All Aboard the Fondue Trains: Switzerland’s Coziest Winter Tradition

There are winter outings in Switzerland… and then there are fondue trains — the kind of experience that feels designed for cold evenings, snowy valleys, and people who love the simple joy of melted cheese paired with slow travel. These seasonal trains run across the country, each with its own character, scenery, and local twist. If you’re looking for a winter plan that’s easy, atmospheric, and unmistakably Swiss, a fondue train is hard to beat.

Here’s your guide to the best ones running this season.

Route: Montreux → Château‑d’Oex → Gstaad
Season: Winter weekends
Best for: Scenic views + classic Swiss chalet vibes

The MOB fondue train is the most iconic of them all. It runs through the Pays‑d’Enhaut — the same region hosting the Château‑d’Oex Balloon Festival — and the views are pure postcard material: deep valleys, wooden chalets, and snow‑covered slopes. The train itself is cosy and wood‑panelled, and the fondue is served in traditional caquelons with local cheese from the region.

Why locals love it:
You get the charm of the GoldenPass route without the crowds, and the timing makes it perfect for a winter weekend outing.

Route: Various segments in Graubünden
Season: Winter evenings
Best for: Alpine drama + a proper winter atmosphere

Graubünden does winter like nowhere else, and the RhB fondue car leans into that mood. Expect dramatic valleys, frozen rivers, and the kind of deep‑winter landscapes that make you want to wrap yourself in a wool blanket. The fondue is hearty, the portions generous, and the atmosphere relaxed.

Why locals love it:
It feels like a secret — a cosy, slow‑moving dining room rolling through some of Switzerland’s most beautiful winter terrain.

Route: Bernese Oberland
Season: November to February
Best for: Easy access + a friendly, local crowd

The BLS fondue train is one of the most accessible options for anyone coming from Bern, Thun, or the Oberland. It’s a cheerful, relaxed experience with a very local crowd. The route varies by season, but the scenery is always classic Bernese Oberland: lakes, forests, and snow‑dusted hills.

Why locals love it:
It’s simple, social, and easy to reach — a great option for groups or spontaneous winter plans.

Route: Appenzell region
Season: Winter weekends
Best for: Rustic charm + regional cheese

If you want something a little different, the Appenzell fondue train is a gem. The region’s cheese is famously flavourful, and the train itself has a rustic, down‑to‑earth feel. The landscapes are gentler than the Alps but no less beautiful — rolling hills, farmhouses, and quiet winter fields.

Why locals love it:
It feels authentic, warm, and proudly regional — a fondue experience with real Appenzeller character.

Most trains run on weekends and require advance booking — they’re popular, especially in January and February.

All fondue trains are reachable by regular public transport, and most connect directly with major lines. If you’re planning a winter outing, check the operator’s timetable and book early — these trains fill up fast once the snow arrives.

If you want to make a full day of it, pair your fondue train with a short winter walk, a village visit, or a local event. The MOB route, for example, pairs beautifully with the Château‑d’Oex Balloon Festival — a perfect winter double‑feature.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for a roundup of the latest deals and promotions for trains, boats and buses in Switzerland.