Photo: ©MOB - GoldenPass Express Almost four years, the GoldenPass Express (GPX) ran its first service, traveling from the beautiful resort town of Montreux on Lake Geneva in Switzerland’s canton of Vaud, best-known for its palm-lined promenades and world-famous jazz festival, to the mesmerizing Interlaken, a top adventure hub located in the Bernese Oberland, nestled between the superb emerald-colored lakes Thun and Brienz.
The “historic day”, as described by the company behind the scenic train, saw the vision of the pioneers behind it come alive, ending a long wait while initiating a “beautiful adventure.”
Photo: ©Nicole Schafer / GoldenPass Express
Photo: ©MOB - GoldenPassAt precisely 9:08 a.m. on a chilly Sunday morning on December 11, the GoldenPass Express began service from the Interlaken Ost station. At 9:35 am, another GoldenPass Express located 115 km away made the opposite journey from Montreux. The emotions that took over the two moments were hard to put into words, as explained by the company, “as this event has been awaited for a long time.”
Photo: ©MOB - GoldenPassCurrently, the MOB-designed train manufactured by Alstom connects three of the European country’s hottest tourist spots, Montreux, Gstaad and Interlaken. Its variable gauge bogie enables the train to easily switch from metric track (1 meter) to standard track (1,435 meters), a 100% Swiss technology that offers passengers a truly unique experience for the duration of the ride (3 hours and 15 minutes).
Photo: ©MOB - GoldenPass
Photo: ©MOB - GoldenPassFrom breathtaking views and landscapes to top-tier comfort in 1st and 2nd class, or the Prestige class alternative, there is something for everyone on the train built by Stadler, including a variety of local products, a mini-bar, and seat service offered in Prestige Class and 1st Class.
Photo: ©MOB - GoldenPass
Photo: ©Tobias Ryser (GoldenPass)Here is a mesmerizing video of the scenic train ride, courtesy of Golden Pass Express (via YouTube):
You can choose one of four available GoldenPass travel experiences:
Photo: ©MOB - GoldenPassIfyou are a fan of classic rail travel era with a romantic spin, you are going to love this train and its detailed interiors with a clear focus on comfort and charm. The option is mostly designed for passengers who enjoy a slower, nostalgic journey through the Swiss scenery.
Photo: ©MOB - GoldenPassThis is the world’s first fully panoramic train, aimed at mazimizing views of the gorgeous lakes, valleys, and alpine peaks the county is well-known for. The sarge windows surrounding you will let you fully connect to the landscape.
Photo: ©MOB - GoldenPassThis cogwheel railway climbs from Montreux up into the mountains, carrying you steadily towards the summit and offering dramatic views as the train makes its way higher into the Alps.
Photo: ©MOB - GoldenPassIf you are looking for a quieter route with a bigger focus on nature, open views, relaxation, and, why not, access to outdoor activities, make sure to choose this alternative. You will enjoy the peaceful setting and the close connection to the surrounding environment, often described as a way of “listening to nature.”
Photo: ©MOB - GoldenPassThe Chocolate Train allows you to embark on a truly "unique gourmet excursion into the world of cheese and chocolate," starting with a train trip from Montreux to Montbovon, possible by Belle Époque carriage. Nxet, a bus will carry you at Gruyères to discover the "secrets of the production of this world-famous cheese before setting off to conquer the medieval town." You will eventually reach Broc, the world-famous Cailler chocolate factory, where you will also enjoy an irresistible tasting.
Photo: ©Maison Cailler (MOB)The Chocolate Train run from May 1 to September 29, 2026.
The Cheese Train is available on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from February 4 to October 31, 2026, as well as from December 2 to 20, 2026.
Photo: ©MOB - GoldenPassThe journey kicks off with a ride on a GoldenPass-MOB scenic train from Montreux or Zweisimmen. Next up, you will reach Château-d’Oex, where you will explore some of the "secrets of making a Swiss cheese", followed by a visit to Le Chalet restaurant, where you will watch a farmer make “Le Chalet Bio” cheese from 200 liters of fresh bio milk over an open wood fire in real time. You will also get to taste the delicious fondue ithe same rustic setting and even watch the GoldenPass MOB trains miniature railway located above the restaurant on the first floor.
Photo: ©MOB - GoldenPassThe afternoon will then carry you to the Musée du Pays-d'Enhaut, packed with local crafts and paper-cutting art.
You can also opt for a visit to the Espace Ballon where the history of hot-air ballooning will be revealed to you. The Cheese Train is an individual offer for up to nine people.
MOB highly recommends you to reserve a seat so you are guaranteed a comfortable ride. Tickets can be purchased via GA, Swiss Travel Pass, Half-Fare, Day Cards (also communal), Eurail Pass, Interrail Pass and Junior Card.