Switzerland Steam-Powered Six 2026

Duration

8 Days

Departure Dates

27th June 2026, 26th September 2026

Prices from

£2,365 Per person

Experience stunning Switzerland on this great steam-powered railway tour, based on the shores of Lake Lucerne. Enjoy nostalgic cruises across three beautiful Swiss lakes and journey on exhilarating railways including the Rigi Railway, Brienz Rothorn Railway, and Furka Steam Railway plus a trip on the world's steepest cogwheel railway!

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Hergiswil ©iStock

8 days from £2,365

DEPARTS

Saturday 27 June 2026

Saturday 26 September 2026

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Experience the Rigi Railway, Europe’s first mountain railway
Enjoy a steamboat ride across Lake Zurich
Travel across the stunning Brünig Pass by train to Brienz
Journey on the historic Brienz Rothorn Railway
Cruise along the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz
Discover the Pilatus Railway, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway
Ride the fantastic Furka Steam Railway – the original route of the Glacier Express
Cruise by paddle-steamer across the beautiful Lake Lucerne
Stay in a beautiful lakeside hotel with outstanding leisure facilities and fabulous views

Also included in your Tour Fare:

7 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal
Local Transport Pass
Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

DAY 1

Travelling by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, then onwards to Hergiswil and our hotel for seven nights, the Seehotel Pilatus, where we check in and enjoy our first evening meal together.

DAY 2

After breakfast today, we will experience the historic Rigi Railway, Europe's first mountain railway transporting visitors from all over the world to the top of the 'Queen of the Mountains' since 1871. The Rigi's unique location and panoramic views made it a famous destination for writers and heads of state during the 'Belle u00c9poque' era, and even Queen Victoria journeyed to the peak.

B, D

DAY 3

Today, we take the train to Rapperswil on Lake Zurich where we board one of the Lake Zurich steamboats for a gentle cruise along the scenic lake past prosperous villages to the city of Zurich itself. We enjoy some free time in Switzerland's largest city before returning to Hergiswil by train in time for our evening meal together.

B, D

DAY 4

This morning, we journey on one of Switzerland's most scenic mainlines over the Bru00fcnig Pass from Lucerne to Brienz. Here, we join the wonderful Brienz Rothorn Railway, an historic steam cog railway that has climbed Rothorn Kulm (2,244m) since 1892 at incredible gradients; the thrilling ride through meadows and forests leads to spectacular mountain panoramas. Afterwards, we enjoy a leisurely cruise aboard a nostalgic steam paddler along Lake Brienz to Interlaken before returning by rail to Hergiswil in time for our evening meal.

B, D

DAY 5

Today, we enjoy the drama and thrills of the famous Pilatus Railway! This amazing round trip provides the best of mountain railways as we ride the steepest cogwheel railway in the world through woods and tunnels, along alpine meadows, and rocky outcrops to the top of this rugged pre-Alpine peak. After free time at the summit, we enjoy breathtaking views on the aerial cable car and the panorama gondola as we travel to Lucerne, Switzerland's prettiest city.

B, D

DAY 6

After breakfast this morning, we transfer to Realp where we join the Furka Cogwheel Steam Railway travelling high into the mountains to Oberwald along the original route of the Glacier Express - crossing viaducts, journeying through tunnels, and past alpine meadows full of flowers. Marvel at the Rhone Glacier viewed between snow-covered mountain peaks before we return to Hergiswil by rail.

B, D

Day 7

Today, we cruise across Lake Lucerne, the most beautiful lake in Switzerland surrounded by mountains and forests. Relax on board the lake steamer as we criss-cross between idyllic lakeside villages on our way to Flu00fcelen before returning to Hergiswil for our final evening meal together.

B, D

DAY 8

We bid farewell to Hergiswil and to Switzerland, returning by rail to Paris, where we will join the Eurostar service to London St Pancras.

*Important Note: Whilst the arrangements for all described steam train travel are in place, we do reserve the right to make substitutions should it be deemed necessary for whatever reason.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

HOTEL

Seehotel Pilatus, Hergiswil

Standing directly at the lakeshore on Lake Lucerne in the village of Hergiswil, the Seehotel Pilatus is surrounded by majestic mountain views just a short train journey from Lucerne itself. The hotel offers a beautiful ambience in the restaurant with fantastic views of the Lake and the Alps plus a host of leisure facilities including a Wellness Resort featuring a large indoor pool, saunas, whirlpools, a sun garden, and gym. The stylish bedrooms provide an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower, a hairdryer, flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi.

FARES

From London St Pancras International:
Standard Class rail travel to/from Switzerland, including Eurostar Standard	£2,365
Supplement for Eurostar Plus upgrade	£200
First Class rail travel to/from Switzerland, including Eurostar Plus	£2,615
Join & Leave at Hergiswil	£1,990
Single Traveller Supplement	£185
Deposit	£240

September Departure Supplement £80

7 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal

Eurostar and rail travel to and from Switzerland in the class of your choice

All transfers, excursions & admissions as detailed

Local Transport Pass

Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Important – Please select the number of passengers before proceeding to ‘Book Now’

Number of passengers:

Date	From Price	Book Now	Callback
27th June 2026	£2,365 Per person	Book Now	Callback
26th September 2026	£2,445 Per person	Book Now	Callback

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Seehotel Pilatus, Hergiswil

Rigi Mountain Railway

Visit Zurich

Brienz Rothorn Railway

Pilatus Railway

Furka Cogwheel Steam Railway

Rigi Railway ©Rigi Bahn

Lake Zurich ©Shutterstock

Zurich ©Shutterstock

Brienz Rothorn ©Shutterstock

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Switzerland Steam-Powered Six 2026

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What our customers say

Sounds like the holiday for you?

Why Book with Railtrail

Unique Experiences

Financial Protection

Loyalty Rewards

Award Winning Team