Swiss landscape by train
Swiss Bliss · 01 Lake Geneva

The Perfect Swiss Reset

get off the algorithm. and on the train.

A slow morning by Lake Geneva. Fresh mountain air in the Lötschental Valley. Long lunches in the sun. No rushing. This is his version of Swiss Bliss.

By Björn Bender

A longtime Bern local and CEO of Rail Europe

From one meeting in China to a conference in Berlin, Björn spends a lot of time moving. This is the route he takes when he wants to stop.

Björn’s Swiss Bliss formula: Lake views + mountain air + a terrace lunch = perfect reset.

Björn Bender, CEO of Rail Europe
— Björn
Two passengers looking out at the Alps and Lake Geneva from a GoldenPass train window
a front row seat to Swiss Bliss

A postcard from Björn

In a world of notifications, calendar invites and unread emails, Björn recommended this journey the old-fashioned way: by postcard. Because some trips deserve more than a link. This card became the invitation to a creator who set out to experience Björn’s perfect Swiss reset for herself.

— with love from Rail Europe
Watch the journey unfold
Björn’s route through Switzerland
The route at a glance

The Perfect Swiss Reset

Bern
Departure
Train
Montreux
Day 1 · Stop 1
Train
Lausanne
Day 1 · Stop 2
Train
Goppenstein
Day 2 · Transfer
PostBus + Cable Car
Lauchernalp
Day 2 · Mountains
Train
Bern
Return
Best for
Weekend escapes, mountain lovers & anyone overdue for a reset
Duration
Perfect for a weekend or long weekend
Recommended ticket
Swiss Travel Pass
01
Day 01

Lake Geneva, slower mornings and staying offline

take the scenic route — always
Red tulips and blue flowers along the lakeside promenade in Montreux, Switzerland, with Lake Geneva and mountains in the background
Stop01
Montreux

Start with one of Switzerland’s most beautiful lakeside rail journeys

Montreux is where Björn comes to slow down. Not to tick off sights. Just to enjoy the lake.

Björn’s local tips
  • Walk beyond the Freddie Mercury statue toward Clarens for quieter views
  • Grab a coffee at Le Palais Oriental
  • Put your phone away for at least 30 minutes
Don’t leave without trying: Perch fillets and a glass of local Lavaux wine.
GoldenPass Express train winding through Lavaux vineyards above Lake Geneva
Stop02
Lausanne

Just 20 minutes away by train

Lausanne brings a little more energy while keeping the same lakeside atmosphere. Spend the evening wandering the old town before heading down toward Ouchy as the sun begins to set.

Björn’s insider tip
  • Keep dinner simple. Café de Grancy is still one of his favourites.
02
Day 02

Mountain air and a quieter side of the Alps

swap the lake for the mountains
Blue cable cars ascending to Lauchernalp above a green alpine valley, mountains in the background, Switzerland

Björn’s tipDon’t plan your last run too tightly. Leave time for a terrace moment — it’s all part of the experience.

Stop03
Goppenstein → Lauchernalp

Take the train to Goppenstein

Then continue by PostBus and cable car into the Lötschental Valley. This is where Björn escapes when he wants fewer crowds and more breathing room. Up to Lauchernalp for open sky, quiet trails and views that make you stop mid-sentence.

What to do
  • Take the first cable car up the mountain
  • Stop for lunch at Wildi
  • Explore the trails around Lötschentalhütte
  • Stay long enough to watch the afternoon light change across the peaks
A lone wooden bench on a mountain path overlooking the snow-capped peaks of the Lötschental Valley, Switzerland
the view that makes you miss the next train…
Frutigen, Switzerland
Go one stop further

Frutigen — a detour most visitors never take

Have extra time? Hop off in Frutigen on the way back and follow the Kander River for one of Björn’s favourite small detours.

Most visitors never stop here.

That’s exactly why you should.
How to travel this route

One of the best things about this itinerary is its flexibility

Spend another hour by the lake. Stay for one more terrace lunch. Take the later cable car. The best moments aren’t always the ones you planned.

“The best Swiss moments are rarely the busiest ones. They’re the extra hour by the lake. The lunch that turns into an afternoon. The view that makes you miss the next train. That’s what this route is really about.”

All of this works seamlessly with a Swiss Travel Pass — from Lake Geneva to the Lötschental Valley, combining trains, PostBus connections and mountain transport across multiple regions.

Green PostBus travelling through a lush alpine meadow with forest and mountain peaks behind, Switzerland
Passes & tickets

Find the best way to follow Björn’s route

This itinerary combines trains, PostBus connections and mountain transport across multiple regions. Here’s how to travel it.

Best for this route

Swiss Travel Pass

From Lake Geneva to the Lötschental Valley, one pass covers it all.

  • Unlimited travel on trains, buses and boats
  • Easy connections between Bern, Montreux, Lausanne and Goppenstein
  • Discounts on mountain transport to Lauchernalp
  • Freedom to change plans as you go
Explore Swiss Travel Passes →
Swiss Travel Pass — travel by train across Switzerland

Other options

Swiss Half Fare Card

50% off most trains, buses, boats and many mountain railways for one month. A great option if you plan to slow down around Lake Geneva or add a few mountain excursions at your own pace.

Best for: flexible itineraries & longer staysExplore the Half Fare Card →

Lake Geneva–Alps Regional Pass

Unlimited regional travel on trains, boats and local transport — ideal for exploring Lake Geneva in depth. Note: the full journey to the Lötschental Valley works better with the Swiss Travel Pass.

Best for: one region, explored slowlyExplore regional passes →

Point-to-point tickets

Following Björn’s itinerary exactly over one weekend? Individual tickets may be the most economical option if your travel plans are fixed and unlikely to change.

Best for: fixed plans & weekend getawaysExplore train tickets →

Add a mountain experience

Not sure which option is right for you? Compare Swiss Travel Passes, Swiss Half Fare Cards, point-to-point tickets and mountain excursions in one place with Rail Europe.

Best for: extending the trip with a summit stopCompare passes and train tickets →
SBB Swiss double-decker train at the platform, ready for departure
your window seat is waiting…

Ready for your own Swiss reset?

The best way to experience Switzerland isn’t to see more. It’s to leave room for more. Start planning and follow Björn’s route at your own pace.