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With Panoramic Windows, 291 Bridges and an 8-Hour Duration, the Slowest Express in the World Offers an Unforgettable Journey Between St. Moritz and Zermatt in the Heart of Switzerland
The Glacier Express is more than a train journey; it is a Swiss institution, a scenic pilgrimage that winds through the heart of the Alps. Known by the paradoxical nickname of “the slowest express in the world”, this train does not aim for speed, but rather contemplation. Over the course of eight hours, it glides through spectacular landscapes, connecting two of the world’s most glamorous mountain resorts.
This journey is an invitation to slow down and absorb the beauty of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and deep gorges, all in the comfort of its panoramic carriages. The journey, in this case, is the destination itself.
What is the Glacier Express and the Philosophy Behind the Slowest Express in the World?
The Glacier Express is a direct train journey that connects the famous resorts of St. Moritz and Zermatt. The term “express” here refers to its nature of direct connection, with few stops, and not to speed. The “slowness” is a deliberate choice, allowing passengers to appreciate and photograph the scenery without haste.
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The route is a feat of Swiss railway engineering. The train crosses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, including iconic stretches such as the Albula Line, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Furka Base Tunnel, which is 15.4 km long, allowing the train to operate year-round.
Luxury and Comfort in Three Distinct Classes
The Glacier Express offers three classes of service, all with panoramic windows that extend to the ceiling, ensuring unobstructed views.
Excellence Class: The height of luxury. With only 20 individual lounge seats, it offers an exclusive experience with personal concierge, a gourmet menu of five to six courses with wines, and access to the elegant Glacier Bar.
First Class: Offers more space and comfort, with a seating configuration of 2+1. It is ideal for those seeking a premium experience with more privacy.
Second Class: Guarantees the same spectacular visual experience with a seating configuration of 2+2, making the journey accessible to a broader audience.
In all classes, passengers can enjoy an audio system with information about the route in multiple languages.
The Iconic Route from St. Moritz to Zermatt and Its Highlights
The approximately eight-hour journey is a succession of stunning landscapes and engineering landmarks.
From St. Moritz to the Landwasser Viaduct: The journey begins in elegant St. Moritz and soon enters the Albula Line. The highlight is the iconic Landwasser Viaduct, a 65-meter-high structure that dives directly into a tunnel on the side of a mountain.
The Rhine Gorge and Oberalp Pass: The train passes through Ruinaulta, the “Swiss Grand Canyon”, and climbs to the Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the route at 2,033 meters above sea level.
Arrival in Zermatt: After passing through Andermatt and Brig, the final stretch is an ascent through the Mattertal Valley. The journey culminates with the first and spectacular views of the Matterhorn, the pyramid-shaped mountain that dominates the landscape of the village of Zermatt.
The Gastronomy on the Slowest Express in the World
The experience onboard the slowest express in the world is complemented by refined gastronomy, prepared in the train’s own kitchen. In Excellence Class, passengers enjoy a sophisticated regional multi-course menu, paired with Swiss wines.
In First and Second Class, it is possible to order meals and beverages served directly at the seat, with options that include daily specials, three-course menus, and a selection of à la carte dishes. It is highly recommended to pre-reserve meals to ensure availability.
Planning Your Journey on the Slowest Express in the World, Tips and Practical Information
To make the most of the journey, good planning is essential.
Best Time: Summer (June to September) offers lush landscapes and more train options. Winter (December to March) provides fairy-tale snowy scenarios. The train does not operate for maintenance from mid-October to early December.
Tickets and Reservations: The journey requires two purchases: the train ticket and the mandatory seat reservation, which is paid separately. The Swiss Travel Pass covers the cost of the ticket, but not the reservation. It is highly recommended to book well in advance, especially for Excellence Class.
Practical Tips: For the Zermatt-St. Moritz route, the right side of the train tends to offer the best views of the main landmarks. To photograph without reflections, use the small windows that open at the entrance doors of the carriages. Luggage transport services are available for a more comfortable journey.
The Glacier Express is a unique experience, a journey of contemplation that becomes an unforgettable memory, fully justifying its fame as one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world.
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