Switzerland is the country of trains. There is one for every occasion, and the one that is essential to travel on is the most fascinating train that exists and that travels between Italy and Switzerland. Is called Alpine Green Train and leaves Domodossola to reach Bern, capital of the Swiss Confederation.
A journey aboard this train, which passes through enchanting landscapes, historic cities, lakes and vineyards and ends in one of the oldest Swiss cities, is an unforgettable experience.
The trip on the Little Green Train of the Alps
The train crosses the Lötschberg Pass line and with its panoramic green carriages, brings Italian tourists closer to the heart of Switzerland, while, in the opposite direction, it brings Swiss tourists closer to the Ossola Valley to Lake Maggiore.
The railway line links Italy and Switzerland through the Simplon railway tunnel, opened in 1906. The Simplon tunnel was excavated under Monte Leona and is approximately 19.800 meters long. It is the only non-panoramic section of the entire route, but the emotion of being inside a work of great engineering is very great, if you take into account that the feat of the tunnel was celebrated during the Universal Exposition that was held in Milan that year. . .
The line runs through incredible viaducts and tunnels such as the North Ramp, between the Varzo and Iselle stations, a 1.655-meter helical tunnel that does a 360 degree turn, with the aim of making the train gain height without penalizing the performance of the line due to an excessive slope. The train also passes over the impressive Kander Viaduct.
On board this train you will cross a part of Switzerland of extraordinary beauty. The route is no less interesting than the routes of the well-known Bernina Red Train.
The unmissable stages
On the way you can stop to visit the historic center of Fight with the Swiss Guard museum. In Lauchernalp, the eyes of the passengers are enchanted by the impressive view of the mountains and the most beautiful valley of the Alps, the Valle del Lötschen.
Also asks to stop Lake Öschinen, one of the largest alpine lakes, which is located just above Kandersteg and can be reached from the village by cable car and half an hour on foot. Just as it is worth taking bus number 230 towards Frutigen, which will take you to one of the most beautiful and romantic places in Switzerland, Blausee, the "blue lake", whose waters are very blue.
At the entrance of theOberland bernés, the majestic Castle of Thun – which seems straight out of a fairy tale book – dominates the medieval city characterized by lively squares, romantic alleys and sumptuous buildings. Don't miss a visit. Its lake is charming, here you can also organize boat cruises that reach Spiez, the wine and vineyard area and its splendid lake for bathing. The train ticket is also valid for boats. You can stop in Spiez for refreshments with views of the castle.
The Little Green Train of the Alps ends its journey in Bern, the Swiss federal capital, seat of Parliament and government, whose historic center is UNESCO heritage. The most famous monument in Bern is the Zytglogge, the clock tower, of medieval origin, with its animated figures that emerge from the tower every hour and attract the attention of tourists visiting the city. Every day, the watchman has the task - and the honor - of putting the complicated mechanism into motion.
useful information
The route carried out by this train is operated by the BLS railway company. The BLS Trenino Verde one-day pass costs 59 euros (in second class), but you can get on the Trenino Verde even if you have the Swiss Travel Pass from Swiss Railways, the train ticket that allows you to use all trains, public transport, boats and almost all the cable cars in the country. Children up to 6 years old travel free and from 6 to 16 years old pay half price.
Starting in March 2023, you can purchase the Trenino Verde delle Alpi one-day pass at a reduced price for travel between May 1 and 31. The promotion includes a 15% discount on the day ticket if you purchase the card in the e-shop of the Swiss railway network BLS or at all official retailers.
The train leaves every two hours. However, if you leave from Domodossola with the 7.58 train you will arrive in Bern at 10.21 and therefore you will have a whole day available to visit everything, while taking the 9.58 train the arrival is scheduled for 12.21.
A trip aboard the Trenino Verde delle Alpi is ideal for a spring trip full of nature and culture. what to do with family (the children will go crazy), as a couple (the places you pass through are more than romantic) or with friends (even the four-legged ones).
