Unmissable Green Train of the Alps Adventure: Hop-On Hop-Off Between Italy & Switzerland

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4 days ago

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

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.

Guarda il seguente video direttamente qui oppure su YouTube (ideale per smartphone): https://youtu.be/gZfrTSyMIB0.

Unmissable Green Train of the Alps Adventure: Hop-On Hop-Off Between Italy & Switzerland”
Experience a breathtaking adventure through Europe’s most beautiful alpine landscapes! Watch the video to discover the magic of the Green Train of the Alps, a unique hop-on hop-off experience between Italy (Domodossola) and Switzerland (Bern).
🚂 Watch the video directly here or on YouTube (ideal for smartphones): https://youtu.be/gZfrTSyMIBO.

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 Journey is the Destination: Unforgettable Alpine Scenery

The Green Train of the Alps is not merely a means of transportation; it is an integral part of the adventure. The train journey itself offers a continually unfolding panorama of magnificent landscapes that will leave you speechless.

The view that defines the adventure! Snow-capped Alps seen directly from the Green Train. The journey itself is a major highlight.

As you travel from Italy into Switzerland, the route takes you high into the mountains, crossing the Simplon Pass and the Lötschberg tunnel. The viewing experience from the train is truly spectacular: you will pass through stunning valleys, winding rivers, and quaint Alpine villages.

In winter, the scenery is particularly mesmerizing, with the Alps blanketed in crisp snow and the valleys shimmering under the low winter sun. Even in other seasons, the view of lush valleys, crystal-clear lakes, and mountains remains breathtaking. This makes the time spent on board the Green Train a highlight of the entire trip and a perfect way to relax and admire the stunning Swiss-Italian border region

Is it easy to get a good view of the Alps from the train? Are the windows suitable for viewing?

Absolutely! This is one of the best features of the Green Train of the Alps. The train carriages are specifically designed to offer stunning scenic vistas. As you can see in our photos below, the windows are large and clean, making it incredibly easy to admire the passing landscape.

Personal Experience: The views are spectacular right from your seat, especially in winter when the valleys are covered in snow. The journey itself is an unforgettable experience. You don’t have to strain or move around; you can relax and simply watch the magnificent Alpine scenery unfold as the train climbs the mountains.

Since this is a “Hop-On Hop-Off” trip, is it easy to know when and where to get off the train for my stops?

Yes, the navigation inside the Green Train is very straightforward! The train is designed for easy travel, especially for those making multiple stops.
As you can see in the photo below, each carriage is equipped with digital display screens that clearly show the current position, the next station, and the estimated arrival time for upcoming major stops (like Domodossola or Bern).

This makes it very simple to:
Plan your time: You always know how much time you have before arriving at your next destination (e.g., Spiez or Thun).
Avoid confusion: You won’t have to worry about missing your stop, as the information is prominently displayed and constantly updated.
This constant visual confirmation allows you to relax and fully enjoy the scenic Alpine views without the stress of managing schedules!

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.

Spiez: The Perfect Stop for a Castle View and Lake Cruise

Spiez is a truly charming lakeside town, and a mandatory stop on the Green Train itinerary. While the Spiez Train Station is not directly next to the castle, it’s a pleasant and easy downhill walk to reach the majestic Spiez Castle and the boat pier.

Spiez Castle on Lake Thun, a picturesque stop on the Green Train of the Alps route. Its courtyard is free to enter, and it’s the perfect place to board the boat cruise to Thun.

The medieval castle is picturesque, sitting right on the shore of Lake Thun. The best part? You can freely enter the castle courtyard and enjoy the stunning views, making it a quick and rewarding visit.

From Spiez, we highly recommend boarding the boat cruise to continue your journey towards Thun. This allows you to admire the beautiful castle and the Alps from the water, maximizing your sightseeing on a single-day itinerary. Upon reaching Thun, you can easily take the train again to your final destination, Bern.

⚠️ Practical Warning: Dining in Winter

If you are traveling during the colder, off-peak season, a crucial tip is to eat at the first available restaurant or café you find upon arrival, ideally near the train station. Restaurants and bars, especially those located right by the lake and the pier, may be closed in the winter. Don’t risk waiting until you reach the pier or castle if you are hungry!

**Crucial Winter Tip:** This restaurant near the Spiez boat pier is closed in winter. Remember to eat at the train station when traveling during the off-peak season!

Spiez on a Foggy Day: Free Castle Views & The Essential Food Stop

Spiez is a wonderful example of why this “Hop-On Hop-Off” adventure is so flexible. Even on a misty winter day, the town retains its charm, with the majestic Spiez Castle standing guard over Lake Thun. As you’ll see in the video below, a key benefit is that you can view the castle from the outside and walk the grounds completely free of charge, making it an easy, quick, and rewarding cultural stop before moving on.

However, as we emphasized in our practical warning, planning your meal is crucial, especially in the off-season. This stop proved our point perfectly: you’ll notice many lakeside cafés and restaurants were closed or quiet. This is why we quickly made the decision to eat immediately upon arriving near the Spiez Train Station, not down by the pier!

You’ll see myself and Gabriel enjoying a warm, welcome plate of Raclette at a cozy spot near the station. This provided the perfect energy and warmth needed before heading down the hill to the quiet pier to catch our boat to Thun.

🎥 Watch Our Spiez Stop in Real Time

Get a real feel for the atmosphere, the free castle walk, and see exactly where we found a warm meal before embarking on our scenic boat cruise across Lake Thun!

Watch the video directly on this page, or click here for viewing on YouTube (ideal for mobile users): https://youtu.be/LNd9gAs8jj4.

**Spiez Castle, Raclette & Winter Cruise: Our Unfiltered Green Train Stop.** Watch how we explored the free castle courtyard, found a warm meal near the train station, and then caught the boat to Thun!

🏞️ Thun: The Perfect Hub for Transit and Shopping

Thun is a vital stop on the Green Train of the Alps itinerary and an excellent hub for two key reasons: its beauty and its unparalleled convenience.

The best part about arriving in Thun by boat is the logistics: the boat pier is located right next to the train station and the entrance to the historic center. This makes transferring to your next train or beginning your exploration exceptionally quick.

Thun’s center is notably more active than Spiez, even in the winter. While Spiez offers a picturesque castle view, Thun delivers a beautiful medieval Old Town perfect for a stroll and shopping (we can confirm the shops were open!). You can explore the central streets, admire the distinctive architecture, and even visit the famous Thun Castle if time allows.

Taking a moment by the River Aare in Thun. The walk from the boat pier to the center is beautiful and very fast.

The Geographical Advantage: Docking on the River Aare

The quick transfer in Thun is due to a smart piece of geography: the boat pier is situated precisely where Lake Thun flows into the Aare River. As your boat approaches the town, it enters this short stretch of the river (where the pier is located) before turning around. This unique positioning places the docking station (clearly marked BLS) right at the gateway to the Old Town and steps from the train station, confirming why Thun serves as such an efficient transit point on your itinerary.

Proof of convenience! The ‘Stadt Thun’ boat docked right at the BLS pier (note the BLS sign) near the entrance to the River Aare. The Thun train station is just steps away, making transfers effortless.

The One-Day Dilemma: Making Choices

While Thun is beautiful, you must be realistic about a single-day, multi-stop itinerary. Attempting to see everything (the center, the castle, and the churches) will be difficult.

Our best advice is to make choices:

Option A (Quick): Stroll through the Old Town and immediately take the train to your final destination (like Bern).
Option B (Deeper): Focus your time here, enjoy a longer walk, and visit the exterior or courtyard of the castle, saving other stops for a future trip.

If you genuinely want to explore Thun, Spiez, and Bern thoroughly, consider booking a multi-day trip (2 or more days) to enjoy the area without rushing.

How quick is the transfer between the boat pier, train station, and city center in Thun?

Extremely quick and efficient. The boat pier (after your cruise across Lake Thun) is located right next to the train station. The entrance to the historic center, shops, and restaurants is also immediately adjacent. This makes Thun the perfect transportation hub if you need to quickly catch a train back to Bern or Domodossola, or start exploring immediately.

Is Thun’s center worth visiting for a quick walk and shopping?

Yes, it is definitely worth it, especially in winter. Unlike some smaller stops, Thun’s center is notably active, with many shops open even during the low season (we confirmed this by doing some shopping!). You can easily enjoy a quick, scenic walk along the Aare River and through the Old Town, which provides a lovely atmosphere and excellent opportunities for browsing.

Can I thoroughly visit Thun Castle and do all the other Green Train stops in one day?

No, it is very difficult. If your goal is a full single-day, multi-stop itinerary (Domodossola → Spiez → Thun → Bern), you will have to make choices. Thun Castle is a significant landmark and requires time to visit properly. If you wish to see the Castle in depth, you should consider limiting your exploration to the exterior/courtyard, or skipping the Spiez stop entirely to dedicate more time here. For a truly relaxed experience that includes castle tours and in-depth exploration, a multi-day trip is essential.

🐻 Bern: The UNESCO Capital – Grandeur and Walkability

Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is the grand finale of the “Green Train of the Alps” journey. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its medieval architecture, arcades (Lauben), and fountains.

The view down Bern’s main historic street toward the Zytglogge Clock Tower. The city’s arcades make exploring easy, fast, and scenic!

As the photo shows, Bern is an easily navigable and highly scenic city to explore, even when your time is limited. The historic center’s beautiful, wide main streets, flanked by the characteristic medieval arcades, lead directly from the station to the iconic Zytglogge (Clock Tower). Unlike sprawling cities, Bern’s historic core is beautifully contained, making it an ideal destination for a quick visit.

The Zytglogge and the Heart of Bern

The highlight of any quick visit is Bern’s Zytglogge, the city’s famous medieval astronomical clock tower. While the main streets are perfect for a stroll, the area around the clock is always bustling. The short video below captures the charm and the movement of the tower, along with glimpses of the atmospheric city center.

🎥 Watch Our Quick Look at the Zytglogge: 🇨🇭 Bern: Where Time Stands Still (and Then Comes to Life!) ⏰ #Bern #Switzerland #Zytglogge #Travel

The highlight of any quick visit is Bern’s Zytglogge, the city’s famous medieval astronomical clock tower. The figure show, where mechanical figures emerge and rotate, occurs a few minutes before the hour (e.g., just before 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, etc.).

⚠️ Crucial Tip: Manage Your Expectations

While waiting for the clock to strike is a charming and unmissable moment—and a great photo opportunity, as everyone gathers in the square—you must manage your expectations about the “show.”

Bundled up and waiting beneath Bern’s Zytglogge! The figure show happens just before the hour and is an unmissable part of the visit.

We sincerely thought it would be a major, grand spectacle but the mechanical figure movement is actually quite minimal and brief. When the movement ended, I was still waiting for more, and Gabriel turned to me and asked, “Is that finished?” My response was, “No, it can’t be!”—but it was! While it’s a sweet, historic tradition and definitely worth seeing, don’t let the expectation of a huge show detract from the stunning beauty of Bern itself!

Instead, appreciate the moment for what it is: a beautiful, historic tradition that marks time in a UNESCO World Heritage city. Don’t let the expectation of a huge show detract from the stunning beauty of Bern itself!

Shopping and Seasonal Charm: Beyond the History

Beyond the historic Zytglogge and the UNESCO architecture, Bern’s center is vibrant and offers extensive shopping opportunities in its historic arcades (Lauben). This makes it a great destination for a walk and some retail therapy.

Seasonal Highlight: If you are traveling during the winter, you will likely find various charming markets throughout the city center. These markets add a wonderful atmosphere and provide extra opportunities for exploration, food, and unique souvenirs, ensuring there is plenty to see and do beyond the main historical sites!

The Practical Hub: Bern Train Station

The convenience of Bern begins the moment you step off the train. Bern train station is not just a transit point; it functions like a large commercial center (or mall). This is a huge benefit for travelers with limited time, as it offers essential services right upon arrival:

Shopping and Dining: The station is filled with numerous shops and eateries where you can grab a quick drink or a snack before or after your city exploration.
Essential Services (Toilets): Crucially, if you need a public restroom, facilities are available within the station. A practical tip: Remember to carry your credit card! Access to the public toilets is typically managed by a small fee payable via credit card.

Once you exit the modern station complex, you emerge onto a large square (the Bärenplatz area) from where your adventure into the beautiful, historic UNESCO Old Town begins, leading directly to the iconic Zytglogge.

The Alpine Contrast: Dressing for Bern

While the Green Train journey itself offers the spectacular beauty of snow-capped Alps in winter, you must be prepared for the cold upon arrival in Bern. Though the city center is beautiful and walkable, the temperatures can be quite low.

Practical Tip: Look at the people in the picture—they are all well-dressed! Remember to wear warm clothing, gloves, and a scarf to fully enjoy your walk through the historic streets and arcades without getting chilled.

I only have a short time after arriving at Bern station. What is the single most essential and easily accessible thing I can do or see there?

The best thing to do upon arriving in Bern is to walk directly to the Zytglogge (Clock Tower).
The historic center of Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its arcades (Lauben) and fountains. The Bern railway station is conveniently located right next to the historic Old Town, making the entire area highly walkable.

🕰️ The Zytglogge Experience:
Walkability: You can easily walk from Bern station through the beautiful medieval arcades until you reach the Clock Tower.
The Clock Tower (Zytglogge): This iconic landmark features a fantastic astronomical clock and is the heart of the city.
The Mechanism: The most exciting part is the famous carousel-style figure play that happens a few minutes before the hour, where figures emerge to put on a small show. It’s an unmissable spectacle and a perfect quick stop before continuing your exploration or heading back to the train.

A Boat Trip on Lake Thun: Included, Elegant, and Convenient

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.

Crucially, the boat trip on Lake Thun is already included in the price of your Green Train Day Pass (BLS) or multi-day ticket! You do not need to purchase a separate ticket for the scenic cruise, simplifying your planning and maximizing the value of your pass. Just present your Green Train ticket to the boat staff.

A Pleasant Surprise Onboard (But Budget Accordingly)

While the vessel may look like a simple ferry from the outside, the interior of the Lake Thun cruise ship is surprisingly beautiful and quite elegant, as you can see in the photo. The ship features a comfortable, multi-level design with dining tables and a bar.

The surprisingly elegant interior of the Lake Thun boat cruise! Far from a small ferry, the ship offers a beautiful bar and restaurant area for a relaxing journey.

Important Budget Note: Although the cruise ticket is included in your day pass, any food, drinks, or catering services you order onboard must be paid for separately. So, if you plan to enjoy a full meal or a glass of wine on the beautiful vessel, remember to budget accordingly and bring cash (Swiss Francs) or a credit card.

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 Choice Between One Day and Two

The Green Train of the Alps is a truly unforgettable day trip, offering spectacular scenery and the efficiency of a Hop-On Hop-Off itinerary. However, our biggest takeaway is this: while it is possible to squeeze in stops like Spiez, the Lake Thun cruise, and quick visits to Thun and Bern in a single day, you will inevitably have to make sacrifices and rush the sightseeing.

Our Best Advice: If your goal is to truly experience the local culture, visit the castles of Thun and Spiez, and enjoy leisure time and shopping, we highly recommend planning a 2-day journey with an overnight stay in a central location like Bern or Thun. This allows you to truly follow the “Green Train of the Alps” motto: making the journey part of the adventure, without the pressure of a ticking clock.

🇮🇹 Why Choose This Alpine Route? Beyond the Bernina Express

For international travelers, especially those in North America, it is important to know that the Alps are not confined to a single region like the Dolomites or the Valtellina. The Alpine Arc stretches across Northern Italy, Switzerland, France, and beyond.

While the famous Bernina Express (or “Red Train”) offers a magnificent Swiss rail tour, it is located on the eastern side, closer to the Valtellina region.

The Strategic Advantage of the Green Train

The Green Train of the Alps offers a crucial advantage: it starts in Domodossola, positioning you perfectly on the western side of the Italian Alps, near the border with Switzerland and closer to the French Alps.

More importantly, this region—the area around Domodossola and the Ossola Valley—is rich with stunning “Hidden Italian Treasures” that are easily explorable after your train journey:

Lake Maggiore: A true pearl, famous for its magnificent villas and the picturesque Borromean Islands. This is a postcard-perfect destination for relaxation and elegance. To see the stunning beauty and movement of this area, check out our guide on the best boat tour on the lake! link: Embark on the Best boat tour for everybody at the Most Beautiful Lake in Italy.
Lake Orta: A smaller, quieter, and uniquely romantic lake, often described as one of Italy’s most beautiful hidden gems.

The breathtaking panorama of Lake Maggiore: a view of the Borromean Islands and the Alps, demonstrating the lake’s unique and year-round majestic beauty.

By choosing this specific train adventure, you are not only enjoying a world-class Swiss mountain experience but also gaining immediate access to the spectacular, “Instagrammable” lakes, mountains, and unique cultural spots of Northern Italy, making your entire trip a seamless blend of Alpine beauty and Mediterranean charm.

The breathtaking Baroque splendor of the Teatro Massimo on Isola Bella, where art and nature converge to create an unforgettable masterpiece.

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