-class entertainment. Casino de Montreux, beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, combines classic casino gaming with live music and first-class restaurants. Casino Innsbruck, surrounded by the Austrian Alps, offers an elegant gaming experience with breathtaking views of the majestic mountain peaks.

For those looking for more memorable experiences while travelling, there are also iconic cultural stops to explore. In Zurich's Old Town, charming alleyways and art galleries come together, while Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, allows visitors to experience musical history in a timeless setting.

For those fascinated by alpine history, Chamonix and Mont Blanc are a perfect stop, while Lucerne's Kapellbrücke is beautifully reflected in the lake. Turin's Royal Palace offers a glimpse into Italy's history with its magnificent architecture and impressive collections.

From isolated villages to iconic train journeys

Just over a century ago, the Alps were difficult to cross. Crossing the massifs meant days of arduous hiking or bumpy rides in horse-drawn carts. But that all changed when engineers started blasting tunnels through the rocks and laying rails along steep mountainsides.

The railways that changed the Alps didn't just make travelling easier - they opened up remote villages and ski resorts to the rest of the world and laid the foundations for some of today's most spectacular rail journeys.

The Glacier Express - the world's slowest fast train

We start with the Glacier Express - one of the world's most famous trains. Despite its name, this is hardly an express journey. The journey between Zermatt and St Moritz takes just over eight hours, but it's the slowness that makes the journey special. The journey takes you over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels, and every moment offers new views. from glaciers to emerald green valleys.

Bernina Express - from snowy peaks to sunny vineyards

Another real gem is the Bernina Express, which runs between Chur in Switzerland and Tirano in Italy. What makes it unique? It doesn't need a rack-and-pinion system, despite climbing to an altitude of 2 253 metres. An early 20th-century engineering feat, the journey feels like time travelling through Europe's mountainous landscape. One moment the train is gliding past sparkling glaciers, the next it's rolling into sunny vineyards in Italy.

For those who prefer steep climbs, the Pilatusbahn is a must. It is the steepest rack railway in the world, with a gradient of 48 %. Since 1889, it has been taking travellers from Lake Alpnach up to the summit of Mount Pilatus. It feels like travelling straight up into the sky - and once there, the views take most people's breath away.

When is the best time to travel?

It depends on what appeals most. In summer, the Alps offer lush valleys and crystal-clear lakes, while winter dresses the landscape in a silent white robe. Autumn is perfect for those who want to avoid the tourist crowds and enjoy an explosion of golden autumn colours.

Some trains, such as the Glacier Express, run all year round, but it's worth bearing in mind that some routes can be affected by weather conditions. An early morning journey can also provide the best light for photography - and the chance to get a window seat with the ultimate view.

Practical tips for train travellers:

Book well in advance: Popular routes such as the Glacier Express and Bernina Express often get fully booked, especially during peak season. For the best seats and the best price - book your tickets several weeks, sometimes months, in advance.
Select a window location: The view is half the experience, and sitting at the aisle is like going to the cinema and missing the film. Many trains have panoramic windows, but a window seat still gives the best feeling of really being i the landscape.
Plan stops along the way: Instead of just travelling from point A to B, hop off at some of the smaller stations. Many Alpine villages along the routes have cosy cafés, local markets and views worth stopping for.
Pack smart: The Alps can offer four seasons in one day, so dress in layers. Thinner clothes for sunny valleys, and something warm for the snowy peaks. A pair of binoculars and a good camera can also enhance the experience.

Personal stories from the train journey

Many people travelling through the Alps by train talk about the feeling of travelling through a painting - the landscape changes, but the beauty remains. One traveller told us how they got on Bernina Express on a foggy morning in Chur, travelling through a tunnel - only to emerge on the other side to a dazzling sunlit glacier. It was magical.

Another remembers the first time they travelled on the Glacier Express: "It felt like being in a movie. Every curve offered a new view that was more spectacular than the last. And the food on board? Just as good as you'd hope when travelling through Switzerland."

Train journeys through the Alps are more than a journey from A to B - they are an experience of time, nature and history. And the best part? Just sit back, relax and let the scenery do the rest.