BLS Lötschberg mountain line
Overview
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Hint
Intro
Sometimes the indirect route is the best way to reach your destination: The mountain line over the Lötschberg connects the Bernese Oberland with Valais. As it passes through the untouched natural surroundings, the historic Lötschberg mountain route from Berne to Brig and Domodossola offers fabulous views and worthwhile stopovers.
Since the opening of the Lötschberg Base Tunnel, you can save a lot of time on the north-south axis between Bern and Domodossola. But that means missing out on a number of things that have always made the Lötschberg mountain line so popular.
Railway enthusiasts around the world appreciate the imposing viaducts, engineering structures and loops of the RegioExpress from Berne to Brig and Domodossola, Italy. The section from Kandersteg to Goppenstein follows a 100-year-old mountain line.
Families will be happy to stop off at the Papiliorama tropical butterfly park in Kerzers, just 40 minutes from Bern. Many day trippers will also get off at Frutigen station, which has been restored to its original state, from where they can complete the railway hiking trail to Kandersteg. At the end of the 74-kilometre mountain line in Domodossola there is one final highlight: many Swiss people enjoy a visit to the local Saturday market. So, this scenic route is a special experience at any time of year.
Facts
- Stage: Bern – Spiez – Kandersteg – Brig – Domodossola (Italy)
- Distance: 160km
- Journey time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Excursion tips
- Bern’s old town (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Climb Niesen – Switzerland’s “natural pyramid” – by funicular or on foot
- Stockalper Palace, Brig
- Add on the Vigezzina-Centovalli stretch from Domodossola to Locarno
Ticket
Attention: the Lauchernalp cable car is not included.
Reservations
Seats cannot be reserved – free choice of seating.
