Interlaken & the Jungfrau Express in Winter & Spring - Unique location between Lake Thun and Brienz

The unique location of Interlaken, nestled between Lakes Thun and Brienz, and watched over by the mighty Jungfrau, make the ideal base for a holiday exploring the majestic winter peaks of the Bernese Oberland by train.Find Out More »

Tour highlights

• Interlaken
• Grindelwald
• Sleigh ride followed by gingerbread and glühwein
• Journey to Junfraujoch, the 'Top of Europe'
• Glacier, ice caves and sculptures below the summit of Jungfrau
• Mürren
• Basel
• Swiss Half Fare Card

Day 1 - By train to Luxembourg

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar to Brussels, travelling in Standard Premier Class, enjoying a light meal and drinks during the journey. In Brussels we change trains and continue through the rolling hills of the beautiful Ardennes region to Luxembourg. Here we spend one night at the Mercure Alfa, located opposite the railway station, and close to Luxembourg's historic centre. (E,D)

Day 2 - Luxembourg to Interlaken

Departing Luxembourg after breakfast, we continue into Switzerland travelling by train to Basel. Continuing on the efficient Swiss railway system, we then travel along the shores of Lake Thun, to Interlaken, a magical town with a unique location, situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. We spend the next five nights at the Hotel Metropole, a modern hotel located in the centre of Interlaken, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding mountain peaks from all rooms. The Top O'Met restaurant on the top floor benefits from uninterrupted views of the Jungfrau. (B,D)

Day 3 - Grindelwald sleigh ride

We travel to the pretty Alpine village of Grindelwald, nestled at the foot of the imposing north face of the Eiger. From Grindelwald we enjoy a traditional sleigh ride through the snowy streets and picturesque mountain scenery, followed by tasty gingerbread and glühwein so typical of Switzerland. You are then free to explore the village and perhaps enjoy lunch before we return to Interlaken. (B,D)

Day 4 -The Jungfrau Railway

Undoubtedly one of the highlights of the holiday begins today as we travel from Interlaken on the Bernese Oberland Railway. We head via Lauterbrunnen to Kleine Scheidegg and connect with the Jungfrau Railway. This sensational journey tunnels through the Eiger, stopping briefly to experience the dramatic viewing windows hewn out of the rock face, to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station at 11,333 feet (3,454m). As we sit beneath the Jungfrau summit itself, we enjoy breathtaking views. We also visit the glacier, with its labyrinth of ice caves and sculptures carved inside. We return to Interlaken via the mountain resort of Grindelwald. (B,D)

Day 5 Mürren

We travel by train to the picturesque mountain village of Mürren today. Situated high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley at 5,413 ft (1,650 m) above sea level, the village is a popular tourist destination all year round, thanks to the incredible mountain views it offers - and in winter in particular, it is alive with activity. Your time in this traffic-free village is free for you to explore at your own pace. Perhaps take a walk on one of the well-prepared footpaths and admire the spectacular scenery, or even have a go at skating on the open-air ice rink if you're feeling adventurous. Another popular option is the Schilthorn. From Mürren, you can take a cable car to the summit - where you can visit the Piz Gloria, which was the world's first revolving restaurant and was made famous in the James Bond film, 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service'. (B,D)

Day 6 - A day at leisure

Your day is free, giving you the opportunity to use your Swiss Half Fare Card to explore further afield. From our base in Interlaken there are many mountain peaks and beautiful places to be discovered - why not make the journey across the Brünig Pass to Lucerne, a favourite destination among Great Rail Journeys customers due to its wonderful lakeside location and stunning mountain scenery. The compact city boasts charming streets and the famous 14th century Chapel Bridge, built in 1333 the oldest wooden bridge in Europe. Another highlight is the nearby water tower, which has served as a prison, torture chamber, watchtower and treasury. The Swiss Transport Museum, with its fascinating collection of artefacts relating to land, air and sea transportation, is another popular option. Alternatively, you could visit Montreux, which is easily accessible by rail. From here you can take a fabulous journey into the mountains by cog railway to Rochers de Naye, one of Switzerland's most beautiful

Day 7 - Interlaken to Cologne

Leaving Interlaken, we travel west to Basel where we join the onward service to Cologne. We stay here overnight at either the Four Points Hotel or the Grand City Hotel Cologne Centre, both located close to the station, the Rhine and the city's magnificent Gothic Cathedral. (B,D)

Day 8 - Cologne to London

From Cologne, we travel by high-speed train to Brussels. Here we take the Eurostar service to London, enjoying a light meal and drinks on board before arriving at St Pancras International. (B,E)

E=Eurostar Meal, B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner These meals, where shown are included in the price of your holiday

Swiss Half Fare Card

This holiday includes a Swiss Half Fare Card, which gives half price travel on most trains, buses and lake cruises throughout Switzerland on your free days.

Jungfrau Express - Luxury Escorted Rail Tours - Rail Holidays

Explore and enjoy Interlaken, Grindelwald, Murren and Basel when you join the 8 day Jungfrau Express Luxury Escorted Rail Tour. Frequent departures, Find out more.
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