After my attempt to ride SBB-CFF-FFS‘s Panoramawagen (Panoramic Car) from Cologne to Zürich, I was very happy to see the glass-roofed coach was present on the return trip: EuroCity EC-8.

What’s so attractive? The route, from Zürich via Basel SBB, Baden-Baden, Mainz, Koblenz, Bonn, Cologne (Köln Hbf) and then further to Hamburg-Altona winds next to the Rhine. A beautiful valley with vineyards, castles and the smell of Wagner.

Experiencing this route in panoramic coach, in a first class seat, is so relaxing.

Corona did spoil the journey a bit. It’s not inviting to go eat in the restaurant car. And wearing a face mask is a bit tiresome. Not so much the wearing itself, but the fuzz around it.

But I did it. I had it. This will be my preferred route to central Switzerland next time I go.

Top tips

Let me give you top tips. First, check the Czech Vagonweb to know which car number is the Panoramawagen when you book your seat.

Second. The train changes direction in Basel SBB. Maybe it’s worth changing seat if the car isn’t full.