Excellence Talk: Pure prestige aboard the GoldenPass Express
The Excellence Talk series continues to offer fascinating insights into Swiss public transport. In the latest episode, we board the GoldenPass Express from Interlaken to Montreux – a journey shaped by rich history, pioneering innovation and picture-perfect Alpine landscapes. Discover the unique blend of technology and tradition behind one of Switzerland’s most remarkable railway lines.
A journey through three centuries
As early as 1873, railway pioneers envisioned linking Lake Geneva with Gstaad, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz – an idea that eventually gave rise to today’s GoldenPass Express.
Travelling in ultimate comfort
In this episode, we experience the GoldenPass Express at its most prestigious. We join Lea and Henry on their first GPX journey from Interlaken Ost to Montreux as they enjoy the full Prestige Class experience: extra-wide seats, heated backrests and panoramic windows offering striking views of the steep Bernese Oberland slopes.
Exploring Rochers-de-Naye
In Montreux, Travel Switzerland’s excursion experts Danielle and Andy head to the local landmark mountain, the 2,042-metre Rochers-de-Naye. A historic MOB cogwheel railway carries them high above Lake Geneva to the summit, where views open up over the UNESCO vineyards of Lavaux and the surrounding Alps. Whether in summer or winter, Rochers-de-Naye is a highlight for families, hikers and nature lovers.
A step back in time aboard the Belle Époque
This Excellence Talk episode also highlights another MOB icon: the Belle Époque train. Andy and Danielle admire the beautifully restored carriages that revive the elegance of the early 20th century. Their journey takes them from Montreux to Zweisimmen – and straight back into a bygone era.
Château-d’Oex and Swiss cheese tradition
On the way, Andy and Danielle stop in Château-d’Oex to visit “Le Chalet”, a combination of restaurant, museum and cheesery. They enjoy a cheese platter and reward themselves for their Rochers-de-Naye adventure with a hearty fondue.
Engineering excellence in Zweisimmen
In Zweisimmen, we discover a true technical masterpiece: the GoldenPass Express’s variable-gauge bogie. This globally unique technology enables the train to switch seamlessly between two track gauges and different platform heights within seconds – without passengers noticing a thing.
