Golden Pass - Montreux

Today is the last day of our trip. We had already reserved our seats on another panoramic train, the “Golden Express,” which would take us back to Lausanne, where we started our journey one week ago. By now, I was so accustomed to waking up and peering out the window to check the weather. As usual, it was a bright, sunny morning on our last day of vacation. After a hearty breakfast, we headed to the railway station of Interlaken with our luggage.

From our previous experience with the Glacier Express, where we missed the window seats, we made sure to book them in advance this time. This special train is broken into two main parts. In the first part, it is almost like any other Swiss railway train, but it is labeled “Golden Pass” on the outside. There are no special panoramic windows, which is a blessing for the camera, as it reduces the glare and reflections that can spoil photos.

Traveling by train to Zweisimmen on the Golden Pass BSL train offers panoramic views of the Swiss Alps, mountain slopes, and valleys with picturesque chalets—a truly unique experience. The train snakes through the Simme Valley, passing through the rural Simmertal, where one can see Swiss cows grazing on the Alpine meadows. The distant sound of cowbells tinkling on the pastures is very amusing and adds to the charm of the journey.

The scenery was breathtaking, with lush green meadows stretching as far as the eye could see, dotted with traditional Swiss chalets. The train wound its way through narrow valleys, with towering mountains on either side. Occasionally, we would pass through small villages, each with its own unique character and charm. The ride was so smooth and comfortable that we could relax and fully enjoy the spectacular views.

At Zweisimmen, we changed to the Golden Pass MOB Train to Montreux. This is the only line in Switzerland that offers VIP seats at the front of the train, giving a driver’s eye view. This ultra-modern train provides the traveler with the unique sensation of being totally at one with the grandeur of the unfolding landscape. While passing through the region of “Châteaux d’Oex,” we saw beautiful Swiss villages one last time. There are many hiking and other outdoor activities around this region. Admiring the view of Lake Geneva on one side and the sprawling vineyards on the other, we descended to Montreux. We enjoyed magnificent views of alpine beauty on our unforgettable rail journey through Switzerland.

Arriving in Montreux, we were greeted by the stunning sight of Lake Geneva’s shimmering waters. After storing our luggage, we took a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore promenade, taking in the fresh air and picturesque views. The path was lined with vibrant flowers and lush greenery, adding to the serene ambiance. The lake itself was a deep blue, reflecting the clear sky above.

Our destination was Chateau de Chillon, a 13th-century castle that stands on the shores of Lake Geneva. The walk to the castle was pleasant, with the gentle breeze from the lake keeping us cool. As we approached the castle, its medieval towers and walls came into view, standing majestically against the backdrop of the lake and mountains.

Chateau de Chillon is steeped in history, and exploring its rooms and corridors was like stepping back in time. The castle has served various purposes over the centuries, including as a fortress, a residence, and a prison. Lord Byron’s famous poem “The Prisoner of Chillon” was set in the prison located in the cellar of the castle. We spent almost two hours there, marveling at the ancient architecture and learning about its storied past. The views from the castle’s windows were spectacular, offering sweeping vistas of the lake and surrounding landscape. During our visit, it started raining heavily, but being inside the castle added a cozy, atmospheric feel to the experience.

We had initially planned to visit Geneva to see the “Jet d’eau” (water fountain), but given the limited time, we decided to stay in Montreux. The city has its own charm and plenty to offer, and we didn’t want to rush through our last day. As the evening approached, we enjoyed a quiet dinner at a lakeside café, savoring Swiss delicacies while watching the rain dance on the lake’s surface.

Later in the evening, we boarded the TGV back to Paris, and this time it was in First Class. The comfortable seats and attentive service made for a perfect end to our Swiss adventure. As the train sped through the night, I reflected on the incredible experiences we had over the past week. Switzerland’s natural beauty, combined with its rich history and culture, had made this trip truly unforgettable. 😊