Grand Train Tour of Switzerland. The most beautiful panoramic routes in one unique travel experience.

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland. The most beautiful panoramic routes in one unique travel experience. mystsnet.com/grandtraintour Glacier Express on the Richleren Bridge near Andermatt, Uri Version 1, 2018

The great train experience. Switzerland s panoramic routes never fail to fascinate visitors. And the best way to discover the delights of this small Alpine nation is to take the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland. The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is a unique travel experience. It extends over 1,280 captivating kilometres and comprises the most beautiful panoramic routes across the country. The tour takes travellers to all of Switzerland s four language regions through attractive towns and villages, past glistening glaciers, lakes and rivers, and over mountains. It highlights the best of the nation s public transport system and selected excursion destinations. The tour also inspires travellers to explore attractions off the recommended rail routes. There is no prescribed travel direction and the tour can be started all year round from any point. For example from Zurich, Switzerland s largest and most multicultural city. Zürich Schaffhausen St. Gallen "133km 2h 50 min St. Gallen Luzern "125km 2h 15 min Luzern Interlaken Zweisimmen Montreux "191km 5h 7 min Montreux Visp Zermatt "148km 2h 31 min Zermatt St. Moritz "291km 7h 47 min St. Moritz Tirano (Italy) Lugano "183km 6h 42 min Lugano Flüelen Luzern "182km 5h 26 min Luzern Zürich "57km 45 min Lausanne Genève Neuchâtel Montreux Genève-Aéroport Fribourg/ Freiburg Basel EuroAirport Bern Bern Flughafen Zweisimmen Basel Interlaken Gstaad Schilthorn Rochers-de-Naye Glacier 3000 Visp Martigny Zermatt Schaffhausen Luzern Zürich Rigi Pilatus Stanserhorn Brienzer Engelberg Rothorn Flüelen Titlis Schynige Platte Jungfraujoch Brig Gornergrat Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Zürich Flughafen Andermatt Bellinzona Locarno Säntis Lugano St.Gallen Appenzell Chur St.Moritz Davos Grand Train Tour Mountain excursion tips Tirano The eight most beautiful routes in Switzerland with one ticket. The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is divided up into several route sections. Each highlights specific scenic sights, attractions and opportunities for exploration, so that travellers can experience the country in all its delightful diversity. Eight-day or four-day tour options are available. And best of all, travellers require only one ticket the Swiss Travel Pass. With the complimentary Swiss Family Card, children from the age of 6 up to their 16th birthday travel free of charge if accompanied by at least one parent. Swiss Travel Pass. The Swiss Travel Pass is the key to trouble-free travel by public transport throughout Switzerland. With a single ticket visitors can travel 3, 4, 8 or 15 days along the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland. The ticket includes trams and buses in no fewer than 90 towns and cities, free admission to more than 500 museums nationwide as well as 50 % reduction on most mountain railways. 2

1 st stage: Zurich to St. Gallen. Landlocked but a water wonderworld. Switzerland is a landlocked country. But it does have navigable access to the world s seven oceans thanks to the River Rhine. Maritime flair is also reflected in Lake Constance, the second main aquatic attraction during the train trip from Zurich to St. Gallen. Passengers first encounter with the Rhine is the impressive railway bridge over the river at Eglisau. The journey continues northwards and crosses briefly into neighbouring Germany before reaching Neuhausen, famous for its Rhine Falls (the largest waterfalls in Europe). The route follows the Rhine upstream, passing Schaffhausen with its historic Munot fortifications. On reaching Lake Constance, the train continues for some 40 kilometres to Romans horn. This first stage of the tour ends in St. Gallen, the main metropolis of Eastern Switzerland. The city is famous for its Abbey precinct (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and collection of 170,000 historic books and hand-written documents housed in the ancient library an architectural jewel in Baroque style. Linking up with Lake Constance. An important part of Switzerland s 19 th century trade with neighbouring Germany was developed over Lake Constance. The railway link with Zurich was also of great importance, with the building of the Swiss Northeastern Railway (Nordostbahn) from 1856. The Zurich-Schaffhausen-Romanshorn line was fully completed in1897, and five years later was taken over by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). The route from Romanshorn to St. Gallen was opened in 1910 as part of the Bodensee-Toggenburg-Bahn, which in 2001 was acquired by the Swiss Southeastern Railway (Südostbahn). Today s route between Schaffhausen and Romanshorn is operated by the Thurbo Regional Railway. The roaring Rhine Waterfalls. The roaring mass of water is thundering down over an impressive width of some 150 metres. The Rhine Falls between Neuhausen and Laufen are the largest in Europe and can be reached in a matter of minutes from the train stop Neuhausen am Rheinfall. On platforms and boats, visitors get a chance to experience a close-up of this natural spectacle. 3

2 nd stage: St. Gallen to Lucerne. Soft hills and snow-capped summits. The Matterhorn, Titlis and Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau these peaks are the undisputed super stars of the Swiss Alps. But the country s rolling green hills and soft pre-alpine landscape also have their charm. Here between the cantonal capitals of St. Gallen and Lucerne, the Voralpen-Express takes pride of place in one of the country s most pleasant and panoramic regions. The train travels over the highest railway bridge in Switzerland the Sitter Viaduct; then after Rapperswil (town of roses) it crosses a dam over Lake Zurich to travel through the Rothenthurm upland moor. But views of distant summits are also to be enjoyed, among them the 2502-metre Säntis, the Churfirsten chain, Mythen and the Rigi. On the scenic stretch between Arth-Goldau and Lucerne, the Voralpen-Express circuits the Rigi, also popularly known as the Queen of the Mountains. Along with the Pilatus and Bürgenstock, the Rigi summit symbolizes the Central Swiss Alpine panorama. A top timetable service. The railway line from St. Gallen through the Toggenburg to Rappers wil became fully operational in 2010. The stretch from Rapperswil to Arth-Goldau had entered into operation in 1891 and to Lucerne in 1897. The year 1940 saw the first fast trains running between Romanshorn on Lake Constance and Arth-Goldau on the Gotthard route. Seven years later this service was extended to Lucerne, with two to three fast trains linking the city daily with Romanshorn. In 1982, with the introduction of a regular interval timetable, departures increased to every two hours. The name Voralpen-Express appeared in the Swiss timetable for the first time in 1992. Hourly departures were introduced in 1999 and on the entire Südostbahn (SOB) in 2013. Now St. Gallen and not Romanshorn is the terminus station of the Voralpen-Express. Switzerland s tallest railway bridge. Shortly before reaching St. Gallen, the train crosses the spectacular Sitter Viaduct, completed in 1910. It is 365 metres long and at 99 metres still the tallest railway bridge in Switzerland. The two stone side-approaches are linked by a 1,000-ton iron girder. Lucerne s Glacier Garden. The Glacier Garden (opened nearly 150 years ago) includes exhibits dating back to the Ice Age. Another display dates back to the time when Lucerne resembled a sub-tropical beach. Also not to be missed the Mirror Maze from the 1896 Swiss National Exhibition. 4

3 rd stage: Lucerne to Montreux via Interlaken Ost. One rail journey two panoramic trains. The GoldenPass Line is composed of three different trains two of which are Premium Panoramic trains. On the first stretch, passengers enjoy the top modern Luzern-Interlaken Express of the Zentralbahn. Passing by Lakes Alpnachersee, Sarnersee and Lungernersee, the journey leads up to Brünig pass and then down to Meiringen. Along Lake Brienzersee, the trip continues to Interlaken, where guests change train moving on by BLS RegioExpress, first along Lake Thunersee and then through the Simmental to Zweisimmen. From here, the GoldenPass MOB Panoramic travels via Gstaad to Montreux at the shores of lovely Lake Geneva. This spectacular experience including three different trains can be started either from Western or Central Switzerland. Olden times and golden times. In 1888, the first trains of the Jura-Bern-Luzern Railway ran between Alpnachstad and Brienz. The biaxial steam locomotive used to pull three light passenger coaches over the Brünig. Since the end of 2012, a modern panoramic train dubbed Luzern- Interlaken Express operates between Lucerne and Interlaken. As early as the 1920s the idea emerged of the railways of Central Switzerland and the Lake Geneva Region teaming up to offer a joint travel experience. Many English-speaking visitors travelled the route in late autumn in particular, enjoying the season s captivating colours and a golden time (hence the name GoldenPass Line). In 1976 the Montreux-Oberland Bernois railway took delivery of the first panorama railcars in Switzerland. History. The Ballenberg Open-Air Museum (near Brienz) is unique in Switzerland. Old farm create a vivid impression of ancient rural life. Other attractions include some 250 farm animals in natural surroundings, and displays of traditional trades, arts and crafts. Luzern-Interlaken Express. Passengers comfortably enjoy the first stretch on the Luzern-Interlaken Express. This top modern train offers large panoramic windows and a dining car. Via the LiveGuide app of the Zentralbahn, guests receive a lot of interesting information about the region. GoldenPass MOB Panoramic. In 1985, the MOB introduced a novelty in rail technology: a glass dome at the front of the GoldenPass MOB Panoramic train. These VIP seats guarantee a unique and uninhibited view of both, the tracks ahead and the passing scenery. 5

4 th stage: Montreux to Zermatt. Up to the mighty Matterhorn. From Montreux it s only a short trip to Martigny. The Lower Valais town was founded some 2000 years ago, gaining fame as the gateway to the Great St. Bernard and Forclaz passes. The train continues through the fertile Rhone Valley to Visp, from where travellers may make the excursion trip to Brig focal point of the Upper Valais at the foot of the Simplon Pass and international Alpine Town of the Year in 2008. Top attraction here is the Stockalper Palace, a privately constructed castle dating from the 17 th century. From Brig the journey continues by Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn narrow-gauge railway through the Nikolai Valley (the lowest-altitude valley in Switzerland) to Zermatt. But before the mighty Matterhorn comes into view, the train must tackle an altitude difference of 900 metres with the help of cogwheel traction. Connecting Zermatt with the world. The first train to reach Zermatt arrived from Visp in 1891. Until then the Matterhorn village could be reached only on foot. The year before had seen the Rhone Valley reached by train from Lake Geneva. With the opening of the Simplon Tunnel in 1908 the railway route through the Valais began to assume European importance. The famous Simplon-Orient Express travelled the route from 1919 on its journey from Calais via Paris, Milan and Venice to Istanbul. For two decades from the 1960s the legendary Trans-Europ- Express (TEE) Cisalpin travelled this route while operating between Paris and Milan. The medieval magic of Chillon Castle. Historic Château de Chillon is a moated castle located on the Lake Geneva shoreline, only a few kilometres from Montreux. For almost 400 years it was the summer residence of the counts of Savoy. Today it is the most visited historic building in Switzerland. Lake of St. Leonard a subterranean spectacle. The Lake of St. Leonard located between Sion and Sierre is the largest natural navigable underground lake on the European continent. It measures 300 metres by 20 metres and can be explored by rowing boat on guided tours. 6

5 th stage: Zermatt to St. Moritz. The slowest express train in the world. The Glacier Express is one of the world s most spectacular railways. Acclaimed for its many scenic splendours and engineering excellence, this remarkable route links the famous Alpine resort of Zermatt at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn with fashionable St. Moritz. On its 8-hour journey through the cantons of Valais, Uri and Graubünden the Glacier Express passes through no fewer than 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges many of them technical triumphs from the pioneering days of rail travel. With its roof-high panoramic windows, the train opens up unique vistas of Alpine resorts and rugged ravines, of villages and valleys steeped in tradition. Another attractive feature of this legendary line is the on-board catering service, with the finest fresh regional products prepared to perfection. From pioneering past to present. The golden age of the Grand Hotels in the late 19 th century was quickly followed by the amazing achievements of Switzerland s railway pioneers. As the travel-happy upper class began to discover the delights of the Alps, the railways exploited this touristic potential. The first rail link between the cantons of Graubünden in the east and the Valais in the west was launched under the name of the Glacier Express. The first journey from St. Moritz and Zermatt was made in 1930. At that time the route passed in close proximity to the Rhone Glacier, and was operated only in summer because of the risk of avalanche due to heavy snowfall. More than half a century later 1982 saw the opening of the Furka Base Tunnel, enabling the Glacier Express to operate all-year-round. Stalden village of bridges. Shortly before Stalden a Swiss heritage site also known as the village of bridges the Glacier Express clicks on to the cogwheel section of the track. This is the only way the train can overcome this short but steepest section of the route with its 12.5 % gradient. Oberalp Pass the highest highlight. At 2,033 metres, the Oberalp Pass is the highest point on the Glacier Express route. An attraction which never fails to fascinate passengers the special slanted drinking glasses, designed to defy gravity as the train travels up and down the steep gradients. Landwasser Viaduct not to be missed. The Landwasser Viaduct is the most photographed feature of this Rhaetian Railway route (the first railway in the world listed as a UNESCO World heritage site). The viaduct rises to 65 metres above the rugged Landwasser Valley, then curves into a tunnel in a vertical rock wall. 7

6 th stage: St. Moritz to Lugano. Alpine peaks and palm-tree paradise. The Bernina Express takes travellers from the champagne climate of sparkling St. Moritz to Mediterranean-like Ticino. It links language regions and builds bridges between cultures. After Morteratsch at the very latest as the first glacial ice glistens on the windows few passengers will still be in their seats. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this Rhaetian Railway route ascends the Bernina Pass, then winding through the Val Poschiavo into Italy s Valtellina winegrowing region. From here the Bernina Express Bus passes Lake Como before crossing back into Switzerland to reach Lugano. In winter passengers can alternatively take the Palm Express postbus route from St. Moritz. This runs through the Upper Engadine, via the Maloja Pass into the Bregaglia Valley, then on to Lake Como. Cross-border Bernina Express. The first direct railcar service from Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in neighbouring Italy was launched in 1969. Later renamed the Bernina Express, the cross-border route enjoyed such great popularity that the rolling stock required continual renewal. Today large panorama windows extend throughout the entire train. Passengers enjoy air-conditioned comfort and freedom of movement as they discover the many scenic splendours along this remarkable route. Since 1984, the number of passengers has more than tripled. 2010 saw the additional attraction of the Bernina Express Bus, which in summer travels from Tirano in Italy along palm-lined Lake Como to Lugano back into Switzerland. Bernina Hospice top transalpine station. The Bernina Hospizio is a Bernina Pass route highlight. At 2,253 metres, it is not only the peak of the pass but the highest-altitude station of any transalpine rail route. The station is located on the eastern shore of the Lago Bianco (White Lake). Brusio Circular Viaduct a 360-degree experience. More than a century ago railway engineers often faced the problem of overcoming extreme altitude differences within very short distances. South of Brusio this spectacular viaduct climbs in a close 360-degree spiral a legendary landmark on the Bernina Express route. Lake Como so many scenic splendours. Stately palaces, glorious gardens, deep blue waters, majestic mountain landscape the Bernina Express Bus route offers so many scenic splendours. The eminent 19 th century French novelist Gustave Flaubert described Lake Como as a Shakespearian scenery to die for. 8

7 th stage: Lugano to Lucerne. A panorama jouney by boat and train. The Gotthard Panorama Express presents Switzerland from its most diverse side: surrounded by a genuinely impressive mountain panorama, a boat cruise first takes visitors through what is deemed the truly original part of Switzerland. At Flüelen, travellers change from the steamboat directly to the specially branded SBB train and arrive to a warm personal welcome from their travel guide. The journey continues on the world famous Gotthard panorama route towards southern Switzerland with its Mediterranean flair. The journey from Lucerne to Ticino (or vice versa) can be enjoyed in a 1st class panorama coach or in 2nd class, also offering a photo coach. En route through the imposing Reuss Valley towards Mediterranean Ticino, travellers are provided with fascinating tales and interesting background information regarding the unique Gotthard region. The steamy side of travel. The old Gotthard rail route took 10 years to complete and entered into operation in 1882. Its opening marked a milestone in the history of European travel and transportation from north to south. The route comprises twisting tunnels and viaducts and has lost none of its appeal to this day. Lake Lucerne fourth largest lake in Switzerland saw its first steamship set sail in 1837 with the launching of the Stadt Luzern. But even as far back as the late Middle Ages it was an oft-frequented waterway. Today the Lake Lucerne Navigation Company operates an impressive fleet of 19 cruise vessels 14 saloon motorships and also five paddle steamers (most of them more than 100 years old). UNESCO World Heritage site in Bellinzona. At Bellinzona near the Italian border where several transalpine routes lead through the narrowing Ticino Valley the Dukes of Milan built three castles in the 15 th century to control access. Six centuries later they form an impressive UNESCO World Heritage site. Two Gotthard tunnels both world records. When the historic Gotthard apex train tunnel opened in 1882 it was an epic achievement and at 15 kilometres the longest in the world. 2With the Gotthard Base Tunnel, a new railway tunnel went into service in 2016 at 57 kilometers of length the world s longest train tunnel. Kreuztrichter basin (Lake Lucerne). The Kreuztrichter basin is the point at which all four arms of Lake Lucerne converge. Extending to the north from here is Lake Küssnacht; and on the opposite shore to the south the Stansstad basin. After leaving the Bay of Lucerne (west side) the boat enters the Vitznau basin to the east. 9

8 th stage: Lucerne to Zurich. From lake to lake, from city to city. From the station square in Lucerne one gazes for the last time over the cityscape to Lake Lucerne and its impressive Alpine panorama. The journey to Zurich reveals a gentler mountain landscape and undulating hills. Shortly after Lucerne the route passes the Rotsee, an idyllic elongated lake and the home of World Cup rowing. Next into view comes sprawling Lake Zug. The journey continues through increasing urbanization before reaching Zurich, Switzerland s largest city and business and financial centre. Train travel to Zurich a 150-year history. The Zurich-Zug-Lucerne Railway was opened in 1864. The stretch from Zug to Zurich led west of the Albis chain through the rural region of Kronau and around the Uetliberg, Zurich s mini mountain. This stretch is today part of Zurich s S-Bahn suburban rail network. The second link from Zurich to Zug entered into operation in 1897, leading along Lake Zurich, through the Zimmerberg and Albis Tunnels and serving as a Gotthard feeder service. The Lucerne-Zurich route is today served by the InterRegio trains of the Swiss Federal Railways. Rotsee where world rowing is at home. The Rotsee lake is 2.5 kilometres long, narrow and as straight as William Tell s arrow. Protected from winds by nearby hills, it is a perfect rowing venue. The first World Rowing Championships took place on the lake in 1962 and have been held here three times since. Zug old town medieval magic. The old town quarter of lakeside Zug reflects a medieval magic which never fails to fascinate visitors. Also a popular attraction is the Zugerberg local mountain, easily accessible within minutes by funicular and with fine views of the region and protected high moorland. 10

The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland virtual vacation. The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland see it on the screen. The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland showcases this Alpine nation in all its delightful diversity online as well. An interactive itinerary has been created to stimulate the senses, inspire the imagination and arouse interest in an exclusive travel experience. The tour is a unique journey through a captivating country with its contrasting cultures and climates, and no fewer than four national languages. All eight stages of the tour can be accessed interactively together with multimedia top tips embracing excursions, scenic splendours, must-see museums and the country s rich historical heritage. Simply by scrolling through the stages, visitors are offered an attractive opportunity to preview the pleasures which await them in Switzerland. Even before departure travellers can therefore acquire an online overview and orientation of the tour s separate stages, enabling them to plan with more precision their preferred personal travel itinerary. grandtraintour.swisstravelsystem.com Grand Train Tour of Switzerland souvenir certificate. The most enjoyable experiences in life deserve a special place in the memory. And that goes for the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland. The Swiss Travel System has created an attractive souvenir certificate confirming that passengers have made the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland regardless of which part(s) of the eight-section tour they have travelled. The personalized certificate can be ordered free of charge, then printed out and framed for presentation purposes in one s own home or office. The user accesses and fills out the special Order Form either via shortcut (swisstravelsystem.com/ certificate) or the entry page of the mystsnet.com/grandtraintour. The souvenir certificate (in colour on a white background) is then ready and easy to download. swisstravelsystem.com/certificate 11

Facts und Figures. Stages Stage Distance Duration ➊ Zürich Schaffhausen St. Gallen ➋ St. Gallen Luzern 133km 125km 2h 50 min 2h 15 min ➌ Luzern Interlaken Ost Zweisimmen Montreux 191km 5h 7 min ➍ Montreux Visp Zermatt 148km 2h 31 min ➎ Zermatt St. Moritz 291km 7h 47 min ➏ St. Moritz Tirano (Italy) Lugano 154km 6h 42 min ➐ Lugano Flüelen Luzern 182km 5h 26 min ➑ Luzern Zürich 57km 45 min All information, connections and adherence to timetalbe without engagement. Offer Travel by train, bus and boat Combines Switzerland s most attractive panoramic routes (totalling 1,280 kilometres) in a unique travel experience Travel suggestions for 4 or 8 days Can be booked throughout the year and travelled in either direction Requires only one ticket the Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) Links more than 10 cities Includes many mountain excursions: Säntis 2,505 m, Pilatus 2,119 m, Stanserhorn 1,898 m, Brienzer Rothorn 2,350 m, Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe) 3,454 m, Schilthorn (Piz Gloria) 2,970 m, Schynige Platte 2,076 m, Glacier 3000 3,016 m, Rochers-de-Naye 2,042 m, Matterhorn glacier paradise 3,883 m, Gornergrat 3,089 m, Rigi 1,798 m, Titlis 3,062 m. m = altitude in metres The mountain excursions Rigi, Stanserhorn and Schilthorn are fully included in the Swiss Travel Pass Combined route length 1,280 kilometres / 795 miles Timetables Timetable information for individual sections of the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland can be found under: mystsnet.com/timetable Note: different summer and winter travel times and dates for the following trains Glacier Express, Bernina Express (Bus), Palm Express, Gotthard Panorama Express. Ticket information Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) recommended for 4 or 8 days Seat reservation mandatory for Glacier Express, Bernina Express and Gotthard Panorama Express. Reservation recommended for GoldenPass Line Further Information Detailed information on individual panoramic routes can be found under mystsnet.com/panorama Sales outlets Swiss Travel System sales outlets worldwide: mystsnet.com/wheretobuy At most Swiss railway station 12

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland mytravel Stamp Booklet. Experience the most beautiful train journey in Switzerland and collect nine unique Grand Train Tour of Switzerland stamps! Each client purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass receives a complimentary mytravel Stamp Booklet and the stamp collecting fun on the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is ready to begin. Along the most beautiful train tour of Switzerland in Zurich, Schaffhausen, St. Gallen, Lucerne, Interlaken, Montreux, Zermatt, St. Moritz and Lugano passengers are thus offered opportunities to collect nine individual and unique stamps. Each mytravel Stamp Booklet holder may participate in an annual competition with a chance to win a truly superb first prize. One more of its many highlights are the ten integrated coupons that offer attractive discounts at several destinations and mountain railways. mystsnet.com/grandtraintour Name of the Tourist office Info Shop Rheinfall Tourist Office St. Gallen Tourist Office Lucerne Tourist Office Interlaken Tourist Office Montreux Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (Railway Station) Tourist Information St. Moritz Tourist Office Lugano Zürich Tourism Tourist Service Where to get mytravel Stamp? Right by the Rheinfall waterfall near Schlössli Wörth, CH-8212 Neuhausen am Rheinfall Bankgasse 9, CH-9001 St. Gallen Railway Station Lucerne on Track 3, Zentralstrasse 5, CH-6002 Luzern Höheweg 37, CH-3800 Interlaken Place de l Eurovision, CH-1820 Montreux Railway Station Zermatt, CH-3920 Zermatt Railway Station St. Moritz, CH-7500 St. Moritz Railway Station Lugano, CH-6900 Lugano At the Main Railway Station, CH-8001 Zürich 13