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Glacier Express: Switzerland's Iconic Alpine Journey

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  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. express-switzerland-s-iconic-alpine-journey.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 16:23 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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The Glacier Express: Switzerland’s Iconic Alpine Journey in a Nutshell

If you’ve ever imagined a train that doesn’t just move you from point A to point B but carries you on a living postcard through the heart of the Swiss Alps, the Glacier Express is the experience to seek. Travel + Leisure’s detailed profile of the train reveals why the ride has become a must‑do for adventure seekers, culture lovers, and photographers alike. Below is a distilled but comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about the Glacier Express—from its route and history to the practicalities of booking and enjoying a journey that spans mountains, glaciers, and centuries of Swiss rail engineering.

1. The Route: A 200‑km Trek Between the Alps’ Twin Peaks

Zermatt to St. Moritz
The Glacier Express runs a circuit that connects the famous “Matterhorn” village of Zermatt to the luxurious resort town of St. Moritz. The journey covers roughly 200 kilometers (124 miles), a route that passes through 91 tunnels and spans 291 bridges—an engineering marvel in and of itself.

Scenic Highlights
- The Rhine Gorge (Reichenbach): Often dubbed “the Swiss Grand Canyon,” this narrow canyon is an awe‑inspiring sight as the train weaves along its banks.
- The Bernese Oberland: Over the course of the trip you’ll encounter the dramatic peaks of the Jungfrau Region—including the iconic Schreckhorn and Doldenhorn—while the train slides past emerald valleys and pristine alpine lakes.
- The Engadine Valley: The southern portion of the journey showcases the high‑altitude valley of St. Moritz, known for its turquoise waters and traditional alpine architecture.

Travel + Leisure notes that the route has been specially designed to maximize panoramic views; virtually every car offers twin‑pane panoramic windows, with the option of a double‑deck car that takes you even higher for a more intimate perspective on the surrounding peaks.

2. The History: From 1930s Dream to Modern Icon

The Glacier Express was inaugurated on 1 February 1936 by the Chemin de fer Saint‑Bernard‑Zermatt (SBZ). The original 18‑car train was a response to the burgeoning popularity of railway tourism in the interwar period. Its name—Glacier Express—was chosen not because the train itself crossed a glacier, but because the route offers views of the famous Aletsch Glacier, the largest in the Alps.

Over the decades, the service has evolved:

• 1960s–1980s: The train was expanded to accommodate more passengers, with the addition of the double‑deck car in the 1980s that remains a highlight today.
• 1990s: A full refurbishment introduced modern comforts while preserving the historic character of the journey.
• 2010s: The train was upgraded to meet contemporary safety standards, including the introduction of an automatic braking system and improved air‑conditioning.

Despite these changes, the core experience—slow, deliberate travel at about 60 km/h (37 mph)—remains unchanged, ensuring the train’s status as a “slow train” and a sanctuary away from the hustle of daily life.

3. The Experience: More Than Just a Train Ride

Carriages & Comfort

• Standard Class: The default option provides comfortable seating, panoramic windows, and a light snack bar.
• Premium Class: Offers larger seats, a wider window, and complimentary beverages.
• Double‑Deck Car: The star attraction; this carriage provides a unique overhead view that looks almost like a helicopter ride, though it’s just a train on tracks.

Dining & Refreshments

There are two main dining options:

1. Half‑hour “Breakfast & Snack”: Ideal for early‑morning travelers, featuring local pastries, coffee, and a light selection of Swiss cheeses.
2. Full‑meal Lunch: A set menu featuring Swiss specialties such as raclette, fondue, and vermilion‑baked trout from the Engadine. The lunch is accompanied by a curated list of local wines.

The train’s café car serves coffee, chocolate, and pastries, making it easy to grab a quick snack between stations.

Onboard Entertainment

• Guided Commentary: A multilingual guide narrates key sights, adding historical and cultural context.
• Free Wi‑Fi: While coverage is intermittent due to the remote terrain, the Wi‑Fi is usually sufficient for light browsing.

Practicalities

The journey takes approximately 8–10 hours. Because of its length and the scenic route, many travelers opt for an overnight trip, allowing them to experience the Alpine night sky from the comfort of a reclining seat. The train stops at key stations, giving you the opportunity to stretch, photograph, and even swap cars for a different view.

4. Planning Your Trip: Timing, Tickets, and Tips

Best Time of Year

• Summer (June–August): Clear skies, ideal for photography; the alpine meadows are green and the wildlife is active.
• Winter (December–March): The train becomes a snow‑covered corridor; the journey takes on a magical feel, but you’ll need to be prepared for potential delays due to avalanches.
• Spring & Autumn: Less crowded and often more affordable, with spectacular autumn foliage in late September and early October.

Ticketing

• Advance Booking: The Glacier Express offers priority seats for those who book early, especially in premium class.
• Swiss Travel Pass: If you hold a Swiss Travel Pass or a Global Pass, you may get a discount or even a free ride, but the double‑deck car usually remains extra‑payable.
• Special Packages: Many tour operators package the Glacier Express with local accommodations and other experiences such as a cable car to the Matterhorn or a ski pass to St. Moritz.

What to Bring

• Layered Clothing: Weather in the Alps can be unpredictable; even in summer mornings can be chilly.
• Camera & Binoculars: The views are award‑winning, and the train’s long stops (e.g., in the Reichenbach gorge) provide perfect photo opportunities.
• Travel Insurance: While Swiss trains are renowned for punctuality, winter routes may be subject to delays from weather events.

5. Going Beyond the Train: Complementary Experiences

The Glacier Express often serves as a launchpad for a broader Swiss Alps itinerary:

• Zermatt: The town is car‑free, and you can combine a visit to the Matterhorn Museum with a ride on the Gornergrat Railway for a view of the iconic mountain.
• St. Moritz: This high‑altitude resort offers winter sports, luxury spas, and cultural events. A cable car ride up to the Piz Corvatsch or Piz Nair provides panoramic vistas and a chance to try snow sports in a more laid‑back setting than the typical ski resorts.

Travel + Leisure suggests pairing the Glacier Express with a day trip to Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city, or a scenic hike in the Engadin Valley.

6. Why the Glacier Express Still Matters

While many travelers chase the thrill of high‑speed rail (like the TGV Lyria or Eurostar), the Glacier Express offers something profoundly different: a slow, deliberate immersion into the heart of the Swiss Alps. In a world where everything is accelerating, the train’s measured pace allows you to:

• Connect with nature in a way that modern, fast trains can’t.
• Learn from the onboard guide, who weaves the region’s geology, history, and culture into the narrative.
• Reflect while watching the landscape transform from lush forests to rugged peaks and back.

Moreover, the train’s continued popularity underscores Switzerland’s commitment to sustainable tourism. The train’s electric traction reduces emissions, and its integration with local hospitality sectors supports the regional economy in a way that supports, rather than exploits, the environment.

Conclusion

The Glacier Express is more than a mode of transportation; it’s a curated experience that showcases the Swiss Alps at their best. Whether you’re an avid photographer, a history buff, or simply a wanderer craving a different kind of adventure, the train’s blend of engineering brilliance, cultural storytelling, and breathtaking scenery makes it a headline‑making journey. As Travel + Leisure’s article reminds us, once you’ve ridden the Glacier Express, the images you’ve seen and the stories you’ve heard will stay with you for a lifetime—proof that some journeys are worth the wait.