Originally, the Golden Pass Express of the Montreux-Oberalp Railway ran from Zweisimmen in the Bernese Oberland to Montreux on Lake Geneva. Then early this year it was announced that the Golden Pass Express would run all the way from Interlaken Ost on Lake Brienz to Montreux. To this end, the railway company acquired carriages with bogies that could be changed from the standard gauge of the main line of the Swiss Federal Railways to the narrow gauge of the Montreux-Oberalp Railway. However, within just a few weeks of the new service commencing, it had to be terminated again. The company sited severe damage to the tracks and infrastructure at the junction in Zweisimmen where the gauge change would occur. As a result, a special train with standard gauge carriages was laid on that belongs to the Bern-Lötschberg-Simplon Railway to operate the service from Interlaken to Zweisimmen.
At Zweisimmen passengers alight and change trains to the Golden Pass Express, which is already waiting on the next platform. The picture below shows the place where the magic ought to have happened.
The train consists of four coaches, two second class and two first class coaches. In first class, there is a choice between seating in the regular part of the coach and the premium section. From what I understand, the main difference between the two compartments is that in the latter class food and beverages are complimentary, whereas in the regular coaches you are served at your seat as well, but against payment. Only credit and debit cards are accepted as payment.
The journey from Interlaken to Zweisimmen takes about an hour, and then it’s another two hours from there to Montreux. On its journey, the train passes through some magnificent landscapes. It’s difficult to capture the grandness of the Alps.
On its journey, the train calls at several stations. One, of course, is the famous Gstaad, which is the only Alpine village I know of with its own Louis Vuitton shop… At Montbovon, there is a connection to the regional train to Fribourg.
The view of Lake Geneva from the train as it descends into Montreux is beautiful. I’ve certainly picked the right day to make the trip, as you can even see the French Alps across the lake.
The train terminates at Montreux main station, from where there are connections to the nationwide network of the Swiss Federal Network. I will be catching a train from here going to Morges, which runs along the shore of the lake.
The journey on the Golden Pass Express takes you through some of Switzerland’s most beautiful landscapes. If you’re on a tight schedule, it’s a great way to see at least some of Switzerland’s natural beauty. But of course, the journey is long at three hours from Interlaken to Montreux. So perhaps if you have the time, it would be worthwhile to alight midway and enjoy the silence and tranquility in some Alpine village or other along the route.
Reservations and tickets purchases can be made either on the website of the Montreux-Oberalp Railway or at the counter at one of the stations of the Swiss Federal Railways.