A Guide to the Legendary Glacier Express

A Guide to the Legendary Glacier Express

Switzerland’s Glacier Express is a bucket list experience for travellers and train enthusiasts from all over the world. If you’re planning to include the journey in your Switzerland trip, expect to be spellbound by amazing and diverse scenery, including snow-dusted mountains, glacial lakes, picturesque alpine meadows and more. For those eager to know more about this remarkable journey, you’re in the right place. We’ve gathered everything you need to know about travelling on the Glacier Express along with some helpful tips and inspiring photos.

Does the Glacier Express fit your ideal holiday?

Before we get started, let’s make sure the Glacier Express aligns with your travel aspirations. Are you a lover of mountain landscapes, a train enthusiast, or maybe you’ve found yourself with a day to spare on your itinerary? If so, then the answer is a resounding yes!

Known for its comfortable features, the Glacier Express is perfect if you're looking for some relaxation and leisure. Its appeal extends to travellers of all ages, making it an excellent choice for a family outing brimming with entertainment and excitement.

It’s not just a scenic journey but a cultural experience too. As the train gracefully meanders through the Swiss countryside, you pass by charming villages, historic towns, and iconic landmarks. Enriching your journey further, the train's audio guide shares fascinating anecdotes and illuminating insights into the region's history, culture, and traditions.

There’s also a commitment to inclusivity, making sure every traveller can take part in the adventure. With wheelchair-friendly compartments and helpful services for people with mobility challenges, accessibility is at the forefront. And thanks to the multiple language options for the audio guide, everyone can fully appreciate the journey with no barriers.

What is the Glacier Express?

So, what exactly is it? Well, the Glacier Express is a train journey that connects two of Switzerland's most scenic mountain resorts: Zermatt and St. Moritz. What makes it so popular though, are the sensational views along the route.

The whole journey takes around eight hours, making it a full-day adventure. Weaving through a tapestry of natural wonders, the Glacier Express travels a remarkable path, through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges, including the renowned Landwasser Viaduct. Elevating your experience to new heights, quite literally, the train reaches soaring altitudes of over 2,000 metres above sea level.

Although eight hours seems a fairly long time for a train ride, the moments on this journey are far from ordinary. With a leisurely pace, the hours dissolve into a seamless blend of stunning landscapes and amazing discoveries.

The train itself is equipped with luxury seats and panoramic windows that stretch from floor to ceiling. So, while you're sitting comfortably, you’ll enjoy immersive visuals of the majestic mountains, valleys, glaciers, and sparkling alpine streams.

Choosing the right class

When travelling on the Glacier Express, you can choose between Standard Class and First Class. No matter which one you decide on, you get the same breathtaking views but, there are some differences in the two classes.

Standard Class

In Standard Class, you’ll have a comfortable seat with ample legroom, allowing you to relax and enjoy the beautiful views. You'll have access to panoramic windows, WiFi, and onboard facilities such as a bar and dining car, where you can enjoy a variety of snacks and drinks.

First Class

The seats in First Class are roomier than in Standard Class, so you can stretch out and unwind a bit more. In addition to the panoramic windows, WiFi, and onboard facilities, First Class passengers also receive complimentary refreshments.

The unmissable highlights

There are very few moments on the Glacier Express that don’t leave you spellbound. Every turn of the tracks reveals a new, awe-inspiring wonder for you to marvel at. So, let’s take a closer look at some of the particularly amazing highlights that you should look out for along the way.

Glistening glaciers

Magnificent glaciers regularly pass by your window on the Glacier Express but two stand out as exceptionally beautiful: the awe-inspiring Rhône Glacier and the majestic Aletsch Glacier, both recognised as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The Rhône Glacier commands attention with its icy grandeur and sparkling blue hues. Make sure you’re looking out of the window when you pass to see its vast expanse shimmering under the sun's rays. The Aletsch Glacier is the largest in the Alps, stretching an impressive 23 kilometres. Its stunning ice formations and intricate crevasses are a real high point on the journey.  

The iconic Landwasser Viaduct

One of the most famous highlights you’ll see is the Landwasser Viaduct near Filisur. It's an architectural masterpiece that spans the Landwasser River valley with its elegant stone arches and sturdy piers. As the Glacier Express crosses, you’re surrounded by the picturesque setting of lush forests and towering mountains.

Legendary mountain passes

You’ll also experience two renowned mountain passes: the Albula Pass and the Oberalp Pass. The journey through the spiralling tunnels at the Albula Pass is nothing short of spectacular. You'll pass through dark tunnels and emerge into amazing alpine vistas on the other side.

The Oberalp Pass is the highest point of the Glacier Express route. Travelling at a height of 2,033 metres above sea level, the views of sweeping meadows, glacial lakes, and majestic peaks at this point are unrivalled.

The Rhine Gorge spectacle

Known as the ‘Grand Canyon of Switzerland’, the Rhine Gorge stretches along the route. As you pass through the gorge, there are enchanting views of steep cliffs and lush vineyards cling to the rugged terrain, while the meandering Rhine River flows below.

Choosing the perfect season for the Glacier Express

When planning a trip on the Glacier Express, you should consider if you’d prefer the journey in summer or winter. Although the route is exactly the same throughout the year, each season offers a unique experience. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect during each season:

Weather and landscape

During the summer months (June to August), the region has pleasant weather. Nature comes alive in a riot of vibrant colours, with flowers everywhere, green meadows, and trees in full bloom. Down in the valleys, rivers flow and waterfalls gush, while up at higher altitudes, the peaks are covered in snow.

When winter arrives (December to February) it gets colder, and the whole region is blanketed in snow. The landscape transforms into a magical winter wonderland - mountains glisten with snow, lakes become frozen still, and trees are covered in frost. It's a serene and enchanting atmosphere.

Experience on the train

During the summer months, the train cars are equipped with air conditioning, making sure you have a comfortable and refreshing journey through the scenic wonders. Some trains even have open-air observation platforms, so you can enjoy the fresh mountain air and take amazing photos.

In winter, the train cars are heated to keep you warm and cosy as you travel through the snowy landscapes. Although the windows may be closed to retain heat, they’re still perfect for admiring the beautiful winter scenery outside.

Crowds and availability

The Glacier Express is a popular tourist attraction in the summer months, so it can get quite crowded. It's a good idea to book your tickets in advance to make sure you have a seat and can choose your preferred departure time.

There are usually fewer tourists in winter compared to summer. That means there's more availability and fewer crowds, making the journey more relaxed and quieter.

Ultimately, the choice between summer and winter depends on your personal preferences. Whether you prefer the vibrant landscapes of summer or the snowy vistas of the colder months, both seasons offer their own unique and captivating experiences.