GoldenPass in Switzerland named one of the world's most luxurious railways
By Jan de Boer
From the Orient Express, the Flying Scotsman and the Trans-Siberian Railway to regular public transport services like the S-Bahn, trains have always captured the public imagination. Now, none other than National Geographic has named the GoldenPass Express in Switzerland as one of the most luxurious trains in the world.
GoldenPass Express ranked among the world's great railways
According to the international magazine, the GoldenPass ranks alongside the Venice Simplon Orient Express and the Royal Scotsman as one of the world's most luxurious railways. The line runs from Montreux, Canton Vaud - home of the famous jazz festival - up through the hills overlooking Lake Geneva to the mountains, passing through the lush fields and peaks of the Gruyère region and Gstaad before arriving in the ski resort and Swiss adrenaline capital, Interlaken, Canton Bern.
Specifically, National Geographic recommended taking the GoldenPass Express or Panoramic, although the GoldenPass Belle Époque is also well worth it - services use antique carriages from the Belle Époque era! For the magazine, the highlight was a 128 franc place in “Prestige Class” on Express services, featuring comfortable swivelling seats which offer stunning views through the massive panoramic windows.
GoldenPass: See the Swiss Alps while sipping champagne
When travellers stop being glued to the view passing by the window, National Geographic also recommends the food on board. While a more frugal fare is available, they praised the “caviar from the neighbouring town of Frutigen and Duval-Leroy Brut champagne.”
This isn’t the first time that the GoldenPass has found itself in the headlines, with the company recently releasing a new advertisement featuring recently retired tennis star Roger Federer and comedian Trevor Noah. Take a look:
Video: MySwitzerland / YouTube
To see what other railways made the list, check out the National Geographic article.
Thumb image credit: 2p2play / Shutterstock.com
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Jan studied History at the University of York and Broadcast Journalism at the University of Sheffield. Though born in York, Jan has lived most of his life in Zurich and has worked as a journalist, writer and editor since 2016.
While he has plunged head-first back into life in Switzerland since returning to the country in 2020, he still enjoys a taste of home at pub quizzes and karaoke nights.Read more