A leisurely journey across the Swiss Alps unfolds aboard the Glacier Express, where panoramic views meet refined comfort in an unhurried rail experience. The Glacier Express reveals the Alps at a gentler pace, combining sweeping landscapes with timeless heritage in a relaxed, scenic journey.
(glacierexpress.ch)
Famously dubbed as The Slowest Express Train in the World, the Glacier Express is an eight-hour train ride with beautiful panoramic settings for travellers to take in all the majestic beauty surrounding the ride.
The legacy of the Glacier Express is rooted in early 20th-century engineering. Pioneers overcame the formidable Alpine terrain to create a masterwork of tunnels and bridges, guaranteeing safe travels while maximising luxury along the way. This one-of-a-kind network blends seamlessly into the rugged landscape, standing as a testament to over 120 years of technological progress and visionary railway design.
Navigating a spectacular route of bridges and tunnels, the Glacier Express offers the flexibility of overnight stays in various iconic cities along the way. Many travellers choose to pause their journey for a day to explore these locales, ensuring an optimal experience of the Swiss Alps and transforming a scenic rail trip into an immersive and unforgettable Alpine odyssey.
Beyond the breathtaking scenery and comfort of the journey, the Glacier Express is also a leader in sustainable travel. Designed to minimise its environmental impact while crossing the Alps, the train allows passengers to experience this iconic route with a lighter footprint while combining its timeless allure with a commitment to preserving the landscapes it traverses.
If travellers start from Zermatt, they will begin their journey through the historic hub of Brig, which is known for the baroque Stockalper Palace. Then, they will ascend toward the alpine crossroads of Andermatt, a high-altitude sanctuary for skiers and hikers alike. The route continues through Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city with its charming car-free Old Town, over the soaring Landwasser Viaduct into the picturesque village of Filisur, defined by traditional Graubünden architecture. This glamorous rail odyssey concludes in the high-alpine elegance of St. Moritz, completing a transit that showcases the very best of Swiss heritage and landscape.
To complement the incomparable views, the Glacier Express offers three distinct levels of tiered comfort. While Second Class provides a relaxed and scenic passage, First Class elevates the journey with more spacious seating and expansive panoramic windows.
Along the way, travellers are served freshly prepared regional specialities and traditional dishes at their table, paired with fine wines from the cantons of Graubünden and Valais. Before finishing with a flourish, signature digestifs such as Grappa and Williams are poured tableside while the train whisks through the Alps.
At the pinnacle of rail luxury is the Excellence Class, an exclusive carriage limited to just 20 passengers, complete with a dedicated concierge and guaranteed window seats. Upon arrival, they are welcomed with an aperitif platter and a glass of champagne before settling in for an exceptional journey through the Alps. Dining is a highlight, featuring an exclusive five-course menu of Alpine delicacies prepared fresh in the on-board kitchen using locally sourced ingredients. At the end of the carriage, the Glacier Bar, reserved exclusively for Excellence Class passengers, offers a refined setting to enjoy drinks while taking in the spectacular scenery, ensuring the world’s slowest express train delivers a journey tailored to every traveller’s preference.
From its engineering marvels and panoramic vistas to its refined dining and tiered comfort, the Glacier Express offers more than a journey. It’s an immersive Alpine experience, where every detail, from the carefully crafted menus to the seamless integration of the mountains, ensures that this iconic route remains a timeless celebration of Switzerland’s landscape, culture, and railway heritage.
Asia Dreams Volume 58
Glacier Express
Bahnhofstrasse 25
7000 Chur, Switzerland
T: (+41) 812886565
