Glacier Express Panoramic Train

The Glacier Express is a narrow-gauge panoramic train that links the Alpine resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz, and it is famous as one of the great scenic railway journeys in the world. The full run takes about eight hours, crossing roughly 291 bridges and passing through 91 tunnels, and it climbs to the Oberalp Pass, which at about 2,033 metres is the highest point of the line. The train's large windows curve into the roof, so that the mountains, valleys and waterfalls seem to fill the carriage, and the pace is gentle enough to enjoy the view. Along the way it passes the Rhine gorge, the Ruinaulta canyon, sometimes called the Swiss Grand Canyon, and the Landwasser Viaduct, a curved stone bridge that is one of the best-known railway images in the Alps. From Lucerne the route is reached by a scenic rail connection through the Gotthard region to Andermatt, so day trips from the city usually join the line for a section rather than the whole journey.

Understand the geography first. Lucerne is not on the Glacier Express route, but the line passes through Andermatt, a high valley town about an hour and a half from Lucerne by train. A day trip from Lucerne normally takes a regional train through the Reuss valley to Andermatt, joins the panoramic train for a scenic stretch over the Oberalp Pass and into the Rhine valley, and then returns by regular train or by road.

The details of each package differ, so check the itinerary for exactly which stretch is on the panoramic train, how long you spend on board and whether the return is by rail or coach.

On board, expect wide windows, comfortable seats and an audio commentary that points out the sights as they pass. Meals can be ordered at your seat in some classes, and many passengers choose a long lunch while the scenery rolls by. The Oberalp Pass section is high and open, with views over the source of the Rhine and over the alpine meadows. Further east the line drops into the Rhine gorge and crosses viaducts and tunnels that show the skill of the railway builders of the early twentieth century.

Seasons matter. In summer the meadows are green and the passes are clear, and in winter the high stretches are white and the train glides through snow, which many travellers find even more beautiful. The railway operates all year, though schedules and the available services change with the season, and some high sections can be affected by snow or weather. Reserve ahead, because panoramic seats are limited, and check the weather forecast for the day.

Is it for you? It suits travellers who love trains, photographers and anyone who likes to sit back and watch the country go by. It is not a quick day: expect a long time on rails, and expect the price to reflect that. If you want a shorter scenic railway trip, the Rigi cogwheel and the Pilatus railway are easier ways to get a taste of Alpine railways, and if you want the full journey, plan a longer stay in the Alps with a night at one end of the line.

Either way, a day on the Glacier Express is a classic Swiss experience that stays with you.