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Swiss Alps, Lakes & Canyons by Scenic Trains, Boat and Cogwheel

2 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 2 reviews collected by Cool Zurich and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Zurich, Switzerland
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from $148.97 per person

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Swiss Alps, Lakes & Canyons by Scenic Trains, Boat and Cogwheel Image 1
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 29 (0) days in advance.
8 to 12 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 4 more
French, German, Italian, Arabic
Instant confirmation

Overview

Join me on a tour through the heart of Switzerland - all by public transport just like the locals. We ascend Europe’s first-ever cogwheel train to the majestic Queen of the Mountains, Mount Rigi. Breathe in the fresh air and take in breathtaking 360° views over glittering lakes, forested hills, and the snow-capped Alps. From the summit, we descend to the other side, where a scenic cruise awaits. Relax on deck as the boat glides across crystal-blue waters framed by dramatic mountain scenery.
Our route then carries us through spectacular spiral tunnels, a masterpiece of Swiss engineering, into hidden valleys at the country’s heart. Next, we board another cogwheel mountain railway, climbing across the Alps through the Grand Canyon of Switzerland, where cliffs, gorges, and rushing rivers reveal nature’s raw beauty.
As evening falls, we return aboard a restaurant wagon, where you can enjoy a meal or drink while the train carries us back - the perfect ending to a day of Swiss wonders.

What's Included

  • Boat Cruise
  • Possible adaptations according to your interests and needs
  • Tickets for all rides of this tour (including trains, boat and cogwheel trains). Opt-out available for fee-free self-purchase or Swiss Travel Pass holders.
  • Meals Drinks and food can be purchased along the way, but you can also bring your own. For dinner, there is the possibility to eat in an exclusive train restaurant on the way back.
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

Pickup location details: Zurich Airport: in front of the SBB ticket counters, Winterthur mainstation: Official Meeting Point

OR
Meeting point

Bahnhofplatz
8001 Zürich, Switzerland

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Arth-Goldau

Enjoy a first short train journey as you travel from Zurich to Arth-Goldau. Leaving the busy city behind, the route leads along Lake Zug and through the rolling foothills of central Switzerland, offering ever-changing views of lakes, forests, and mountain peaks. Sit back, relax, and experience how seamlessly Swiss rail connects urban and alpine landscapes.
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40 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Mount Rigi

Ride the historic cogwheel train up Mount Rigi, the “Queen of the Mountains,” and enjoy a journey through meadows and forests to the summit. At the top, take in sweeping 360° views over Lake Lucerne and the Alps, stroll along easy panoramic paths, and relax at a mountain café while soaking up the scenery.
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2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Lake Lucerne

Step aboard for a cruise across the sparkling waters of Lake Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and steep wooded slopes, the scenery changes with every turn. Charming villages and historic landmarks line the shores, while graceful swans glide across the water. Relax on deck and breathe in the alpine air, or enjoy the views from inside as the boat carries you past dramatic cliffs and rolling hills reflected in the lake. With every bend, new panoramas open — from Mount Rigi and Pilatus towering above to quiet bays and hidden valleys along the shoreline. Whether you’re seeking peaceful moments, photo opportunities, or simply the joy of gliding across crystal-clear waters, a cruise on Lake Lucerne is an unforgettable Swiss experience.
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2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Gotthard Panorama Express SBB

Travel through the very heart of Switzerland on the Gotthard Panorama Express, where engineering brilliance meets breathtaking alpine landscapes. The journey carries you along the historic Gotthard railway, famous for its spectacular spiral tunnels. These masterpieces of 19th-century engineering twist deep into the mountains, allowing trains to climb through dramatic valleys and sheer cliffs. From your seat, watch as the train curves high above its own tracks, revealing ever-changing views of rugged peaks, rushing rivers, and stone villages nestled in the valleys. Each tunnel exit offers a new panorama — a true showcase of Swiss ingenuity and natural beauty combined. Relax and enjoy the slow unfolding of the Alps from the comfort of panoramic carriages. A ride on the Gotthard Panorama Express is more than a train journey — it’s a passage through history, culture, and the very soul of Switzerland.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Schollenenschlucht

Journey into the dramatic Schöllenen Gorge, where towering cliffs and roaring waters create one of Switzerland’s most legendary landscapes. Cross the historic Devil’s Bridge, a site of myths and battles, and feel the power of the river that carved its way through solid rock. The gorge is both a natural wonder and a gateway to the Alps, where history and legend meet in breathtaking scenery. From here, continue your adventure on the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB). This narrow-gauge mountain railway climbs steep gradients, winds through tunnels, and crosses dizzying viaducts as it links central Switzerland with the high alpine world. Along the route, glaciers, deep valleys, and snow-dusted peaks unfold before your eyes, making every moment a highlight. Together, the Schöllenen Gorge and the MGB offer a perfect blend of wild nature, cultural history, and world-class railway engineering — an alpine journey you won’t forget.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Oberalppass

Travel across the spectacular Oberalppass, the high mountain crossing that links central Switzerland with the canton of Graubünden. At over 2,000 meters above sea level, the pass offers sweeping panoramas of rugged peaks, alpine meadows, and sparkling mountain lakes. Reaching the summit by train is an unforgettable experience: the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn climbs steep gradients and winds through tunnels and viaducts before emerging at the top. Here you’ll find the famous red lighthouse — a symbol marking the source of the Rhine River — standing proudly against a backdrop of alpine scenery. Whether blanketed in snow or glowing in summer light, the Oberalppass showcases the raw beauty of the Swiss Alps. Crossing it is more than just a journey — it’s a moment where history, landscape, and engineering meet in perfect harmony.
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1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Ruinaulta Rheinschlucht

Discover the breathtaking Ruinaulta, also known as the Rhine Gorge or the “Swiss Grand Canyon.” Formed by a massive rockslide thousands of years ago, this dramatic valley is one of Switzerland’s most striking natural wonders. Towering white cliffs rise above the turquoise waters of the Rhine, while forests, meadows, and hidden side valleys complete the spectacular scenery. The best way to experience the gorge is by train on the Rhätische Bahn (RhB), whose tracks run right along the river through tunnels and over bridges, offering constantly changing views of the cliffs and rapids below. From your window, you’ll see sheer rock walls, rushing waters, and untouched alpine landscapes unfold with every turn. Whether in the glowing light of summer or surrounded by autumn colors, the Ruinaulta is a place of raw beauty and peaceful grandeur — a natural masterpiece that fully deserves its title as the Swiss Grand Canyon.
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1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Walensee

The tour gently concludes with the train ride from Chur back to Zurich. Take a seat in the restaurant carriage and enjoy a relaxed meal or drink while the landscapes quietly unfold one last time. The route leads along the shimmering Walensee, a lake often praised for its serene beauty, set against a backdrop of green slopes and small villages at the water’s edge. It’s a peaceful contrast to the wild valleys and gorges seen earlier in the day — a final moment to take in Switzerland’s variety before returning to Zurich.
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1 hour 10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: Will I get seasick on Swiss Alps, Lakes & Canyons by Scenic Trains, Boat and Cogwheel?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5507238P5

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
2 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 2 traveler reviews collected by Cool Zurich and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
2
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 29 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Zurich customers.

Filter by:

Q: Will I get seasick on Swiss Alps, Lakes & Canyons by Scenic Trains, Boat and Cogwheel?
A:

If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.

Feb 2023
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Swiss Alps, Lakes & Canyons by Scenic Trains, Boat and Cogwheel?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Boat Cruise.
  • Possible adaptations according to your interests and needs.
  • Tickets for all rides of this tour (including trains, boat and cogwheel trains). Opt-out available for fee-free self-purchase or Swiss Travel Pass holders.
  • Personal guide Dave: Swiss local, qualified geographer & teacher.
The following is NOT included:
  • Meals. Drinks and food can be purchased along the way, but you can also bring your own. For dinner, there is the possibility to eat in an exclusive train restaurant on the way back.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Swiss Alps, Lakes & Canyons by Scenic Trains, Boat and Cogwheel is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Swiss Alps, Lakes & Canyons by Scenic Trains, Boat and Cogwheel will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Zurich. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • Boat Cruise
  • Possible adaptations according to your interests and needs
  • Tickets for all rides of this tour (including trains, boat and cogwheel trains). Opt-out available for fee-free self-purchase or Swiss Travel Pass holders.
  • Personal guide Dave: Swiss local, qualified geographer & teacher
  • MealsDrinks and food can be purchased along the way, but you can also bring your own. For dinner, there is the possibility to eat in an exclusive train restaurant on the way back.

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialized infant seats are available

Report Product Issue

Activity name