Creators Cut Switzerland The Grand Train Tour
Intro
Two creators, four creative challenges and one of the most impressive panoramic routes in Europe: Along the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland, they discover the country on rails, over water and high up into the mountains. From historic old towns to glittering lakes and majestic glaciers, they experience Switzerland as a land of contrasts. Each stage presents them with a new task – inspired by contrasts. In the process, they encounter special places, local stories and surprising perspectives. Close, authentic and visually powerful, the series shows: The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is more than a journey. It is an experience full of movement, encounters and contrasts.
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The Challenges
On their journey along the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland, the two creators face the following challenges:
- Old vs. New A contrast from the architecture to life in the city.
- Heigts vs. Depths An essay about the ups and downs of travel.
- Freedom vs. Control Moving postcards with the flair "Dolce far niente".
- Solitude vs. Civilisation A visual story about the rural atmosphere, the imposing glacier world.
The route in detail
Along the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland
The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is more than a panoramic route. It is a journey through the soul of the country. From lively cities to quiet glaciers. From palm-fringed shores to rugged Alps. From centuries-old tradition to modern architecture. By train, boat and mountain railway, the creators explore Switzerland's most iconic routes – and capture not only landscapes, but above all contrasts.
Learn moreEinstein St. Gallen
The Creators spend their first night at Einstein St. Gallen – a stylish four-star superior hotel in the heart of the old town. The Einstein St.Gallen, the hotel rated by guests as the first hotel on the square, offers 113 elegant rooms and suites, furnished with the finest materials such as marble, cherry tree and St. Galler Textilien.
Learn moreOn the road with the Voralpen-Express
For the onward journey, the creators rely on the Voralpen-Express of the Südostbahn (SOB). As the most beautiful combination of nature and culture, the route leads from the eastern Swiss metropolis of St. Gallen via the rose city of Rapperswil to the heart of Lucerne. Generous windows open up wide views of rolling hills, idyllic lakes and impressive backdrops of the foothills of the Alps – one of the most varied railway lines in Switzerland.
Learn moreOn the road with the Lake Lucerne Shipping Company
For the change of perspective from the water to the heights, the Creators travel with the Lake Lucerne Shipping Company (SGV) from Lucerne to Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock. The trip across the deep blue Lake Lucerne opens up impressive views of steep rock faces, curved shorelines and the surrounding mountains. Historic paddle steamers and modern motor ships combine tradition with contemporary comfort.
Learn moreArt Deco Hotel Montana
In Lucerne, the creators stay at the Art Deco Hotel Montana, spectacularly located above Lake Lucerne. The hotel is located in an elevated position and offers breathtaking views of Lake Lucerne, the city of Lucerne and the mountains. 42 Art Deco rooms and 19 penthouse rooms, outstanding gastronomy with the Scala Restaurant and the Kitchen Club, as well as legendary events in the Louis Bar and the Hemingway Rum Lounge – the Art Deco Hotel Montana – More than a hotel offers you all of this.
Learn moreOn the road with the Gotthard Panorama Express
For the onward journey south, the creators use the Gotthard Panorama Express – the unique combination of ship and train and thus a very special panoramic experience. First, it goes by boat from Lucerne to Flüelen – along historic shores and impressive mountain scenery. From Flüelen, they travel on the SBB Gotthard Panorama Express along the legendary Gotthard mountain route to Bellinzona. The historic route leads through helical tunnels and over spectacular viaducts, past the famous church of Wassen, along the impressive Gotthard line, a masterpiece of Swiss railway architecture. With every bend the landscape changes: From alpine drama to Mediterranean flair in Ticino.
Learn moreBinario Smart Hotel
In Ticino, the creators stay at the Boutique Hotel Binario 934 – a stylish hideaway in the heart of Muralto, just a few steps from the train station and Lake Maggiore. Opened in 2022, the hotel with its 14 individually designed rooms combines exclusive design with timeless hospitality. Its central location makes it the ideal starting point for discovering Locarno, Ascona and the characteristic valleys of the region – including the Mediterranean lifestyle.
Learn moreOn the road with the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway
From Locarno, the journey first leads north again – to Göschenen. A new chapter begins there: The journey on the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway. The traditional narrow-gauge railway connects some of the most impressive Alpine regions in Switzerland. From Göschenen it goes to Andermatt, continues through Goms in the direction of Münster and finally to Brig. For the Creators, this route is much more than just a train ride – it's a journey through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Alps. Deep gorges, wide high valleys and striking mountain peaks characterise the path. The railway winds through the heart of the Alps, crosses viaducts and accompanies clear mountain rivers again and again. A route on which not only the finish counts – but every single section.
Learn moreHotel Landhaus
Before the adventure in the Alps really begins, Alex and Linh spend the night at the Hotel Landhaus in Münster. Nestled in the pristine mountains of Gom, the charming house combines alpine cosiness with warm hospitality. A place to arrive, take a deep breath and get in the mood for the upcoming experiences in the middle of the imposing high Alps.
Learn moreBerghaus Toni
Before the hike on the Aletsch Glacier begins, the Creators spend the night at the Berghaus Toni on the Riederalp. Located at an altitude of around 2,000 metres, the Berghaus offers an authentic alpine atmosphere and a box seat with a view of the surrounding mountains. A place of peace, in the middle of nature and the perfect starting point for the adventure on the largest glacier in the Alps.
Learn moreLocke at Zurich Square
For the last night before the journey home, the creators return to the city – to the Locke am Platz in Zurich. Between creative design, urban flair and relaxed living, the stylish boutique hotel offers the perfect setting to review the trip. A modern retreat in the lively District 2 – and a harmonious conclusion to a tour full of contrasts.
Learn moreBürgenstock & Hammentschwand lift
The spectacular Hammetschwand lift is located on the grounds of the Bürgenstock Hotel & Resort Lake Lucerne. At 152.8 metres, it is the highest outdoor lift in Europe and takes visitors to the Hammetschwand viewpoint in less than a minute. Creators are also taking advantage of this special change of perspective: From the sea level up to over 1,100 metres, a breathtaking view over Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains opens up – a moment between height, space and pure amazement.
Learn moreA journey through contrasts – from urban pulse to alpine silence
What happens when you don't just travel to Switzerland, but challenge it?
The journey starts in St. Gallen – between the red square and the centuries-old abbey library. Old meets new, history meets present. The creators are not only looking for motifs, but also exciting perspectives.
In Lucerne it gets physical: First high up over Lake Lucerne, then deep down below the surface of the water in a submarine. Ups and downs are not a metaphor here, but the experience and the video challenge for the creators.
With the Gotthard Panorama Express, not only the route changes, but also the mood. Hairpin bends, tunnels, viaducts – and suddenly alpine drama gives way to Mediterranean lightness. Ticino feels south. Between Lake Maggiore and the Verzasca Valley, it's all about freedom and control. About speed and pause. About the famous "Dolce far niente" – reinterpreted.
In conclusion: The heart of the Alps. Riederalp. The Great Aletsch Glacier. Vastness. Silence. Strength. A moment that shows that real contrasts do not divide – but connect.
A journey that not only changes places, but perspectives.
Creators
Linh Troung
Linh Truong is a visual storyteller and content creator who tells authentic and aesthetic travel stories. With her fine sense of detail, atmosphere and emotions, she creates content that is personal and inspiring at the same time.
Her clear, calm style captures not only places, but also the moods behind them – always with a creative eye for the special.
Alex Stead
Alex Stead is an outdoor and travel creator with a passion for nature, exercise and strong perspectives. With his camera, he stages impressive landscapes and authentic adventures.
His dynamic imagery combines energy with aesthetics and shows destinations from a fresh, powerful angle.
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