Experience the Glacier Express Train Through the Alps: A Beautiful Slow Journey Through Swiss Nature

1. Introducing the Glacier Express: The Swiss Railway Legend

The Glacier Express railway is Switzerland's most iconic railway (Photo source: Collected)

The Glacier Express experience begins with the story of one of Switzerland’s most iconic railways. Opened in 1930, the Glacier Express connects two famous resort towns: Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn and St. Moritz – the cradle of European winter tourism .

Although called “Express”, this train takes more than 8 hours, taking visitors across 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels and over the Oberalp Pass at an altitude of 2033m above sea level. This slowness creates its uniqueness, because you will have enough time to admire each mountain, each valley, each stream, each green forest that the Glacier Express passes through.

2. Glacier Express Train Journey: Picturesque Routes

The Glacier Express train crosses the heart of the majestic Alps (Photo source: Collected)

The Glacier Express is a 180-mile journey through the heart of the majestic Alps. The route begins in Zermatt – a car-free village famous for its iconic Matterhorn – and ends in St. Moritz, a luxury resort for Europe’s elite.

Along the way, you will admire the beautiful lands such as Visp, Brig, Andermatt, Disentis, Chur, Tiefencastel, and Samedan. In particular, the route through the Rhine Gorge - known as the "Grand Canyon of Switzerland" - will overwhelm you with its wild and majestic natural beauty.

3. Breathtaking views on the Glacier Express route

The Glacier Express train experience is a true visual feast (Photo source: Collected)

The Glacier Express experience is a visual feast. Each stretch of the route presents a landscape painting with magical gradients of color according to elevation and geography.

In the Valais, you will see vineyards stretching along the mountain slopes. As the train climbs the Oberalp Pass, white snow and ice begin to appear, covering the roofs and trees. Down in the Rhine Valley, the green of the forests and rivers begins to appear brilliantly. Especially when the train passes under the Landwasser Viaduct – a 65m high stone bridge set in the middle of a vertical cliff – you will be amazed by the ingenious design and the spectacular views.

The Glacier Express experience is not only about sightseeing but also about enjoying luxury and comfort. The train is designed with panoramic windows that stretch from floor to ceiling, giving passengers an unlimited view of the nature outside.

The trains have three classes: Economy (2nd class), First class and Excellence class – the highest class with private seating, wine and a five-course meal included. Each seat is equipped with a personal table, power outlet, headphones for listening to commentary and soft leather seats.

Dining is available on site, with a Swiss-inspired menu that includes seasonal dishes and local wines. Order a glass of Valais white wine and enjoy a traditional fondue as the train passes through snow-capped mountains.

4. The ideal time to experience the Glacier Express train

The Glacier Express train experience can be done year-round (Photo source: Collected)

The Glacier Express can be experienced year-round, but each season brings its own unique charm. In summer, nature is resplendent with lush green grass, vibrant wildflowers, and icy blue glaciers. In winter, the entire landscape is blanketed in a blanket of snow, transforming the journey into a real-life fairy tale.

If you love vibrant colors and clear blue skies, go between June and September. But if you want to live a snowy dream, December to February is the best time.

5. Combine the Glacier Express with a Swiss Discovery Tour

You can combine with other famous train lines such as Bernina Express to explore Switzerland (Photo source: Collected)

The Glacier Express can be combined with other popular train lines such as the Bernina Express, the GoldenPass Line or the Gotthard Panorama Express. Switzerland has an excellent rail network, making it easy to plan a cross-country journey by train alone.

After arriving in St. Moritz, you can continue on the Bernina Express to Tirano (Italy), then explore Lake Como. Alternatively, after arriving in Zermatt, you can hike up the Gornergrat or take the cable car to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – the highest peak accessible by cable car in Europe.

Suggested itinerary for your trip with Glacier Express

The Glacier Express experience is usually packed into one day, but you can combine it into a longer itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Zermatt, visit the ancient village, experience mountain climbing or cable car.
Day 2: Take the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz. Stay overnight here.
Day 3: Visit St. Moritz or continue your journey to Bernina Express.

For travelers who love luxury, you can book a 2-day, 1-night cruise with Excellence Class service, including high-end hotels and on-board dining experiences.

The Glacier Express is one of those trips that anyone who loves nature, loves traveling or simply wants to have a relaxing time among majestic mountains should try once in their life. This is not only a geographical journey but also an emotional journey – where you will find peace, happiness and a deep connection with nature.

Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/trai-nghiem-tau-glacier-express-v17745.aspx