Public travel plan
Scenic Rail Journey: Lake Como to Interlaken Alpine Escape
This scenic cross-border route connects the Mediterranean allure of Lake Como in Northern Italy with the dramatic mountain landscapes of Switzerland's Bernese Oberland. When traveling by train between Como and Interlake…
Source videos
Travel inspiration behind this plan
Plan notes
Useful context before you go
This scenic cross-border route connects the Mediterranean allure of Lake Como in Northern Italy with the dramatic mountain landscapes of Switzerland's Bernese Oberland. When traveling by train between Como and Interlaken, reserve seats in advance for peak regional routes via Gotthard or Lucerne/Spiez. Pack layers in all seasons, as alpine temperatures in the Bernese Oberland can drop rapidly compared to the lake basin. Keep both Euros and Swiss Francs (or contactless cards) handy, and download SBB Mobile and Trenitalia apps for real-time track updates and platform connections.
Itinerary highlights
What is in this plan
Days 1-2: Lake Como Vistas & Italian Gateway
Spend the first two days soaking in the Italian lakeside atmosphere of Como before making the international transit north. Use the public ferry network to visit central lake highlights like Bellagio and Lenno.
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Como San Giovanni Railway StationStazione di Como San Giovanni, Piazzale San Gottardo, Como, Italy
Main departure station connecting northern Italy to Switzerland. Arrive at least 20 minutes ahead of departure to validate any paper tickets or navigate platform changes for trans-alpine EuroCity services.
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Lungolago di ComoLungolago Mafalda di Savoia, Como, Italy
Stroll the lakeside gardens and public promenade with sweeping views across southwestern Lake Como. A relaxing spot for an evening aperitivo.
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Duomo di ComoDuomo di Como, Piazza del Duomo, Como, Italy
Explore the iconic 14th-century Gothic-Renaissance cathedral located at the heart of Como's historic walled center.
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Funicolare Como-BrunateFunicolare Como-Brunate, Piazza Alcide de Gasperi, Como, Italy
Take this historic 1894 cable car up to the hillside village of Brunate for an extraordinary panoramic overlook across Lake Como and the surrounding Alps.
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Bellagio Historic CentrePiazza della Chiesa, Bellagio, Italy
Hop on the mid-lake passenger ferry to visit Bellagio's picturesque cobbled lanes, artisan silk boutiques, and waterfront gardens.
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Villa del BalbianelloVilla del Balbianello, Via accommodation, Lenno, Tremezzina, Italy
Famous for its terraced gardens and loggia overlooking the waters of Lenno, this historic villa provides some of Lake Como's most celebrated vistas.
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Days 3-4: Trans-Alpine Rail & Interlaken Alpine Hub
Board the scenic train journey through the Swiss-Italian border, traversing tunnels and dramatic Alpine passes toward Interlaken. Interlaken serves as the gateway to the Jungfrau region, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
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Interlaken Ost Railway StationBahnhof Interlaken Ost, Untere Bönigstrasse, Interlaken, Switzerland
Arrive at Interlaken's eastern railway hub, the primary launching pad for trains into Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, and boats across Lake Brienz.
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Harder KulmHarder Kulm, Interlaken, Switzerland
Take the funicular up to this observation deck overlooking Interlaken, flanked by Lake Brienz and Lake Thun with views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
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Höhematte ParkHöhematte, Höheweg, Interlaken, Switzerland
A wide-open 35-acre green space in central Interlaken offering uninterrupted vistas of the snow-capped Jungfrau massif and paragliders landing throughout the afternoon.
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Lake Brienz Ferry Terminal Interlaken OstSchifffahrtskanal, Interlaken Ost, Interlaken, Switzerland
Board a scenic BLS passenger ferry departing right beside Interlaken Ost to glide across the turquoise waters beneath cascading alpine waterfalls.
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Unterseen Old TownStadthausplatz, Unterseen, Switzerland
Wander through the historic medieval quarter along the Aare River, featuring timber-framed Swiss buildings, traditional bakeries, and quiet walking paths away from the busy train avenues.
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Spiez Railway StationBahnhof Spiez, Bahnhofstrasse, Spiez, Switzerland
A convenient rail junction for the scenic GoldenPass route and Lake Thun steamers, offering crisp mountain vistas before continuing on your journey.
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