Zermatt
Valais, Switzerland

Beguiling atmosphere, sensational scenery, skiing for all levels – a world-class mountain resort that’s as busy in summer as winter.
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Credit Shutterstock.com/marlys grisson
Europe’s most popular tourist train never leaves the mountains of the Valais and Graubunden in Switzerland, yet it passes through an astonishing variety of landscapes: snow-covered peaks that dwarf the train, the broad Goms Valley, desolate moors above Andermatt, the limestone cliffs of the Rhine gorge, and the breathtaking climb to the Albula Pass through spiral tunnels and horseshoe curves.
The narrow-gauge train carriages have panoramic windows and headphone commentary.
The Glacier Express runs between Zermatt and St. Moritz – both directions are equally popular – and it takes aorund 7.5 hours one way. Opportunities for breaking the journey are fairly limited given the few stops made by the Glacier Express (compared with other services).
Lunch at your seat is provided as an optional extra and there is a buffet car open throughout.
The Glacier Express runs all year round, seven days a week, with one daily train running in winter and four in summer.
The journey is spectacular in any season. Clear winter days with snow everywhere are magical, autumn is good for leaf colour and June for spring flowers.
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Valais, Switzerland
Beguiling atmosphere, sensational scenery, skiing for all levels – a world-class mountain resort that’s as busy in summer as winter.
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