Lötschberg–Centovalli Express

The Lötschberg–Centovalli Express links two jewels, Bern, a medieval city that oozes old world charm, and Locarno, a resort located on the stunningly beautiful Lake Maggiore. Trains leave Bern frequently during the day and reservations are not needed. The train soon arrives at Lake Thun, where it briefly follows the shoreline and then goes south, following the Kander River as it cuts through the mountains. The route ends in the town of Kandersteg before being blocked by imposing mountains. From here, the train enters a 15-kilometer-long Lötschberg tunnel, emerging once again into the daylight at Goppenstein. If you have the time, get off the train here and board a bus that heads east up the remote Lötschental Valley and dead-ends at some of the most dazzling mountains in Switzerland. Along the way the scenery is spectacular as you pass through villages lost in time with clusters of wooden houses clinging to the sides of the steep valley walls. After enjoying the incredible mountain views and glaciers, return to Goppenstein by bus and continue on your way by train south to the Rhône Valley, where the train turns east to Brig. At Brig, the train heads south and begins the gentle ascent to the Simplon tunnel, emerging on the other side in Italy. In a very short time the train arrives in Domodóssola, where you change to one of the blue and white cars of the Centovalli Railroad for the final leg of your trip to Lake Maggiore. The scenery along the way is awesome as the train squeezes through narrow gorges with rushing waterfalls, hillsides lined with vineyards, woodlands with chestnut trees, and remote medieval villages. All too soon, you arrive in Locarno. Note: Remember your passport as you will be going into Italy.