Glacier Express

Glacier Express. The Glacier Express is a renowned scenic railway journey traversing the heart of the Swiss Alps. Operated jointly by the Rhaetian Railway and the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn, it connects the iconic mountain resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz. Celebrated for its dramatic landscapes, the route crosses 291 bridges, passes through 91 tunnels, and climbs over the Oberalp Pass.

History

The service was inaugurated in June 1930, though it initially required a combination of different railway lines and a bus segment over the Furka Pass. The completion of the Furka Base Tunnel in 1982 was a pivotal development, enabling year-round, uninterrupted rail operation. Key historical infrastructure includes the Landwasser Viaduct, constructed in 1902 for the Rhaetian Railway, and the Albula Railway, a masterpiece of early 20th-century engineering. The entire route, including the Bernina Railway, is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its technical and architectural achievements in conquering the Alps.

Route and stations

The journey begins in Zermatt, at the foot of the Matterhorn, in the canton of Valais. It proceeds northeast through the Mattertal valley, passing St. Niklaus and Brig, before ascending the Goms (region) towards Andermatt in the canton of Uri. The line then climbs to its highest point at the Oberalp Pass (2,033 m) before descending into the Vorderrhein valley in the canton of Graubünden. Major stations along the route include Disentis/Mustér, Ilanz, and Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland. The eastern section features the spectacular Albula Tunnel and the winding descent via Bergün/Bravuogn and Preda before reaching the Engadin valley and its terminus at St. Moritz.

Rolling stock and technical details

The train operates on a metre-gauge network, utilizing modern panoramic coaches with oversized windows and glass roof sections. Current rolling stock includes the "Excellence" class luxury coaches and the standard panorama cars operated by the Rhaetian Railway. Power is provided by dedicated electric locomotives, such as the Ge 4/4 III and Gem 4/4 multiple units, capable of handling the steep gradients. The route features a rack railway system on the steep climbs between Disentis/Mustér and Andermatt, and utilizes a maximum gradient of 1 in 7. Notable engineering landmarks include the six-arched Landwasser Viaduct and the helical tunnels of the Albula Railway designed by engineer Hans Studer.

Tourism and cultural impact

The Glacier Express is marketed as the "slowest express train in the world," emphasizing its role as a premier tourist attraction showcasing Swiss engineering and alpine scenery. It is a cornerstone of tourism in Graubünden and Valais, heavily featured in global travel media and promotional campaigns by Switzerland Tourism. The train offers onboard hospitality, including multi-course meals served at passengers' seats. Its cultural significance is cemented by its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Rhaetian Railway in the Albula / Bernina Landscapes," placing it alongside global marvels like the Semmering railway and the Qinghai–Tibet Railway.

See also

* Bernina Express * GoldenPass Line * Gotthard Panorama Express * William Tell Express * Swiss Travel System * Grand Tour of Switzerland * Furka Steam Railway * Glacier Garden of Lucerne

Category:Rhaetian Railway Category:Scenic railways Category:Transport in Graubünden Category:Tourist attractions in Switzerland