Episode 172: How to Plan Your Switzerland Rail Vacation the Easy Way
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Planning your first trip to Switzerland and not sure where to start? This episode is packed with practical inspiration!
Join me as I chat with first-time visitor Kristian Hedin about his two-part Swiss adventure, featuring an epic rail journey and tips for visiting the top Swiss destinations with ease. We take you inside Kristian’s experience of booking a Grand Train Tour of Switzerland rail package – covering everything from itinerary planning and hotel selection to how seat reservations and luggage transfers really work.
You’ll learn how a Switzerland rail package can simplify your travel, save you time, and let you customise your trip with extra nights and hotel choices, all while ticking off famous Swiss panoramic trains like the popular Glacier Express and Bernina Express.
Kristian shares the highlights from his Switzerland trip along with his favourite mountain excursions – from Jungfraujoch’s awe-inspiring views, to scenic walks in Lauterbrunnen, and adventures atop Mount Pilatus and the stunning Stoos Ridge.
You’ll get honest advice on Swiss train travel, using local public transport passes, and the best ways to book mountain experiences.
Plus, we reveal some of Kristian’s top tips for exploring Switzerland by rail, staying connected on the move, and making the most of destination tourist cards – making your Swiss journey smoother and more fun!
If you’re dreaming of mountains, lakes, and iconic Swiss rail adventures – or just want to know how to make your Swiss travel planning decisions easier – you’ll love this episode.
Show Notes
In this episode you’ll learn about:
- How to plan a flexible, hassle-free trip to Switzerland using a rail package
- Which destinations and scenic regions feature on the classic Grand Train Tour of Switzerland
- The benefits of traveling first class and using luggage transfer services on Swiss trains
- Top highlights and excursions in places like Jungfrau, Zermatt, Lugano, and Lucerne
- The advantages of local tourist cards for free public transport and how to use the SBB Rail app
Our Guest
Kristian Hedin grew up at a mountain resort in Northeast Victoria, Australia and still lives in the region today. After selling his business and retiring, Kristian decided to embark on his first trip to Europe, and his affinity with the mountains drew him to Switzerland.
Together with his partner Robyn, Kristian spent around three-and-a-half weeks in Switzerland, exploring the country by train.
Kristian and Robyn’s itinerary
>> Zurich: 2 nights before the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland rail package started
>> Zurich > Lucerne > Interlaken: Travelled on an Intercity train and the Luzern-Interlaken Express – 3 nights
>> Interlaken > Montreux: Travelled on the GoldenPass Express – 1 night
>> Montreux > Zermatt: Travelled on a regional train – 3 nights
>> Zermatt > St. Moritz: Travelled on the Glacier Express – 1 night
>> St. Moritz > Tirano > Lugano: Travelled on the Bernina Express (train and bus) – 2 nights
>> Lugano > Lucerne: Travelled on the Gotthard Panorama Express – 2 nights
>> Lauterbrunnen: Travel by regional trains included with rail package – 4 nights by their own arrangements
>> Stoos: 5 nights by own arrangements (after returning to Switzerland from Austria)
Exclusive discount
Get 5% off your Swiss rail package when you quote the promo code HTSWISS when booking with our trusted partner, Switzerland Travel Centre. 👇
Planning a trip to Switzerland?
At Holidays to Switzerland we are passionate about sharing our love of Switzerland and helping you to plan the perfect trip. Read our guide to planning a trip to Switzerland to kick start your travel plans and join our free Switzerland Travel Planning group on Facebook to chat with other past and future travellers.
Want monthly news and podcast updates, helpful travel tips and special deals sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to Holidays to Switzerland and we’ll send you a bonus copy of our Switzerland Travel Planning Starter Kit and Guide.
🇨🇭 Check out our exclusive discount offers and save on your Swiss vacation. 🇨🇭
Useful resources
Browse all the Swiss rail package itineraries offered by Switzerland Travel Centre.
Like a rail package tailored especially for you? Get in touch. You can also book a call with Carolyn to ask your Swiss travel questions.
Listen to more episodes about the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland and rail packages:
👉 Free Switzerland Travel Planning Kit and Guide
> You can read a full transcript of this episode here.
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Where to listen
SWITZERLAND TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
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