How to take an unforgettable winter train ride through the heart of Switzerland

Snow-frosted forests, sky-scraping Alpine peaks, jewel-coloured lakes and dark-timber villages all slide effortlessly into view on a train journey through Switzerland. In a country famous for its railways, the Luzern—Interlaken Express is a route offering the full-on winter wonderland dream. As it zips along valleys, viaducts and mountain passes, the journey takes in all the country's best Alpine experiences in just under two hours, starting in the medieval city of Lucerne and ending in the adventure hotspot of Interlaken in the Jungfrau Region. And if you break the route down into five days, there’s ample time to dive deep into the surrounding areas and embrace the outdoors.

Day 1: Lucerne

Surrounded by mountains, fjord-like Lake Lucerne has added sparkle in the winter. On its shores, the elegant city of Lucerne — known to many as the City of Lights, particularly during the Lilu Light Festival, which takes place each January — is your springboard for a journey on the Luzern—Interlaken Express. Begin with a cultural tour around the town centre, taking in the Kapellbrücke, a medieval covered bridge leaping across the Reuss River, and world-class art at the Sammlung Rosengart Collection, including Picasso and Klee masterpieces.

A snowball’s throw away from the city is 5,899ft Mount Rigi, which Turner painted in every mood and light. Views of the Bernese Alps from the top amaze, and there are also opportunities for winter hiking, sledging and snowshoeing. For dinner, rustic Restaurant Moosmatt is worth the stroll from the city centre for a proper taste of the Alps. For the stereotypical Swiss experience, order a bubbling pot of fondue, such as the ‘stinker’, featuring garlic, onions and leek.

Where to stay: in the heart of the Old Town, Hotel Rebstock pairs historic charm with originally styled, art-filled rooms.

Day 2: Lucerne – Sarnen

As the sun rises, casting purple-pink shades over the lake, board the Luzern—Interlaken Express. Riveting mountain scenery unfolds on the smooth, 20-minute chug to Sarnen. On the forested northern shores of Lake Sarnen, this folksy town is lined with gabled chalets and is a great base for striking out into the snowy mountains. Make the quick hop to the uncrowded, under-the-radar slopes of Langis, where you can slip on snowshoes or cross-country skis to glide across Switzerland’s highest moor at 4,757ft (guided tours are available, including this snowshoeing trek on the Glaubenberg). You can also dabble in downhill skiing — this area is ideal for beginners and families — or play on the tubes, rails and kickers in the snowpark. Then, to refuel amid Alpine warmth and good cheer, Blockhittä is the local go-to for cheesy fondue, raclette and Heuschnaps (herby hay schnapps).

Where to stay: located right near the station for a bright-and-early start, Hotel Krone is a timber-fronted chalet with a spa, restaurant offering classic Swiss flavours and a cabin sauna on the lakeshore.

Day 3: Sarnen – Brienz

The Alpine drama ramps up on the next leg south to Brienz as you pull into Brünig-Hasliberg station at 3,284ft — the highest point on the Brünig Pass. On your way, listen for clicking cameras as passengers catch their first glimpse of the turquoise-coloured Lake Lungern from the train's panoramic windows. Jump off at Kaiserstuhl to explore one of Switzerland's most picturesque lakes. There are also plenty of walking trails in the area with spectacular mountain views. Alternatively, get off at Brünig-Hasliberg for sledding, cross-country skiing and winter hiking in nearby Hasliberg.

Nearby Meiringen has a surprising Sherlock Holmes connection, which can be explored in a dedicated museum. The town's other claim to fame is as the birthplace of the meringue — try the best at Frutal.

Where to stay: by the lakefront in Brienz and near the train station, Hotel Steinbock has a contemporary Alpine flair and a restaurant serving old-school favourites like schnitzel in mushroom-cream sauce.

Day 4: Brienz – Interlaken

Go for an early morning stroll through Brienz’s historic, chalet-lined heart (a walk along the fairytale-esque Brunngasse is a must). Then, expect uplifting views as you continue your journey on the 20-minute ride from Brienz to Interlaken, skimming the shores of the lake en route. Clasped between lakes Thun and Brienz, Interlaken delivers a hit of Victorian grandeur and lots of action. Outdoor Interlaken is a one-stop-shop for adventure — from snowshoe hikes on the 8,796ft Faulhorn to paragliding above 13,000ft-plus peaks from Beatenberg. If you’re looking for something gentler, cruise past castles, frozen falls and snow-daubed forests on a boat trip around Lake Thun.

Where to stay: in the historic Matten neighbourhood, Hotel Hirschen is one of Interlaken’s oldest inns, dating to 1666. It’s big on old-world charm and has a candlelit, wood-panelled restaurant serving fondue and rösti, as well as a vaulted cellar for sampling Swiss wines.

Day 5: Interlaken

Squeeze in more forays into the wintry wonderland in the morning before boarding the afternoon train back to Lucerne. For extra up-front magic, book a Driver’s Cab Ride. The driver will share plenty of insights as you watch the scenery unravel from the front of the train.

If you would prefer to linger in the Jungfrau Region, there’s plenty to entice, including fantastic, entry-level skiing opportunities at resorts like Wengen, Mürren and Grindelwald-First. On a visit to the latter, hop on the Eiger Express, a tri-cable gondola that swings breathtakingly close to Eiger’s gnarly North Face. Change at Eiger Glacier for the train to Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest train station at 11,332ft. Here, you can find more winter adventures and out-of-this-world views of the Aletsch Glacier.