All aboard one of the most scenic train journeys in the world
It’s one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. There’s nothing quite like it – watching the snow-covered Swiss Alps rise and fall, the lush, idyllic valleys give way to wide open expanses, the intricate network of 91 tunnels, 291 bridges, and marvel of Swiss engineering making this train service possible… the Glacier Express is an experience not to be missed.
And it’s a firm favourite at Inntravel, forming part of our Swiss rail holiday,
The Glacier Express. But what’s it like to be a passenger aboard? Here we give the inside track on what makes it one of the world’s most iconic rail journeys.
The history
Pioneering railway engineering helped form this sweeping journey through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Overcoming steep rock faces, gorges, and over 1,000 metres in altitude, the 62 kilometre-long Albula Line opened in 1903, and was extended to St Moritz in 1904. They constructed viaducts, spiral and helical tunnels to make it possible, all before 1930 when the Glacier Express - as we know it today - first set off.
They could only run the service during summer up until 1982 when the Furka Base Tunnel was completed, when passengers could experience this thrilling train journey through a winter wonderland. What also makes the Glacier Express special is the fact it’s a non-stop service, while the regular, local service that uses the same line stops at smaller stations along the way, so you can truly sit back and enjoy the journey.
The Glacier Express route
The line is jointly run by the Rhätische Bahn (RhB) and the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB) with the Glacier Express taking approximately eight hours to cover the entire route from the glamorous ski resort of St Moritz to Zermatt. Thanks to the construction of the Furka Base Tunnel, it runs all year-round, too.
Our rail holiday features the section between Chur (the oldest city in Switzerland) and Brig, a journey that takes around 4.5 hours, allowing you to savour the highlights of the route, including the highest point at the Oberalp Pass.
The views
Described as ‘the window to the Alps’ – the views are captivating and made all the more entrancing by large panoramic windows that stretch up above your head. From Chur, you begin with a gradual climb through the Rhine Valley, along the cliffs of the Rhine Gorge to a marvellous as-far-as-you-can-see expanse at the highest point, the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 metres above sea level. Travelling in winter means having a sea of white stretch out before you, with the frozen glacial lake adding to the drama. Meanwhile in spring and summer, you look out at bucolic wildflower meadows.
Once you’re over the Oberalp Pass, you begin to witness the sheer scale of the engineering work, as you switch between tunnels and head-spinning switchbacks that seem to play cat and mouse with the road. Then gradually descending down into the Furka Base Tunnel towards Rhone Valley, you approach Brig, where it’s time to alight and continue your discovery of Switzerland.
The onboard experience
The onboard experience Your ticket is usually booked for a mid-morning departure to tie in with having lunch on board as you watch the scenery roll by. We can pre-book your lunch for you (paid for locally), which includes classic and seasonal Swiss dishes served directly to your seat. We include a 2nd class ticket as standard, though you can also upgrade to a 1st class ticket.
• In 2nd class, there are rows of 4 seats facing each other at one table either side of the carriage.
• In 1st class there are rows of 4 and 2 seats facing each other at one table.
Each offer the panoramic windows and an audio guide you can plug into.
