Tracing a medieval trade route through the Swiss Alps and valleys, the GoldenPass Express isn't just one of the world's most scenic train rides; it's an engineering marvel. As I sink into the plush, cream-coloured leather recliner, a glass of Champagne in hand and hiking boots raised, I'm ready for a three-hour spectacle where nature takes centre stage. But the stage isn't just in front of me – it's all around.
I'm not in a theatre; I'm in Switzerland aboard the GoldenPass Express : a state-of-the-art panoramic train where floor-to-ceiling windows reveal stunning views of the Swiss countryside – from turquoise lakes that mirror towering mountain peaks to rolling meadows dotted with storybook chalets – that rival the grandest cinematic experiences. Sitting in the nine-seat Prestige Class carriage in a specially designed heated, swivelling chair feels both private and personal – as if I've got the snowcapped Alps, wildflower-laced pastures and bell-adorned cows to myself. Opened in December 2022 and fully relaunched in June 2023 after addressing problems with track wear, The GoldenPass Express (GPX) is one of Europe's newest (and most luxurious ) high-tech trains.
Its 115km journey follows a medieval trade route connecting Interlaken 's glaciers to Montreux 's terraced vineyards, and thanks to a technological innovation, the GPX allows travellers to take one of the world's most scenic train routes without transferring, as passengers did previously. The GPX is one of fiv.
