The Voralpen-Express and train des Centovalli combine to create a panoramic route through Switzerland and northern Italy, connecting ancient cities, alpine vistas, and cultural sites. The journey starts in Saint-Gall, a city where medieval traditions meet contemporary industry. Established around 612 AD by the wandering monk Gallus, its historic core includes a UNESCO-listed abbey with a baroque cathedral and a library housing about 170,000 volumes, 50,000 of which are displayed in an ornate reading hall. The city’s textile heritage—once a center for mechanical spinning and embroidery—remains visible in museums and fashion partnerships.
The Voralpen-Express leaves Saint-Gall, crossing the 99-meter-high Sitter Viaduct, Switzerland’s tallest railway bridge, before winding through the Toggenburg valley. Along the way, passengers glimpse the Säntis peak and the Churfirsten range as the train follows the Lake Zurich shoreline. Near Rapperswil, known as the “city of roses,” the route passes through a high-altitude peatland preserve, a rare wetland ecosystem. The journey continues past the Mythen, Rigi, and Pilatus mountains, offering sweeping views of Lake Lucerne and the Bürgenstock’s Hammetschwand, Europe’s highest outdoor elevator.
After roughly two hours and 15 minutes, the train arrives in Lucerne, a city encircled by a medieval wall with nine remaining towers. The Chapel Bridge, long of 204 meters, arches over the Reuss River. Lucerne’s central location provides access to nearby peaks like the Rigi and Pilatus, visible from the train’s windows.
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Saint-Gothard Tunnel and Tessin’s Mediterranean charm
The route then moves south to the Tessin region, where the Treno Gottardo links Lucerne to Locarno via the Saint-Gothard Panorama Line. Large windows showcase engineering marvels, including helical tunnels that pass Wassen Church three times from different perspectives. After traversing the 15-kilometer Saint-Gothard Tunnel, once the world’s longest railway tunnel, the train reaches Airolo, Switzerland’s highest station at 1,141 meters. The descent into Tessin reveals a Mediterranean climate, with palm trees, chestnut groves, and sunlit valleys.
Locarno, home to its famous film festival on the Piazza Grande, sits on the edge of Lake Maggiore, offering views of the Madonna del Sasso sanctuary, reachable by a historic funicular. The city serves as a gateway to the Valle Onsernone, Valle Maggia, and Valle Verzasca, known for its stone arch bridge over crystal-clear waters. Nearby Ascona and the Brissago Islands, home to rare botanical species, highlight the region’s culinary and natural attractions.
Centovalli’s bridges and Italy’s alpine valleys
The final segment of the journey takes travelers on the train des Centovalli, a 50-kilometer narrow-gauge line from Locarno to Domodossola, Italy, crossing 83 bridges and weaving through the Centovalli’s remote valleys.
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For those extending their trip, Montreux offers a worthwhile detour, though it lies off the main route. Situated on the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman), the town features sunlit promenades, palm-lined quays, and vineyard-covered hills. The Lavaux terraces, a UNESCO-listed environment of 1,000-year-old vineyards, provide some of Switzerland’s most photographed views, with grapevines cascading down to the lake. Nearby, the Château de Chillon, a 12th-century fortress on a rocky peninsula, attracts visitors with its moat, medieval halls, and prisoner legends. The castle’s reflection in the lake’s calm waters enhances its dramatic appeal, making it a highlight for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Booking flexibility and hidden travel perks
The Voralpen-Express and train des Centovalli itinerary can be customized through Switzerland Travel Centre, which provides flexible booking options, including overnight stays in Lucerne, Locarno, and Montreux. The package covers second-class train travel between Swiss borders or airports, with upgrades to first class available for the entire journey. Additional experiences, such as boat tours on Lake Maggiore, wine tastings in Lavaux, or hikes to the Rigi or Pilatus mountains—can be arranged separately.
The trains operate on a regular schedule, with departures every one to two hours, allowing travelers to adjust plans easily. For personalized assistance, the travel center’s experts can design custom itineraries, with responses provided within 24 to 48 hours via email or phone. Online reservations for the full journey include a 10% commission discount for travel agents using the code STCTA10.