Secret Panorama Train with THE Most Insane Views in Switzerland
Transalpin EC 163/164 – Zurich to Innsbruck or Innsbruck to Zell am See
Some train journeys are simply transportation. Others feel
like a front-row seat to nature’s greatest show. The Transalpin EC 163/164
is firmly in the second category.
Running daily between Zurich and Graz, this hidden
gem of a panorama train quietly glides through some of the most jaw-dropping
landscapes in Switzerland and Austria – yet surprisingly few travellers know
about it. Even better? It’s far more affordable than most famous scenic trains.
Let me take you along the route.
🌄
Zurich – Where the Journey Begins
The adventure starts at Zurich, Switzerland’s
largest city and one of Europe’s most elegant railway hubs. As the train pulls
out of Zurich Hauptbahnhof, the urban scenery quickly fades into rolling green
countryside, dotted with picture-perfect villages and sparkling lakes.
Within minutes, you realise this is no ordinary train ride.
🏔
Crossing the Arlberg Line – The Real Panorama Begins
Soon, the train begins its dramatic climb toward the Alps
via the legendary Arlberg Railway, one of the most scenic classic rail
routes in Europe.
This is where the magic truly begins.
Through the oversized panoramic windows of the first-class Panorama Coach, passengers enjoy uninterrupted views of:
• Deep alpine valleys
• Waterfalls cascading down sheer cliffs
• Traditional wooden chalets perched on hillsides
• Snow-capped peaks rising in the distance
It feels less like travelling and more like drifting through
a living postcard.
🚞
Innsbruck – Capital of the Alps
One of the most beautiful stops on the journey is Innsbruck,
the alpine capital of Austria.
Surrounded by dramatic mountain walls, this historic city
is famous for its pastel-coloured Old Town and the glittering Golden Roof. Even
a short stop here is worth stepping outside the station to breathe in the crisp
mountain air.
🌲
Through the Heart of the Austrian Alps
After Innsbruck, the Transalpin continues deeper into the
Alpine wilderness. The route winds through tunnels, across high bridges, and
along valleys where rivers carve their way through dense forests.
Every turn reveals another incredible vista.
This stretch feels almost cinematic — the kind of scenery
usually reserved for luxury trains costing hundreds of euros.
🏞 Zell
am See – Lakeside Alpine Perfection
Another highlight is Zell am See, one of Austria’s
most iconic mountain destinations.
Here, the turquoise waters of Lake Zell reflect towering
alpine peaks, creating one of the most photogenic landscapes on the entire
journey.
If you’re planning to break up the trip, this is an
incredible place to stop overnight.
🌿 The
Final Stretch to Graz
As the train continues toward Graz, the dramatic
mountains slowly give way to rolling hills, vineyards, and charming Austrian
countryside.
The scenery becomes softer but no less beautiful — a
peaceful finale after hours of spectacular alpine drama.
✨ Why
This Train is So Special
Unlike Switzerland’s famous luxury panorama trains, the Transalpin
EC 163/164 is a regular international service run by SBB and ÖBB,
which means the prices are surprisingly affordable.
🚆 Route:
Zurich → Graz (and vice versa)
⏱ Total duration: about
9.5 hours
🏔 Scenery: Swiss
& Austrian Alps
🪟 Panorama coach:
available in First Class
🍽 Seat service:
food and drinks delivered to your seat
💰 Prices
start from:
• €59.90 in First Class
• €39.90 in Second Class
For a journey with views like this, that’s almost
unbelievable.
💡
Travel Tip
You don’t have to ride the entire route to enjoy it. Even
just a segment — for example, Zurich to Innsbruck or Innsbruck to Zell
am See — offers some of the most spectacular rail scenery in the Alps.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an unforgettable train journey
through Switzerland and the Austrian Alps without the luxury train price tag,
the Transalpin EC 163/164 might just be Europe’s best-hidden rail
secret.
A window seat, a coffee in hand, and the Alps unfolding
outside — it doesn’t get much better than that.
#Switzerland #Transalpin #PanoramaTrain #SwissTrains
#TrainTravel #ScenicRailway #Zurich #Innsbruck #ZellAmSee #Graz #Alps
#EuropeanRail #RailTravel #BucketListTravel #SlowTravel #DiscoverEurope
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