Glacier Express journey between Zermatt, Brig, Chur and St Moritz
The Glacier Express is undoubtedly Switzerland's best known train. The 181 mile (290km) trip from Zermatt to St Moritz lasts around eight hours winding its way through some of Europe's most dramatic and beautiful scenery.
Beginning in Zermatt, a pretty Alpine resort close to the Matterhorn, the Glacier Express glides northwards from under the shadow of the mighty Matterhorn and follows the Matter Vispa River and the Rhône Valley to Visp. The train then heads east to Brig, before climbing through Betten, Grengiols and Oberwald on its journey to the 9¼ mile (15km) long Furka Base Tunnel.
The train emerges and makes its way to the village of Andermatt, before beginning its ascent towards the Oberalp Pass which at 6,670 feet (2,033m) is the highest point on the line. It then makes the steep descent towards Disentis, where the train is attached to an RHB locomotive. From here we pass the historic town of Ilanz, descending to the stunning Rhine Gorge where we continue on to the attractive cantonal capital of Chur.
The Glacier Express retraces its route to Reichenau-Tamins before heading south along the valley of the Hinterrhein. The train ascends to Thusis, and continues through green forests before crossing the elegant Landwasser Viaduct railway bridge and disappearing into a 705 foot (215m) tunnel carved into a sheer wall of rock. The train passes through the village of Flisur, before climbing 1,364 feet (416m) in just 7.8 miles (12.6km) thanks to a series of loop tunnels, coils, bridges and viaducts.
After passing through Preda, a village which didn't exist until 1898, the train enters the 3.6 mile (5,864m) long Albula Tunnel, the highest railway tunnel in the Alps at 5,971 feet (1,820m). On emerging the Glacier Express begins its descent through pasture and woodland to the broad Engadine valley. Nearing the end of the journey the train passes through Celerina and across the channel of the famous bob-sleigh run, the 'Cresta Run'. After one more short tunnel your train arrives in St Moritz.
Your search has returned 12 results.
Classic Glacier Express (Brig-Chur) 2013
Discover the majestic Swiss Alps by First Class rail
Spectacular views and stunning scenery have made the Glacier Express from Brig to Chur famous the world over. Explore the Alps on Switzerland's terrific rail network during this incredibly popular mountain holiday.
Inclusive Glacier Express 2013
Discover the majestic Swiss Alps by First Class rail
Beautiful scenery and spectacular views have made the Glacier Express famous world over. On this magnificent rail tour, we also visit pretty Lake Lucerne and travel to Zermatt to enjoy views of the imposing Matterhorn.
Traditional Glacier Express 2013
Explore the Swiss Alps by rail
Stunning scenery and spectacular views are enough to take your breath away as we travel by rail through the heart of the Swiss Alps on the world-famous Glacier Express. Explore the region at leisure with an included GRJ Swiss Travel Card.
Glacier Express to St Moritz 2013
Stunning views on a classic rail journey
Dramatic mountain scenery and beautiful lakes provide the setting for this magnificent tour, as we take the iconic Glacier Express through the Swiss Alps, staying in glamorous St Moritz, and Zermatt, enjoying breathtaking views of the Matterhorn.
First Class Glacier Express at Christmas (Brig-Chur) Hotel Simplon 2013
Enjoy the beautiful landscape of Switzerland
Celebrate the festive season in style on this magnificent Christmas tour. Travelling in First Class throughout, we discover some of Switzerland's most beautiful winter landscapes, such as the mountain resort of Zermatt and the lakeside city of Lucerne, and make spectacular journeys on some of Europe's most iconic trains.
First Class Glacier Express at Christmas (Brig-Chur) Hotel Ambassador 2013
Christmas Day on the Bernina Express
Our Christmas rail holiday is a fantastic way to experience exciting train journeys on the Glacier Express and Bernina Express. Enjoy wonderful excursions and explore the beautiful winter landscapes of Switzerland.
Traditional Glacier Express at Christmas 2013
Christmas in Switzerland's oldest town
This captivating Christmas rail tour combines stunning train journeys across the snow-covered roof of the Alps to tranquil Poschiavo and bustling Zermatt, with time in Switzerland's oldest town, Chur, and the delightful mountain resort of Kandersteg.First Class Glacier Express at New Year (Brig-Chur) 2013
New Year's eve on the Glacier Express
Celebrate the New Year in style on this magnificent tour. Travelling in First Class throughout, we discover some of Switzerland's most beautiful winter landscapes, such as the mountain resort of Zermatt and the lakeside city of Lucerne, and make spectacular journeys on some of Europe's most iconic trains such as the Glacier Express and Bernina Express.
First Class Glacier Express in Winter (Brig-Chur) 2014
Travel in style on Switzerland's iconic trains
Spectacular views and stunning scenery have made the Glacier Express from Brig to Chur famous the world over. Shimmering winter peaks and sugar-frosted forests provide a picture-postcard backdrop to our wonderful winter rail adventure.
Glacier Express in Winter (Chur-Kandersteg) 2014
An adventurous twin-centre Swiss rail holiday
This adventurous twin-centre rail holiday provides ample opportunity to explore the majestic Swiss Alps cloaked in their winter finery, and to enjoy our trip on the famous Glacier Express, surely the slowest, and certainly one of the most scenic 'express' trains in the world.
Adventures in New Zealand 2013»
A 20-day rail tour exploring New Zealand's North and South Islands
More detailsCape Town, The Blue Train & Kruger 2013»
South Africa's highlights and the legendary Blue Train
More details
