A high-alpine day: Europe's highest mountain railway, the Ice Palace and photo stops around Lake Lucerne

ZÜRICH RENTALS FIELD GUIDE

A high-alpine day: Europe's highest mountain railway, the Ice Palace and photo stops around Lake Lucerne

A 10-hour small-group journey from Zürich that links a scenic Bernese Oberland drive, the Eiger Express and Europe's highest mountain railway to glacier vantage points and a Grindelwald photo stop.

A high-alpine day: Europe's highest mountain railway, the Ice Palace and photo stops around Lake Lucerne.

Duration
10 hours
Location
Zürich
Operator
Swiss Eagle Tours
Category
Rentals
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

One of the highlights of any Swiss holiday: this full-day excursion runs from Zürich into the Bernese Oberland and the UNESCO World Heritage landscapes of the Swiss Alps, combining a scenic drive and short village visits with the Eiger Express cable car and the railway that reaches Europe's highest train station, capped by glacier views and the Ice Palace.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE RIDGE

Europe's highest mountain railway to an Ice Palace

Atop the mountain the itinerary reaches an Ice Palace and the Sphinx Observation Platform with views over the Aletsch Glacier, reached via the train that serves Europe’s highest train station.

THE DRIVE

Scenic approach through the Bernese Oberland

The tour includes a scenic drive into the Bernese Oberland and a short visit to Interlaken en route to the mountain cable car and railway.

THE PHOTO STOP

Grindelwald photo shoot

After the alpine summit experience the route finishes with a short visit to Grindelwald for photographs and final views of the valley villages.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

Across ten hours you move from Zürich into UNESCO-listed alpine scenery: a scenic drive into the Bernese Oberland, a short stop in Interlaken, ascent by the Eiger Express cable car to the station billed as Europe’s highest, time at the mountain top for the Ice Palace and the Sphinx Observation Platform with views over the Aletsch Glacier, and a concluding photo stop in Grindelwald.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this day is made for and who should consider alternatives.

1
Small-group travelersThe tour operates as a small-group outing sized for 1–7 guests, making it a fit for travelers who prefer limited-group experiences.
2
Day-trip sightseersThis is a full-day, 10-hour itinerary best suited to people prepared for a long day of transit and mountain visits.
3
PhotographersThe schedule includes designated photo stops—most notably Grindelwald and the summit views—making it appropriate for travelers focused on landscape photography.
4
UNESCO and glacier enthusiastsThe route traverses UNESCO World Heritage landscapes and reaches viewpoints over the Aletsch Glacier, appealing to travelers interested in alpine geology and glaciation.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The full outing runs approximately 10 hours with departure from Zürich; confirm the exact meeting point in Zürich with the operator.

Logistics

The itinerary includes a scenic drive to the Bernese Oberland, a short visit to Interlaken, ascent via the Eiger Express cable car and the mountain railway to the summit, and a concluding stop in Grindelwald.

Operator & group size

This excursion is operated by Swiss Eagle Tours and is arranged for groups of 1–7 guests.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the tour?

The tour is approximately 10 hours in duration.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting location is Zürich, Switzerland; confirm the exact pickup point with the operator.

Who runs this excursion?

The operator for this excursion is Swiss Eagle Tours.

What are the main attractions on the route?

Highlights include a scenic drive into the Bernese Oberland, a short visit to Interlaken, ascent by the Eiger Express to the railway serving Europe’s highest train station, the Ice Palace, the Sphinx Observation Platform with views over the Aletsch Glacier, and a photo stop in Grindelwald.

How large are the groups?

Groups are sized for between 1 and 7 guests.

Is the Aletsch Glacier visible from the tour?

Yes. The itinerary provides summit viewpoints with views over the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in Europe.