Switzerland is an oasis of peace. Everything is more calm, more modest, even red traffic lights become more slowly green and vice versa.
Words of the famous musician Charles Aznavour, who could not best describe the size of the Swiss country and precisely restore that suspended atmosphere that characterizes it.
A context that becomes even more intense when you cross it by train during the autumn period, a season in which Switzerland reveals its most intimate and contemplative nature, the moment when the woods turn into gold and copper mosaics, the lakes reflect the most intense colors and the mountains seem to jealously guard the most unspeakable secrets.
Traveling Switzerland by train at this time of year does not only mean moving from one city to another, but immersing yourself in a sensory experience: the convoys cross valleys and daring viaducts, insinuate themselves between vineyards and pastures, reveal landscapes that change curved after curve, as in a slow natural film projected out of the window. A journey that invites you to let yourself be lulled by the rhythm of the tracks and rediscover the beauty of calm, just as Aznavour suggested.
In the country where punctuality is religion (not surprisingly the Zurich station is the best in Europe) and silence a form of courtesy, autumn adds that note of melancholy beauty, enhanced by the magic of the train.
How to reach Switzerland by train
The Italian railway network is well connected with the Swiss one through Eurocity trains, which guarantee direct and frequent connections. Over 50 trains from the main cities of northern Italy to Switzerland start every day, with Milan representing the main starting hub with 24 daily connections only for Zurich but also Venice, Bologna and Genoa offer regular departures for many Swiss cities.
Traveling by train: Sustainable and intelligent choice
Choosing the train for a trip to Switzerland is not just a matter of comfort: it also means reducing the environmental impact. Rail transport is one of the less polluting means, with CO₂ emissions for passenger decidedly lower than the plane or private car. In a country that makes nature and quality of life its strong point, arriving by train is already a way to respect its essence.
The train thus becomes an integral part of the travel experience: no queues, no traffic stress, but the possibility of observing the landscape slowly change, without barriers and without the anxiety to drive. It is a tourism that moves in harmony with the environment, and that allows you to savor the Swiss autumn with a rhythm closer to its true nature.
Rates and convenience
The tariff system provides for the so -called smart rates for those who book in advance, which allow you to save up to 40% compared to the standard price. The basic costs start from 29 euros to reach Bern or Zurich from Milan in second class, while for Basel and Geneva the minimum price is 39 euros.
The main advantage of the train compared to other means is the convenience of direct connections: we start from the center of the Italian cities and we arrive directly in the heart of the Swiss ones, without having to face changes of middle or movements to peripheral airports.
Which cities you can reach by train
Basel
Up to 10 trains per day on weekends from the main Italian cities, Basel is a cosmopolitan and cultural city, and full of interesting activities. The number of museums, 40, located in just 37 square kilometers, a world record for cultural density, is emblematic. The medieval historic center is easily explored on foot: from the Gothic cathedral of Münster you reach the Pfalz, a panoramic terrace overlooking the perfect Rhine to photograph the river and cargo that cross the port.
In the autumn, city parks color and are perfect for relaxing walks. Kannenfeldpark and St. Johanns-Park become real multicolored rugs. For those looking for an excursion outside the city, the nearby Canton swears offers paths between woods of beech and chestnuts that explode in hot shades in October. The local railway connection allows you to reach the Liestal Municipality in 15 minutes, a door to the autumn paths of the region.
Geneva
Geneva offers a unique international atmosphere. The Jet d’Eau, the symbol of the city, stands out against the mountains of the colorful jury of autumn. The city parks – the Parc des Bastions with the wall of the reformers, the Jardin Anglais with the floral clock – become open -air tunnels where to admire the foliage.
The Lavaux region, a UNESCO heritage that can be reached by train in 20 minutes, offers terraces of vineyards that degrade towards the lake. The paths between the vineyards allow you to cross delicious villages such as Cully and Epesses, while the winemakers open the cellars for tastings of local wines, perfect for accompanying the autumn fondue.
Lamp
This trip is the perfect opportunity to admire the Swiss landscapes from the window. The city of Lucerne will be enchanted with the Kapellbrücke, a covered pedestrian bridge built in the fourteenth century, and the frescoed houses of the historic center. The autumn season adds magic to magic: Mount Pilatus, reachable with the steep creegliest in the world (48% slope), guarantees a splendid panorama, especially when the morning mists branch off by revealing lakes and colored mountains from autumn.
Mount Rigi, called “Regina delle Montagne”, can be reached by combining train, boat and funicular. The crossing of Lake four cantons becomes a memorable experience when the surrounding woods are mirrored in the waters. On the summit of the Rigi, 120 kilometers of paths cross pastures and forests which in October are transformed into natural impressionists.
Montreux and the Lemano region
The journey by train to get to Montreux crosses some of the most spectacular landscapes of the Alps, including valleys, lakes and snowy peaks that accompany the curved traveler after curve. The town, located on the banks of Lake Geneva, enjoys an almost Mediterranean microclimate that gives myths and a longer autumn than usual.
The lakefront walk, dotted with palm trees, flowers and sculptures, offers always different views of Chillon’s castle, the famous medieval fortress that is reflected in the waters of Lemano. Not far away, the vineyards of the Lavaux – UNESCO heritage – can be reached with the picturesque train of the vineyards, which climbs meandering between golden terraces overlooking the lake. Here the autumn landscape mixes with the work of the winemakers, with cellars open for tastings that complete a truly unique experience.
Thun and the Berland Bernese
This journey takes you directly to the heart of the Bernese Alps, one of the most spectacular regions of Switzerland.
The small town of Thun, a door to access to the Bernese Oberland, overlooks the lake of the same name surrounded by the mountains. The medieval castle dominates the old city, while the boats allow excursions to Interlaken crossing landscapes that seem to be painted in autumn. The Region offers several paths, accessible to everyone: from the flat lakefront to the panoramic walks on the surrounding hills.
Practical tips for the autumn trip
The Swiss railway network guarantees connections every half hour among all the main destinations. Once you arrive at the station, the city center can always be reached on foot or with local transport often included in the railway ticket. Autumn requires strata clothing: the mornings can be fresh, but the afternoon sun still warms pleasantly.
To admire autumn colors in their splendor, the ideal period goes from late September to the end of November. The altitude influences the times: above 1500 meters the larchs are already colored in mid -October, while in the plains the phenomenon lasts until November. The autumn clear days, frequent in Switzerland, offer exceptional visibility to photograph the most spectacular panoramas.
The train is definitely the ideal choice to explore autumn Switzerland: no parking problem, the possibility of admiring the landscape during the journey, direct arrival in the heart of the cities.
In addition, Eurocity connections from Italy make Switzerland easily accessible for a long weekend or a more extensive holiday, allowing you to live the magic of Swiss autumn in total relaxation. The train makes Switzerland of Autumn near and accessible: you just have to choose your destination.
For more information, we refer you to the website www.svizzra.it/intreno
