All Aboard! Chocolate-Themed Trains in Switzerland 🍫

The Classic Belle Époque Experience

If you're looking for Orient Express or Pullman vibes for a fraction of the price, a ride on the Swiss Chocolate & Cheese Train is sure to fulfill that dream. This train runs between Montreux and the Gruyères region. Operating primarily during the summer months. The wood-paneled interiors and plush seating provide a stunning environment as you climb away from Lake Geneva and into the rolling green hills of the Gruyère district. Onboard, you'll be served delicious hot chocolate or coffee and pain au chocolat. It is worth noting that this is a full-day excursion, so you should plan to dedicate at least seven to eight hours to the entire round-trip experience. Prices start at around 89 CHF or $113 USD.

The Chocolat Express: The Bern Shortcut

If you are staying in the Swiss capital, you do not have to trek all the way to Montreux to start your chocolate journey. The "Chocolat Express" is a direct regional service that runs from Bern straight to the heart of the Gruyère region to visit the Maison Cailler factory in Broc in just about an hour and 15 minutes without any transfers. Though this service doesn't have vintage trains and pain au chocolate on board, you can add on a fondue train experience.

Unlike the vintage Montreux train, the Chocolat Express is a modern, reliable RER Fribourg service that runs multiple times a day. The outside of the train looks like a giant chocolate bar. You can easily spend a morning at the factory and be back in Bern by mid-afternoon. Admission to the chocolate factory are separate, unless you book with the RailAway pass which offers a bundled package with 20% off.

Visiting the Maison Cailler Factory

Broc is the home to Maison Cailler. This is the oldest chocolate brand in Switzerland and its factory tour is widely considered the gold standard for interactive museum experiences. You will learn about the history of cocoa from Aztec ceremonies to the invention of milk chocolate, followed by a walk-through where you can see the machinery in action.The highlight for most visitors is the tasting room at the end of the tour. Here, you are invited to sample a wide variety of Cailler products. Because this is a very popular destination, arriving via a dedicated chocolate rail connection is beneficial as your museum entry and transfers are often better synchronized, saving you time in the ticketing queue.

Visiting La Maison du Gruyère

Switzerland is the land of cheese and fondue and no one does it better than Gruyère! On both journeys, you'll be brought to the Gruyère region where you can stop to visit the factory and taste test some cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions: Swiss Chocolate Train

Q: When does the Chocolate Train run?

A: The official vintage train from Montreux typically operates from May to September, while the Chocolat Express from Bern runs year-round.

Q: Do I need to book tickets in advance?

A: Yes, the vintage Chocolate Train often sells out weeks ahead, but the Chocolat Express regional train from Bern does not require a reservation.

Q: Is the chocolate factory entry included?

If you book the official Chocolate Train package from Montreux, entry is included. For the Bern route, you usually buy a "RailAway" combined ticket for the discount.

Q: Can I use a Swiss Travel Pass?

A: Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass covers the fare for the regional trains and offers a significant discount on the vintage tourist train.

Q: How long is the journey from Bern to the factory?

A: The Chocolat Express takes about 1 hour and 18 minutes to go directly from Bern to the Broc-Chocolaterie station.

Q: Is the train ride suitable for children?

A: The experience is very family-friendly, featuring museum displays, tasting rooms, and often a "treasure hunt" or escape game theme.

Q: What is the best time to visit Gruyères?

A: Mid-week is best to avoid the biggest crowds, especially during the summer months when tour groups are most active.