The GoldenPass Belle-Époque is one of Switzerland’s most charming train journeys.
Step aboard and you’ll be transported back to the elegance of the late 19th century, all while enjoying the stunning landscapes of Lake Geneva, the Bernese Oberland, and the picturesque Pays-d’Enhaut region.
If you’re planning a Switzerland itinerary, this scenic journey is an absolute must.
The GoldenPass Belle-Époque runs between Montreux and Zweisimmen, a distance of approximately 70 km. You can travel in either direction:
Montreux → Zweisimmen: Start at Montreux, take in the views of Lake Geneva, and ride through charming Swiss towns.
Zweisimmen → Montreux: Start in the countryside, pass through the Pays-d’Enhaut, and descend towards the glimmering lake.
This route gives you a chance to explore Gstaad and the surrounding region from the comfort of a vintage train carriage.
The Belle-Epoque journey is approximately 70km in distance.
The full journey takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes. While the distance isn’t long, the ride is designed for slow, scenic travel, perfect for photography, sightseeing, or simply relaxing with a drink.
There are two Belle-Époque trains per day, running daily except on a few specific dates (e.g., holidays or maintenance days). The typical timetable is:
From Montreux: 09:50 & 14:50
From Zweisimmen: 12:02 & 17:02
Seats are limited, so reservations are strongly recommended.
No, however seats are limited, and there is only two Belle-Epoque train journey's per day, so it is strongly recommended.
For international travellers, Geneva Airport is the most convenient. From there, Montreux is about 1 hour 30 minutes by train, with easy connections to the Belle-Époque route.
The train offers 1st Class and 2nd Class seating:
59 CHF + 10 CHF seat reservation
34 CHF + 10 CHF seat reservation
Reservations aren’t mandatory but are highly recommended, especially during peak season.
The Belle-Époque carriage serves:
Hot drinks (coffee, tea)
Alcoholic beverages (wine, champagne)
Soft drinks and snacks
Payment is by card only, but you’re welcome to bring your own food. For a special treat, try the Belle-Époque champagne.
For the best views of Lake Geneva, sit on the left side traveling Montreux → Zweisimmen. To enjoy mountain scenery and rolling hills, the right side is ideal.
Tip: Reserve your seat in advance if possible, as some carriages fill quickly, especially in 1st class.
Morning (09:50 from Montreux): Soft light and fewer passengers make for a quieter, scenic ride.
Afternoon (14:50 from Montreux): Perfect for catching golden-hour views over the Alps.
Seasonal note: The Belle-Epoque runs year-round, but spring and early autumn offer vibrant landscapes without winter crowds.
The Belle-Epoque train is partially accessible:
Wheelchair access: Carriages have ramps, but space is limited; call ahead to reserve.
Toilets: Onboard restrooms are available, though not all are wheelchair-adapted.
Assistance: MOB staff can provide support for boarding and luggage if requested in advance.
The GoldenPass Belle-Époque is included in the Swiss Travel Pass. With the pass, you only pay for the seat reservation, giving you unlimited travel on the GoldenPass line.
For our guide on weighing up whether the expense of a Swiss Pass is worth it click here.
Adequate storage is available on board.
Pets are allowed, but each requires a separate ticket.
The Chocolate Train runs May–September, combining a Belle-Époque ride with:
Gruyères cheese tour
Cailler chocolate factory visit in Broc
Price: 89 CHF adults / 59 CHF with Swiss Travel Pass
Booking: Reservations recommended
This experience is a perfect way to combine scenic travel with Swiss culinary culture.
Zweisimmen is a great stop for outdoor enthusiasts:
Rinderberg Mountain: Take the cable car to 2079m, enjoy panoramic views, and have lunch at the mountaintop restaurant (round trip: 49 CHF).
Short walks and nature trails are accessible just minutes from the station.
I took the 9.50am train from Montreux to Zweisimmen, then had 2.5hrs in Zweisimmen itself. Before catching the 2.29pm GoldenPass Express train to Interlaken.
The Belle-Époque journey is more than just a train ride:
it’s an experience. Here’s why:
Scenic Views: Lake Geneva, Bernese Oberland mountains, and charming villages.
Historical Ambience: Dark wood paneling, brass fixtures, and turquoise armchairs recreate the Romance of the Belle-Époque era.
Luxury Experience: Exceptional onboard service, fine drinks, and attention to detail.
Instagram-Worthy: Every carriage, window, and landscape is a photo opportunity.
Affordable Elegance: While pricier than regular trains, the experience is unmatched for its value.
Limited Routes: Only runs specific days, making it a unique and memorable journey.
The Belle-Epoque train stands out on the GoldenPass line because it combines historic charm, luxury interiors, and a slower, more scenic pace. It truly is a Swiss scenic train!
Unlike the Panoramic train, which focuses on uninterrupted window views, or the GoldenPass Express, which travels the longer Montreux–Interlaken route, the Belle-Epoque prioritises ambience and nostalgia.
Interior Design: Belle-Epoque features wood-paneled carriages, turquoise armchairs, and brass fittings, evoking the elegance of the early 20th century.
Route: It runs Montreux ↔ Zweisimmen, shorter than the Express, but ideal for those who want a relaxed journey with Gstaad and Gruyère views.
Onboard Experience: Limited catering, but premium drinks and the option to bring your own food add flexibility.
Q: Can I take the train without a Swiss Travel Pass?
A: Yes, you can buy a standard ticket for 1st or 2nd class and pay the seat reservation fee.
Q: Are reservations compulsory?
A: Not strictly, but recommended to secure your preferred seats.
Q: Can I take luggage on board?
A: Yes, ample storage is provided.
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Yes, with a separate ticket.
Q: How do I book tickets?
A: Through the official MOB GoldenPass website, or via your Swiss Travel Pass seat reservation portal.
On my Belle-Epoque journey, I boarded at Montreux on a drizzly July morning. The wood-paneled carriages immediately felt luxurious, and the views of the Swiss countryside were stunning even without floor-to-ceiling windows. I savoured a glass of wine in the 1st class carriage while admiring the Gstaad mountains in the distance.
Spending a few hours on this train confirmed to me why it’s considered Switzerland’s most romantic rail journey. The Belle-Epoque is a combination of comfort, history, and scenery you won’t get on other trains.
Best time to travel: Spring to early autumn for the best scenery. Winter is magical but colder.
Combine with other stops: Gstaad, Zweisimmen, and Rinderberg are ideal for short excursions.
Photography tip: Window seats on either side provide stunning lake and mountain views.
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