A world-class panoramic journey

  • 23.07.2024
  • Team railtour
  • Round trips

An eight-hour train journey through Switzerland? At the thought, I was a bit skeptical and my enthusiasm was rather limited when I packed my bag for the three-day trip. However, my initial skepticism gave way to pure amazement once I was on the train ride through the Rhine Gorge.

Sunny Days in St. Moritz

Our journey starts at 9 a.m., as we board the train in Bern heading for Zurich. Our destination today: the alpine resort St. Moritz. Shortly after 1 p.m., we blink into the Engadine sun at St. Moritz station. We make our way to our hotel on foot. On the way, we pass the first luxury boutiques and the world-famous Badrutt's Palace. The night is spent at the family-run Hotel Hauser. The reception is heartfelt and we feel at home straight away.

I heard that not only Pisa, but also St. Moritz features a leaning tower, and we immediately set off in pursuit. The tower is a remnant of the demolished Mauritius church and it's clear inclination is visible to the naked eye. The 12th century landmark is one of the most famous sights in St. Moritz for good reason. The ensuing stroll around Lake St. Moritz makes us hungry. With a delicious meal and a fine glass of wine, we look forward to whatever the next day will bring. 

Luxuriously through the Albula Valley

After a peaceful night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we make our way to the station. The Glacier Express is waiting on platform 3. We decide to treat ourselves to a trip in 1st class - after all, a train journey like this is meant to be a unique experience. As we board, we are pleasantly surprised: the interior appears modern and, thanks to the huge panoramic windows, the train is as bright as day. The Glacier Express leaves St. Moritz station punctually and the first coffee of the day is served in a porcelain cup. 
Through headphones, we listen to interesting information about this fascinating railroad line with its numerous tunnels and viaducts that lead over deep valleys. No wonder, this railroad line has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. The ride to Chur passes in the blink of an eye as we watch and admire.

First class on rails

I take the opportunity to make a detour to the Excellence Class. This luxury class on the Glacier Express has only been available for the past year and offers everything your heart desires. The coach is appealing with modern design elements and every guest is guaranteed a window seat and an interactive tablet for on-board entertainment. 
Back in my seat, I glance out of the window again and almost miss one of the highlights because of my detour, as we are now crossing the Rhine Gorge. White cliffs and bizarre rock formations offer a unique sight and show a completely different facet of Swiss nature. 
 
By then it is already lunchtime. We start with a mixed salad, followed by meatloaf with mashed potatoes and vegetables and round off the trio with a sweet chocolate cake. Anyone who now thinks of airplane food or regular train buffets is miles away from the truth. The food is simply fantastic, better than in many restaurants! Perhaps because everything is freshly prepared on the train.
© Glacier Express / Stefan Schlumpf

Where the Rhine begins

After lunchtime, we reach another highlight: our train climbs the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 meters above sea level, the highest point of our journey today. The view is breathtaking! The panorama of the surrounding 3,000-metre peaks and Lake Oberalp is fascinating and beautiful at the same time. Nearby, in the Lai da Tuma, is where the Rhine has its spring. The journey then descends again to Andermatt in the canton of Uri. The beautiful landscape of the Urseren Valley glides past the window, and then the train crosses the Furka Basis Tunnel into the canton of Valais. The final destination draws ever closer and soon the Matterhorn is in sight.

© Glacier Express / MGB

The world-famous panorama

The following day Zermatt has plenty to offer. We decide to take the Gornergrat Railway up to the panorama platform, which takes us up to 3'131 meters above sea level in just 40 minutes. We get off one stop in advance, as it takes just 10 minutes to reach the famous Riffelsee lake from the Rotenboden station. On a clear day, the Matterhorn is reflected in the lake and makes for spectacular pictures. Following this detour, we finally take the train up to the Gornergrat. From up here we have a panoramic view of the gigantic alpine scenery, including the Matterhorn and Gorner Glacier, and even a cute marmot shows itself from its finest side. On the way back, the small windows and the not quite as comfortable seats on the regional train bother us a slighty. It seems we were simply spoiled a bit on the Glacier Express the day before.

Impressions

Zermatt
© Glacier Express / MGB