The beauty of secret train journeys in the Swiss Alps is that they combine adventure with comfort. You don’t need hiking gear or endless planning; you can simply board a train and glide into worlds of snowy peaks, turquoise lakes, and wooden chalets. What makes them secret is that many tourists overlook them, chasing only the popular routes. But if you want something truly special, with real names of towns to visit, small stops where you can explore, and practical details on how to make the trip happen, this guide will take you through it all.
Let’s step into the hidden railways of Switzerland and uncover where these secret train journeys in the Swiss Alps will take you.
Why Choose Secret Train Journeys in the Swiss Alps
Escape the Crowds
The main train routes in Switzerland are famous, but they are often full of tourists snapping photos shoulder to shoulder. Choosing secret train journeys in the Swiss Alps allows you to enjoy silence and space while still witnessing incredible landscapes.
Reach Hidden Villages
Many of these trains stop in towns rarely featured in brochures. Here, you can step off and walk into cobblestoned streets, family-owned inns, and restaurants serving cheese fondue with mountain views.
Affordable Options
Unlike the iconic luxury lines, some of these journeys cost less because they are local routes used by Swiss residents. You get the same breathtaking views without the premium ticket price.
Secret Train Routes You Shouldn’t Miss
The Andermatt to Disentis Line
One of the most overlooked secret train journeys in the Swiss Alps is the short line connecting Andermatt to Disentis. The ride may be less than an hour, but the scenery feels endless. You pass the Oberalp Pass, one of the highest railway points in Switzerland, where snow lingers late into spring.
Practical tip: Sit on the right-hand side of the train when leaving Andermatt for the best mountain views.
Brig to Domodossola via the Simplon Route
While many travelers rush through Brig to take bigger-name trains, this local line to Domodossola (just across the Italian border) is a hidden treasure. Tunnels, vineyards, and the slow climb of the Simplon route make this journey dramatic and peaceful at the same time.
Practical tip: Stop in Domodossola for its Saturday market—cheeses, cured meats, and Italian pastries fill the town square.
Chur to Arosa Line
This is one of the shortest but most stunning secret train journeys in the Swiss Alps. Leaving Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city, the train climbs steeply through forests, across high viaducts, and finally arrives in the resort town of Arosa. Few tourists bother with it, yet the scenery is jaw-dropping.
Practical tip: If you visit in winter, bring warm clothes—Arosa transforms into a snowy wonderland with horse-drawn sleigh rides.
Best Villages to Visit Along the Way
Disentis
A Benedictine monastery dominates this alpine village, and it feels far removed from Switzerland’s busiest tourist towns. Spend the night here to enjoy quiet walks and traditional mountain meals.
Domodossola
Even though it lies just over the border in Italy, this town adds an international twist to your Swiss Alps adventure. Its pastel-colored buildings and lively piazzas give you a taste of Italian culture after your mountain ride.
Arosa
Surrounded by peaks, Arosa is perfect for travelers who want a mix of alpine calm and outdoor adventure. Lakes, hiking trails, and wellness hotels make it an ideal stop for a night or two.
Tips for Riding Secret Train Journeys in the Swiss Alps
Buy Regional Day Passes
Instead of purchasing expensive tourist passes, consider regional train tickets. For example, a Graubünden day pass covers several of the routes mentioned, saving money while offering flexibility.
Sit by the Window
These routes are scenic, and some trains have old-fashioned carriages with windows that open. If you’re a photography lover, pick these seats for better shots.
Bring Snacks
Unlike luxury trains, many secret train journeys in the Swiss Alps don’t have dining cars. Pack Swiss chocolate, bread, and local cheese from small shops before boarding.
Seasonal Differences
Winter Rides
Snow blankets the valleys, making these journeys feel like traveling through a postcard. The Chur to Arosa route is especially magical with frozen waterfalls.
Spring Adventures
Waterfalls thunder with melted snow, and meadows glow with wildflowers. This is the season for photographers who want color contrasts.
Summer Relaxation
Lakes shimmer in turquoise shades, and small alpine festivals pop up in villages. Riding through Brig and into Italy during summer feels like crossing into another world.
Autumn Colors
The forests between Andermatt and Disentis glow with gold and red leaves, offering a quieter yet equally beautiful experience.
Practical Itineraries
Two-Day Secret Train Trip
- Day 1: Start in Andermatt → ride to Disentis → overnight in Disentis.
- Day 2: Continue to Chur → ride up to Arosa → overnight in Arosa or return.
Three-Day Secret Train Trip
- Day 1: Begin in Brig → travel to Domodossola → explore the market → overnight stay.
- Day 2: Return to Switzerland and head to Andermatt → Disentis.
- Day 3: Continue to Chur → Arosa before finishing.
Week-Long Hidden Adventure
- Explore all the routes together with extra nights in each village. Combine walking tours, mountain hikes, and spa stays along the way.
Budgeting for the Trips
- Tickets: Expect local train tickets to cost between 20–50 CHF depending on distance.
- Accommodation: Guesthouses in small towns are cheaper than big resorts, averaging 70–120 CHF per night.
- Food: Mountain meals cost around 20–40 CHF; shop at local markets for budget options.
- Extras: Save money by choosing smaller mountain lifts instead of large tourist cable cars.
What to Pack for Secret Train Journeys in the Swiss Alps
- Layered clothing for sudden weather changes.
- Good shoes for village walks and short hikes.
- Camera or phone with extra battery for endless photos.
- Snacks and water since small stations may not have shops.
- Swiss Travel App for real-time schedules and train updates.
The Real Charm of These Journeys
The magic of secret train journeys in the Swiss Alps is that they feel personal. Instead of sharing the view with dozens of tour groups, you sit quietly in a carriage, the sound of wheels on rails blending with cowbells echoing in the valleys. You arrive in villages where locals greet you, where menus are in German or Romansh, where you see the Swiss Alps not as a tourist show but as daily life.
For travelers who want more than just ticking off famous names, these routes deliver authenticity. They offer comfort, beauty, and discovery—all at once.
Final Thoughts
Secret train journeys in the Swiss Alps are not imaginary—they are real, practical, and accessible. They allow you to step into Switzerland’s hidden corners without giving up comfort. Whether you ride through the Oberalp Pass, slip across the Simplon route into Italy, or climb from Chur to Arosa, each trip brings something unforgettable.
Take the time to ride them slowly, step off at villages that surprise you, and enjoy the peace that only hidden rail lines can bring. In a world that often feels too busy, these secret train journeys in the Swiss Alps are your ticket to stillness, scenery, and story-filled travel.
People also ask: Train Routes in Europe with Better Views Than the Destination.