Unmissable Green Train of the Alps Adventure: Hop-On Hop-Off Between Italy & Switzerland
Embark on a breathtaking journey through the stunning landscapes of Europe with the Green Train of the Alps.
This unique hop-on hop-off adventure between Italy and Switzerland invites travelers to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Alps while exploring charming villages, lush valleys, and pristine lakes.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking an unforgettable experience, the Green Train of the Alps offers a seamless blend of scenic vistas and exciting stops that will leave you spellbound.
Pack your bags and get ready to discover the magic that awaits on this extraordinary train ride!
Explore the Alps by Train: Hop-On Hop-Off Green Train Playlist
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking Alps with this playlist dedicated to the Green Train! Explore stunning scenery, charming villages, and vibrant cities as you hop on and off the train between Italy and Switzerland.
Discover hidden gems, experience local culture, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
You can watch the video directly here or on YouTube at the following link: https://youtu.be/gZfrTSyMIB0?si=DVllW7jsmZvIEwk7. If you are reading this article from your smartphone, scroll to the bottom of the page and exit the mobile mode to view it directly on this page.
Table of Contents for Green Train of the Alps Adventure
The Green Alpine Train: A Journey Through Breathtaking Scenery
The Green Alpine Train offers a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the Alps, traversing stunning landscapes between Italy and Switzerland. Departing from Domodossola, journey to the charming Swiss capital of Bern aboard a historic train that will transport you back in time.
The Route
The Green Train follows a scenic route that crosses the Simplon Pass and the Lötschberg tunnel, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. During your journey, you’ll admire lush valleys, picturesque alpine villages, and crystal-clear lakes.
Highlights Along the Way
- Domodossola: A border town between Italy and Switzerland, with a historic center rich in culture.
- Brig: A charming alpine town with a medieval old town and the famous Brigerbad thermal baths.
- Kandersteg: A delightful alpine village nestled at the foot of the Gemmi Pass, renowned for outdoor activities.
- Spiez: A picturesque lakeside town with a medieval castle and a marina.
- Thun: A historic Swiss city with a medieval old town, a castle, and a lake.
- Bern: The capital of Switzerland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its arcades, fountains, and museums.
A Boat Trip on Lake Thun
Upon arriving in Spiez or Thun, you can embark on a boat trip and cruise on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Thun. This is an excellent opportunity to admire the Alps from a different perspective and relax after your train journey.
Useful Information
- Best Time to Travel: Spring and summer are the ideal times to travel on the Green Train when the weather is milder, and nature is at its best. Anyway, you can embark on this beautiful adventure in winter.
- Booking: You can book your trip directly on the Green Train website or through a travel agency.
- What to Bring: We recommend bringing comfortable and warm clothing, hiking boots, a camera, and binoculars to fully appreciate the scenery.
- Onboard Services: Onboard the train, you will find a catering service and a children’s play area.
How Does the Green Train Work?
The Green Train of the Alps is a fascinating tourist attraction that offers a unique way to explore the beautiful mountains of South Tyrol. Equipped with a vintage steam locomotive and antique carriages, this picturesque train travels along scenic routes, offering breathtaking views of unspoiled nature and quaint Alpine villages. Passengers can enjoy a slow and relaxing journey, taking in the views as the train winds through green valleys, rushing rivers and picturesque bridges. It is an unforgettable experience for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Alps authentically and fascinatingly.
How to buy a ticket on the BLS website
- Access the BLS website: Visit the official website of the Swiss Federal Railways (BLS) and look for the section dedicated to the Trenino Verde delle Alpi.
- Choose your itinerary: Select the route you want to travel, the travel dates and the number of passengers.
- Choose the type of ticket: You can choose between day tickets, season tickets or other available options.
- Proceed to payment: Complete the purchase using a credit card.
- Warning: the ticket purchased online must be activated if you don’t have the QR code!
- After making the purchase, you will receive a confirmation by email with a booking code. This code is essential to activate your ticket and make it valid for the trip.
How to activate the ticket:
- Access the reserved area: On the BLS website, look for the section dedicated to activating tickets.
- Enter your details: Enter the booking code you received by email and the other requested details.
- Complete activation: Follow the instructions on the site to complete the activation of your ticket.
Why is it necessary to activate the ticket?
Activating your ticket is used to personalize your travel document with your details and make it valid for on-board checks on the train.
Helpful Tips:
- Always check your inbox: Make sure to check both your primary and junk inboxes, as the confirmation email with your booking code may end up there.
- Activate your ticket in advance: We recommend activating your ticket as soon as possible to avoid any last-minute issues.
- Print your ticket or save it on your smartphone: Once activated, you can print your ticket or save it on your smartphone. Remember to always have it handy during your trip.
- If in doubt: If you have any difficulty purchasing or activating your ticket, you can contact BLS customer service for assistance.
- Important: Procedures may undergo small changes over time. We recommend that you always consult the official BLS website for the most up-to-date information.
Travel Options: 1 or more days
- Day trip: If you have limited time, you can opt for a day trip that will allow you to discover the main attractions along the route. For prices and details, please visit the website: [Link to Daily Ticket]
- Multiple days: For a more complete experience, you can choose to travel for multiple days, stopping at various locations to explore the area and experience local traditions.
A one-day Alpine adventure: From Domodossola to Bern with the Green Train and a boat trip on Lake Thun
Note: Train and boat schedules are indicative and may vary. We recommend checking the exact times on the official BLS website (Swiss Federal Railways) or at the tourist offices in Thun and Spiez shortly before departure.
Morning: Departure from Domodossola and arrival in Thun
- 7:58 AM: Begin your journey aboard the Green Train from Domodossola. Admire breathtaking scenery as the train climbs the Alps, passing through tunnels and scenic bridges.
- Around 9:58 AM: Arrival in Thun. This picturesque Swiss town, located on the shores of Lake Thun, welcomes you with its colorful houses and majestic castle.
Afternoon: Cruise on Lake Thun and visit Interlaken (optional)
- 10:30 AM: Embark on a boat in Thun. Choose from a variety of cruises available:
- Classic cruise: A one-hour cruise on the lake admiring the Alps and the picturesque towns on the shores.
- Cruise to Interlaken: A longer cruise that will take you to Interlaken, a renowned tourist resort located between two lakes. Here you can stroll along the shores, visit the historic center or take a cable car ride.
- Cruise with lunch: For an even more enjoyable experience, you can opt for a cruise with lunch on board, savoring local specialties while admiring the view.
- Return to Thun: Choose the return time you prefer based on the duration of your cruise.
Late afternoon: Visit Bern
- Around 3:00 PM: Return to Thun and continue by train to Bern.
- 5:39 PM: Arrival in Bern. Visit the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its medieval arcades, astronomical clock, and cathedral.
- Dinner: Enjoy Swiss specialties in one of the many restaurants in the city.
- Evening: Return to Domodossola
- Check train times: Check the train times for your return to Domodossola.
Useful tips:
- Purchase a combined ticket: To save money and simplify planning, purchase a combined ticket that includes train travel, a lake cruise, and any other activities.
- Book activities in advance: Especially during peak season, it is advisable to book cruises, bike rentals, or guided tours in advance.
- Bring a jacket: Even in summer, temperatures can drop during the boat trip.
- Download the official BLS app: The app will allow you to check real-time schedules, purchase tickets, and plan your trip.
- Make sure you have local currency: Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc.
- What to bring with you:
- Passport or valid ID
- Train and boat tickets
- Credit card
- Cash in Swiss Francs
- Camera
- Comfortable shoes
- Windbreaker
- Sunscreen
- Hat
For more information and to check the latest schedules, visit the BLS website: https://www.bls.ch/it/ With this itinerary, your trip will be an unforgettable experience!
Conclusion
The Green Alpine Train offers an unforgettable experience that will allow you to discover the natural and cultural beauties of the Alps. Don’t miss the opportunity to live a unique adventure aboard this historic train!
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