The Romantic Route Express

This trip covers some of Switzerland's most spectacular Alpine passes, the Furka Pass, the Grimsel Pass and the Grosse Scheidegg. For those who love steam trains, there is a special surprise, you can do part of the trip by the recently restored steam engine. The Swiss Alps are synonymous with picturesque Post Bus rides. And so, The Swiss Romantic Route is experienced on these very attractive and modern Swiss Post Buses. They complement the trains and boats, which are part of Switzerland's much admired public transport system. These buses are comfortable and safe. The drivers are especially trained to drive in all weather conditions and on tight alpine roads. The windows of the buses are huge and give all a good view of the Alpine world.

Route: Andermatt - Furka Pass - Gletsch - Grimsel Pass - Meiringen - Grosse Scheidegg - Grindelwald.

The Romantic Route starts in Andermatt where you will board one of the distinctive yellow coaches that make up Switzerland's much-loved Alpine Postbus fleet. Your trip over the Furka Pass to Gletsch, with views of the famous Rhone Glacier, promises to be an unforgettable experience.and skirts the Rhone Glacier on its way down to Gletsch. Steep switchbacks and many hairpin bends bring the bus to the Grimsel Pass (2165 m a.s.l.), then swoops by a deep blue manmade lake and on through the Hasli Valley to Meiringen, where the world-famous meringues, an airy confection of sugar and egg whites, were invented. Cool glaciers contrast the meadows exploding with color, all set to the sound of cowbells clanging.

Then it is on through the romantic Reichenbach Valley and over the Grosse Scheidegg. On the Grosse Scheidegg be prepared for the alpine triumvirate, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, the breath-taking mountains of this area. This valley was traveled two centuries ago by Goethe, Mendelssohn and Lord Byron, when they discovered the fascinating mountain world of the Bernese Oberland. Glaciers, Alpine pastures and cheese dairies all make the Swiss Alps look just as you expected. Eventually the bus reaches Grindelwald, the alpine village of world renown. Here, enjoy the views of the Eiger North Face, a daunting wall braved by many a mountaineer, as well as all the other imposing mountain peaks that surround this charming village.

Running once per day in both directions the approximate travel time taken is 7 hours. Seat reservations are mandatory and can be made at any Swiss train station or your local Swiss Travel System sales point. A surcharge is applicable for the same. Please note that the ride from Schwarzwaldalp to Grindelwald is not included. The charge needs to be paid directly to the bus driver. Swiss Pass discounts are applicable on this excursion.

Option: To really make this a unique adventure, take the vintage Furka Steam Train from Realp across the Furka Pass to Gletsch.