The Glacier Express: The 'Slowest Express Train in the World' Lets You Enjoy Switzerland’s Breathtaking Views in One Relaxing Journey
If you’re looking for a relaxing way to admire Switzerland’s spectacular alpine scenery, consider a journey on the train dubbed the “slowest express train in the world.”
Don’t let the name of Switzerland’s Glacier Express train fool you, as the eight-hour train ride slowly weaves and winds you through 92 tunnels and 291 bridges from Zermatt to St. Moritz.
Started in 1930, the Glacier Express offers gorgeous views of streams, peaks, alpine villages, and farmlands that travelers can admire through the train's panoramic windows.
Traveling more than 150 miles across the Swiss Alps, The train begins the trip in the village of Zermatt, first offering views of the Matterhorn followed by the Matter valley where 15,000-foot-high peaks strike out into the sky above the meadows and streams below.
This is where travelers can find the highest vineyards in Europe, as well as ascend the Oberalp Pass and see the Rhine Gorge, sometimes referred to as the “Swiss Grand Canyon.”
In addition to the spectacular scenery, the ride is also a great opportunity for admiring traditional architecture in the country, from Engadine farmhouses to the timbered homes of Goms.
The train has operated year-round since the 1980s, giving travelers a chance to admire lush greenery in the spring and summer, its colorful foliage in the fall, and its valleys and passes that look magical covered in snow in the winter.
Tickets start at about $158 for the full journey. It's also possible to book shorter trips along the route.
