- Region
- Central Europe
- Country
- Switzerland
The Glacier Express is one of the world’s most famous scenic railway journeys. Operating through the Swiss Alps, it connects the mountain resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz while giving passengers panoramic views of valleys, mountains, forests, rivers and historic railway structures.
The full route covers approximately 291 kilometres and takes around eight hours. During the journey, the train crosses an extraordinary 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels.
One of the highlights is the Landwasser Viaduct, a dramatic stone railway bridge on the Albula Line. The route also climbs to the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 metres above sea level, its highest point.
The Glacier Express made its first journey on 25 June 1930. Despite the word “Express” in its name, it is not famous for extreme speed. Its relatively relaxed pace is part of the experience, allowing travellers to enjoy the Alpine landscape through large panoramic windows.
Today, the Glacier Express combines historic railway engineering with modern tourism and demonstrates how railways can turn difficult mountain terrain into an unforgettable travel experience.