Great rail journeys: the scenic Glacier Express route

The journey that the Glacier Express takes through the Swiss Alps offers some of the most hypnotising scenery.

On the eight-hour journey, you’ll pass through steep valleys, gorges, tunnels, over bridges, past snow-capped peaks and flower-filled meadows. Here are some of the journey’s highlights along the way – just make sure to book the window seat!

Each stop on the Glacier Express train offers something picturesque, enchanting and unforgettable. So you know what to expect, we’ve listed the highlights of each stop below.

Zermatt

On the Glacier Express route, Zermatt offers rural, mountain charm. In the renowned Swiss ski resort, you’ll find wooden chalets amongst hotels with hot tubs and fireplaces. 

The ski season here lasts from November to May and while the resort’s après-ski scene is worth checking out, Matterhorn Mountain is the main attraction. Discover the jagged, snow-capped mountain that dominates the Alpine landscape.

Brig

Get off the train in Brig to check out its photogenic Old Town. With a mountainous backdrop, you’ll find brightly-coloured houses huddled round the cobbled main square. 

The Alpine town also has a castle, known as the Stockalper Palace, whose Baroque archways resemble scenes from The Sound of Music.

Andermatt

When the snow melts, the Alpine landscape around Andermatt transforms into a hiker’s paradise. 

Swiss cows graze the green slopes and mountain trails take you to waterfalls and wildflower meadows. 

One of the most popular hikes is towards Furka Pass. This staggering mountain sits at nearly 2,500 metres above sea level and is also featured in the film Goldfinger.

Chur

Being the oldest city in Switzerland, it’s worth getting off the Glacier Express train to explore Chur.

Walk around the winding streets in the car-free old quarter and you’ll get a sense of its long history. 

Like a maze, it’s easy to lose your way but that won’t matter, as you’ll be treated to the outstanding scenery. 

Explore the city to find massive, crumbling frescoes on the side of a medieval building.

St. Moritz

With an astonishing average of 300 days of sunshine per year, St. Moritz is almost always looking pretty as a picture. 

Situated in the southern Alps, on the pretty Upper Engadine lakes, you’ll find Lake St. Moritz standing between steep slopes and snow-capped peaks. 

Spot the multi-coloured wings of kite surfers gliding above or take the cable railway up to Muottas Muragl for spectacular scenery.

When travelling on the Glacier Express, there are a few sights to keep an eye out for. Don’t worry about missing them either, as some of the visual spectacles are announced over the intercom.

Landwasser Viaduct

The Landwasser Viaduct near Filisur is nothing short of breathtaking. As you make your way into the Landwasser tunnel, you’ll be greeted with panoramic views that will make you glad you booked the window seat.

Preda and Bergün

As part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s of no surprise that the journey between Preda and Bergün boasts spectacular views. Along the way, you’ll also travel through spiral tunnels, making it the perfect spot for rail enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Rhine Gorge

The views that Rhine Gorge boasts are so quintessentially Swiss, it looks like something straight from a postcard. 

View snow-capped mountains, vibrant trees and aquamarine lakes. When you travel through the gorge you’ll see the jagged rock formations carved by the Rhine River, creating a canyon landscape. After all, the Rhine Gorge is dubbed the Swiss Grand Canyon.

Oberalp Pass

Oberalp Pass is the highest point of the Glacier Express route, standing 2,044 metres above sea level. Being so high up, you’ll be able to take in the expansive views of the stunning Swiss landscape.

Where does the Glacier Express go?

The train starts at Zermatt and finishes at St Moritz. The journey spans 181 miles, meaning you’ll be able to take in the outstanding views along the way. Take a trip with Glacier Express for a scenic journey like no other.

How long does the Glacier Express journey take?

If you take the entire journey from Zermatt to St Moritz, the train journey takes around eight hours. If you don’t fancy a long journey, you don’t have to travel all the way and you can get off at one of the stops. These include: St. Moritz, Chur, Andermatt, Brig and Zermatt.