The idea of a cozy, festive train ride through a snow-covered wonderland is a powerful one. If you’ve dreamed of watching stunning winter landscapes glide by from the comfort of a beautifully decorated carriage, you’re in the right place. We’ll explore the reality behind this dream, highlighting the most famous routes and what to expect onboard.
Many travelers are captivated by the idea of a “Christmas Snow Express from Italy to Switzerland,” a term that perfectly describes a magical holiday journey. While this isn’t the official name of a single train service, it beautifully captures the spirit of one of the most breathtaking train routes in the world: The Bernina Express. This iconic journey is exactly what people imagine when they dream of a snowy alpine adventure.
The Bernina Express is a real train that connects Tirano, Italy, with St. Moritz or Chur in Switzerland. It travels on a UNESCO World Heritage railway line, renowned for its incredible engineering and dramatic scenery. During the winter, this route transforms into a true winter wonderland. The train’s famous panoramic windows offer unobstructed views of snow-laden forests, frozen lakes, and towering peaks.
One of the highlights is crossing the Brusio Circular Viaduct, an amazing spiral viaduct that allows the train to climb the steep valley. Seeing this structure covered in snow is an unforgettable experience. The Bernina Express embodies the festive, scenic journey that inspires so many winter travel dreams.
While the Bernina Express is a top contender, several other train journeys around the world offer a similarly magical experience during the winter holidays.
Often called the “world’s slowest express train,” the Glacier Express offers an eight-hour journey across the Swiss Alps. It connects two of Switzerland’s most famous mountain resorts, Zermatt and St. Moritz. The train travels through 91 tunnels and across 291 bridges, including the famous Landwasser Viaduct, a towering six-arched bridge that looks like something out of a storybook. In winter, the journey provides breathtaking views of deep valleys and snow-covered peaks, all from the comfort of panoramic carriages. For a truly luxurious experience, their “Excellence Class” offers gourmet dining and guaranteed window seats.
While famous as the “Hogwarts Express” from the Harry Potter films, The Jacobite steam train offers an experience that feels just as magical. Its route through the Scottish Highlands includes the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, which closely resembles the bridge seen in many inspirational winter train videos. Although its main season is in the warmer months, special festive services often run in November and December. The sight of a vintage steam engine puffing through the dramatic, and often snow-dusted, Scottish landscape is a truly memorable sight.
For a North American adventure, the Rocky Mountaineer provides unparalleled views of the Canadian Rockies. While primarily known for its summer routes, the train offers special winter journeys that showcase the majestic snow-covered peaks and frozen lakes of Banff and Jasper National Parks. The bi-level, glass-domed GoldLeaf carriages provide incredible panoramic views, allowing you to feel completely immersed in the vast, pristine wilderness.
Inspirational videos often show incredibly opulent interiors with private bedrooms, full-sized bathtubs, and lavish decorations. It’s important to understand what you can realistically expect on most scenic train journeys.
Most companies operating scenic winter routes embrace the holiday spirit. You can expect carriages to be tastefully decorated with garlands, festive lights, and other seasonal touches. The atmosphere is generally cozy and relaxed, with many passengers sipping hot chocolate or mulled wine while enjoying the view. The goal is to create a warm, festive ambiance that complements the snowy landscape outside.
The key feature of these trains is the view. Most services, like the Bernina and Glacier Express, feature specially designed panoramic or dome cars. These have oversized windows that curve up into the ceiling, ensuring you don’t miss any of the stunning scenery. Seating is typically arranged to maximize views, with comfortable chairs and tables.
The ultra-luxurious private suites with beds and en-suite bathrooms are typically found on sleeper trains designed for multi-day journeys, such as the famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. While these trains offer an incredible level of opulence, most of the popular scenic day-trip routes like the Bernina Express do not have sleeper cars. The focus is on the daytime journey and the incredible views.
Dining is a highlight of many of these trips. On the Glacier Express, you can have a multi-course meal served directly at your seat while you travel. The Rocky Mountaineer is also famous for its gourmet cuisine served in a dedicated dining car. The experience combines fine dining with ever-changing, spectacular scenery.
If you’re ready to book your own festive rail adventure, here are a few things to keep in mind.
How much do these scenic train journeys cost? Prices vary widely. A standard second-class ticket on the Bernina Express can be quite affordable, especially with a rail pass. However, booking a premium package on a luxury train like the Glacier Express’s Excellence Class can cost several hundred dollars or more for the day trip.
Are these trips suitable for children? Absolutely. Children are often mesmerized by the snowy landscapes and the excitement of the train itself. Many services are family-friendly, making it a wonderful holiday experience for all ages.
Is there a specific “best” side of the train to sit on? For some routes, yes. Travel forums and guidebooks often have detailed advice on which side offers better views for specific segments of the journey. For example, on the Bernina Express traveling from Switzerland to Italy, the right side is often recommended for the best views of the Brusio viaduct.