From stunning sceneries to an impressive public transportation system – Switzerland indeed has a lot to offer. The country attracts tourists from all across the world due to its mesmerizing hiking trails, ski resorts, as well as numerous lakes and villages. Besides, Switzerland is home to the high peaks of the Swiss Alps. The Alps are perhaps one of the most iconic and stunning mountains on the planet and are therefore frequented by many a travelers.
About the Glacier Express
A great way of experiencing the slow-clad mountains is by taking a journey with Glacier Express – one of Switzerland’s most scenic train journey. The Glacier Express is a train service which begins from Zermatt and ends at St. Moritz, and is run by two private Swiss railways – the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB) and the Rhätische Bahn (RhB). During the winters, there is one Glacier Express scheduled to run from Zermatt to St Moritz. However, there are three daily Glacier Expresses in each direction from May to October.
The train offers both first and second class coaches to its passengers. The first class has three seats as compared to the four seats in the second class, and hence is more spacious and comfortable. Apart from space, the first and second class coaches are very similar.
Though the Glacier Express is tagged as an “express” train, it travels at an average speed of 24mph . Tagged as the ‘slowest express train the world,’ the train covers around 290kms in around eight hours . This slow pace allows passengers to enjoy the scenic view of the Alps, the narrow valleys, breathtaking rivers, magical castles, and charming villages. The train also travels across 91 tunnels and 291 bridges, allowing passengers to witness the natural beauty of the country.
Services offered
Most Switzerland packages have the Glacier Express train ride included in the itinerary. The train journey offers luxury to its passengers – through its modern panoramic coaches, carpeted floor surface as well as air-conditioned compartments. The best feature about the Glacier Express is its huge panoramic side windows and glass highlights – which allows passengers to enjoy the scenery to the fullest. Passengers may also avail of waiter services, power sockets as well as restaurants and bistros. During the journey, staff takes orders for snacks, drinks and lunch. Passengers may also book a meal on a prior basis. The meal is then served at the passenger’s seat on real china with the appropriate cutlery and tablecloth. The food comes with the passenger’s choice of starters, main course and desserts, as well as an extensive selection of wine.
The route
Glacier Express passes through the three cantons of Valais, Uri, and Graubünden. It also travels through natural spectacles like St. Moritz, the alpine village of Zermatt, the Albula Line with the Solis and Landwasser viaducts, the Rhine Gorge which is known as the ‘Grand Canyon of Switzerland,’ and the Oberalp Pass.
Passengers may use their ordinary Swiss rail tickets while traveling on the Glacier Express. A supplement fee which includes the seat reservation fee, however, needs to be paid over the normal fare. Children below the age group of six do not have to pay, while those in the age group six to sixteen have to pay half the fare, along with the adult supplement.
If you are planning to visit Switzerland for your next holiday, ensure that a journey with Glacier Express is included in your Switzerland holiday package. It is indeed a sheer pleasure for your eyes and offers an experience you will not forget in a long time.