known as the “Swiss Grand Canyon”
and the Landwasser Viaduct (142 metres
in length and 65 metres in height), an
impressive structure on ive masoned
pillars which leads directly into the
Landwasser Tunnel. From Thusis, the
train climbs up the Albula Valley
through tunnels and across viaducts
towards St. Moritz. Harmoniously
embedded into the striking landscape,
this part of the line is a monument to the
pioneering days of railway-building and
is even part of the UNESCO World
Heritage site “Rhaetian Railway in the
Albula/Bernina Landscapes”.
As well as the remarkable scenery, the
train is equally known for its culinary
triumphs and ive-star feel—and these
tempting qualities have increased with
the arrival of Excellence Class, a new
standard in luxury train travel.
Passengers in this exclusive class can
enjoy a guaranteed window seat with
unbeatable panoramic views and
ultimate comfort thanks to supremely
relaxing lounge chairs. Excellence Class
also offers a concierge service; the
pleasure of this begins as soon as guests
step onto the platform, where they will
be greeted at a welcome desk that takes
care of check-in and handles all luggage.
Whether it’s champagne and salmon
soufflé or anecdotes and insiderinformation about the landscape passing
by the crystal clear windows, the highly
experienced crew ensures that guests are
comfortable and content throughout the
entire journey. A special on-board
entertainment system, including an
individual tablet with comprehensive
information about the route, will keep
even the most inquisitive passengers
occupied for the duration of the trip.
In fact, the only element that may
rival the endless entertainment and
unique views is the world-class dining
opportunities. Somehow, delicate
amuse-bouche and ine champagne
taste even better when they are taken
overlooking sights like the Matterhorn.
As the train journeys along, the crew
will serve a reined regional and
seasonal ive-course meal including
accompanying wines from the cantons
of Graubünden and Valais. Following
the meal, coffee and a coffret of
chocolates are served—it truly feels like
being in a ve-star restaurant.
For a welcome drink or aperitif,
Excellence Class also contains the
exclusive (and always well-stocked)
Glacier Bar, which makes a strong claim
to the best view on board. Thanks to a
giant golden compass on the bar’s
ceiling, guests won’t miss a single turn
while sipping on their favourite tipple.The Right Track
From Zermatt to St. Moritz, the route
of the Glacier Express is legendaryClockwise from above: Excellence Class—“the most sought-after seats in
Switzerland”; the Glacier Bar with its fascinating golden compass; the Glacier
Express at the Oberalp Pass with a view over Andermatt and the Hospental valley(^1) Zermatt to Brig
(45km, 1,604m to
670m above sea
level, 1.5 hours)
The steep Matter
Valley offers an
incredibly varied
landscape: perpetual
ice, deep gorges,
jagged rock faces,
blooming Alpine
meadows, historical
bridges and the
highest vineyard
in Europe.
(^2) Brig to Andermatt
(70km, 670m to
1,435m above sea
level, 1.5 hours)
The Goms is very
popular for hiking in
the summer and
cross-country skiing
in the winter.
Traditional wooden
houses on wooden
stilts create an
idyllic backdrop.
(^3) Andermatt
to Chur (90km,
1,435m to 585m
above sea level,
2.5 hours)
At 2,033 metres
above sea level, the
Oderalp Pass is the
highest point of the
journey. It’s a border in
several respects: a
watershed between
the rivers Rhône and
Rhine as well as a
division between the
cantons of Wallis, Uri
and Graubünden.
(^4) Chur to St. Moritz
(85km, 585m to
1,775m above sea
level, 2 hours)
There are many
castles and
fortifications to be
seen in the
Domleschg, many of
which were built in
ancient times to
control the Alpine
passes. In the Albula
Valley, the train goes
through a UNESCO
World Heritage site.
11-19-Travel-promo-Switzerland-Tourism.indd 52 19/09/2019 10:35