If you didn’t already know, the Glacier Express is a glass-topped train that journeys between Zermatt and St Moritz, taking in one of Switzerland’s most scenic train routes through spectacular Swiss mountain scenery. Read on to discover 7 fascinating facts about this iconic train.
On the Glacier Express you’ll ascend over 6,600 feet to the top of the Oberalp Pass, before you hurtle through tunnels to emerge under a dazzling blue sky, whizzing past rows of spruce and fir across the mountainside. This is no ordinary train journey that you can’t wait to end, rather it’s a leisurely, pleasurable – and breathtaking – experience.
1. THE GLACIER EXPRESS IS OVER 90-YEARS-OLD
The Glacier Express route from Zermatt to St.Moritz first opened on 25 June 1930. Passengers travelled in 1st, 2nd or 3rd class and the train was formed of elegant parlours full of people drinking and dining. Before the Glacier Express, the two resort towns were quite isolated and had only become popular in the previous decade when wealthy travelers discovered their appeal.
2. IT’S THE SLOWEST TRAIN IN THE WORLD
The Glacier Express is known as the slowest express train in the world. Its average speed clocks in at 24 mph, which is paltry compared to the TGV POS in France, which has recorded speeds of 357 mph, or the soon to be operational L0 Series MagLev in Japan, which holds the land speed record for traveling at 374 mph. However, with the staggering scenery of the Swiss mountains, you’ll be glad of the extra time to capture the imagery on camera.</p
3. IT TRAVELS OVER THE 215-FEET-HIGH LANDWASSER VIADUCT
The Glacier Express crosses the Landwasser Viaduct, an impressive bridge constructed in 1901. At its tallest point it is 213 feet high and its six arches span 65 feet each. Exiting the mountain onto this incredible construction is simply breathtaking. With sweeping views to the valley below, the viaduct then disappears into another mountain tunnel.
4. THE GLACIER EXPRESS TRAVELS THROUGH A UNESCO HERITAGE SITE
Not only is the view magnificent from every angle on the Glacier Express route, but much of the track travels through a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is known as the Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscapes.
It was inscribed by UNESCO in 2008 for its importance in overcoming isolation for mountain communities, and also for the way the architectural and civil engineering elements complement the environment through which the track runs. When you consider that much of it was built over a century ago, without the technology that those industries now rely on, this is even more remarkable.
5. SOME OF THE LINE RUNS ON STEAM ENERGY
Many difficulties were present for those designing the railway, from the steep gradients of 1-in-8 to 1-in-14, to the tons of rock that had to be blasted from mountains for the track.
Rack and pinion propulsion, where the train is powered by a cogwheel to move, is a feature in several parts. Much of the line is run on electricity but 50 miles of it relies on steam haulage. The train is limited to a maximum of four coaches for many stretches of track, to keep the load down.
6. THE TRACK IS TALLER THAN THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN IN THE ALPS
The total vertical rise of the Glacier Express clocks in at an impressive 16,200 ft. To put that in perspective, it is not just higher than the imposing Matterhorn that can be seen on the journey, but it is higher than Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps. It’s not a straightforward rise either – the train line ascends and descends dramatically over the Oberalp Pass, down through the Rhone Valley and sweeping upwards to Zermatt.
7. THE GLACIER EXPRESS HAS ITS OWN WINE
Fine food and dining can be enjoyed on one of the world’s greatest train journeys. It would seem a shame not to toast one the amazing views with a crisp Swiss white, and one of the best onboard is the Johannisberg Cuvée Spéciale Glacier Express.
Step on board the Glacier Express on the Magical Switzerland tour.
