2-day tour on the Voralpen-Express From Central Switzerland to Eastern Switzerland
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Intro
The Voralpen-Express is the most attractive way to travel between Central and Eastern Switzerland. Recently upgraded with a new, ultra-modern train, the route travels from Lucerne towards Rapperswil, crossing the Rothenthurm upland moors along the way. It is well worth stopping off here to explore this town of roses on Upper Lake Zurich. After a refreshing night’s rest, the copper-coloured train will carry you on through hilly Toggenburg and across Switzerland’s highest railway viaduct to St. Gallen.
Arth-Goldau – Biberegg
Maximum route inclination: 50%.
Biberbrugg – Pfäffikon SZ
Maximum route inclination: 50%
Biberegg
Situated 933 metres above sea level, Biberegg is the highest point on the Voralpen-Express route.
Hurdensteg wooden footbridge
Rapperswil and Pfäffikon SZ are connected by the Hurdensteg wooden footbridge, and crosses Lake Zurich as part of the Camino de Santiago. Measuring 841 metres in length and 2.4 metres in width, the bridge is Switzerland’s longest modern wooden bridge.
Lucerne
Nestled in an impressive mountain setting right beside Lake Lucerne, Lucerne is the gateway to Central Switzerland. Thanks to its sights, attractive shopping opportunities, unique lakeside location and proximity to mountains such as Mount Rigi, Mount Pilatus and the Stanserhorn, the city is a popular destination for many tour groups and individuals travelling across Switzerland.
More infoRapperswil
Also known as the town of roses, Rapperswil-Jona on Upper Lake Zurich combines sightseeing, cultural life, hiking and sporting activities with a Mediterranean holiday feel. Welcome to the Riviera on Upper Lake Zurich.
More infoRicken Tunnel
The poker-straight Ricken Tunnel lies between Uznach und Wattwil. Spanning some 8,603 metres, it is the longest tunnel on the route. From the driver’s cab, the train driver can already see the tunnel exit as a tiny dot in the distance as the train enters the tunnel.
Schmerikon
Situated 408 metres above sea level, Schmerikon is the lowest point on the Voralpen-Express route.
Sitter Viaduct
Shortly after leaving St. Gallen station, the Voralpen-Express crosses the 365-metre-long Sitter Viaduct. At 99 metres high, it is Switzerland’s highest railway viaduct. As you cross the viaduct, you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the Alpstein mountains – with the highest peak, Säntis, protruding above the rest.
St. Gallen
Nestled between Lake Constance and the Appenzell region, this compact city in Eastern Switzerland boasts a charming, car-free old town. The city is famous for its colourfully painted bay windows. The Abbey District, with its cathedral and library, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
More infoDay 1
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Lucerne – Rapperswil
This two-day trip begins in Lucerne – in the very heart of Switzerland. As you look out the large panoramic windows, you’ll find yourself marvelling at the majestic view of the Central Swiss Alps, including Mount Pilatus, the Bürgenstock and Mount Rigi. As you travel towards Arth-Goldau, you can once again admire Mount Rigi, the Queen of the Mountains, in all her glory. This sight is followed by other views of spectacular peaks such as the Mythen, the Churfirsten and Säntis. After crossing the country’s largest continuous upland moor at Rothenthurm and passing by the shimmering blue waters of Lake Zurich, the Voralpen-Express arrives in the town of roses, Rapperswil. It is well worth hopping off the train here, for example to enjoy a stroll along the lakeside promenade. Historic buildings, a medieval castle and a picturesque old town: Rapperswil has much to offer.
Those who prefer a more active approach can explore the delightful surroundings on a hike from Rapperswil to Schmerikon. The accessible lakeside trail takes less than three hours and leads alongside the blue waters of Lake Obersee and past vibrantly coloured fruit trees. The mountain panorama further adds to the impressive scenery. The return journey by train takes less than 10 minutes. Boost that holiday feeling with a boat trip back to Rapperswil and feel the warm sun on your face and fresh wind in your hair as you take in the glorious views of the Lake Zurich shore.
Before dinner, it’s worth talking a walk to the castle, Rapperswil’s most iconic landmark. The lakeside promenade offers prime spots for those wishing to enjoy the glowing, orange sunset on the Riviera in a quiet, romantic setting. Visitors can savour gourmet menus or creative cuisine amid a relaxed atmosphere in one of the town’s lakeside restaurants or in its old town quarter.
Hotel tip: Accommodation in Rapperswil
Day 2
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Rapperswil – St. Gallen
After a well-earned rest, you can continue your journey the next day by catching the copper-coloured Voralpen-Express from Rapperswil. As they journey towards Schmerikon, the lowest point along this stretch of track, passengers can enjoy a last look at Lake Obersee and the mountain panorama before passing through the poker-straight Ricken Tunnel between Uznach and Wattwil. Spanning some 8,603 metres, it is the longest tunnel on the route.
Speaking of which: the Voralpen-Express boasts two bistro areas with coffee and snack machines for those in need of fortification or refreshment along the way. The family area, featuring hidden object artwork by illustrator Konrad Beck, is a unique gem for those travelling with younger passengers on the Voralpen-Express. Decorated in a Four Seasons theme, it is a haven where children can really let off steam.
Train enthusiasts can also look forward to another highlight along the track, just before they reach St. Gallen: the Sitter Viaduct. At 99 metres high, it is the highest passable railway viaduct in Switzerland. After a 50-minute journey, the Voralpen-Express arrives in the city of St. Gallen. This cultural metropolis, with its UNESCO World Heritage site, the Baroque cathedral and abbey library, its textile industry history and its many culinary delights, offers a rich variety of cultural, historic and gastronomical treasures that are worth exploring.