Thursday, October 9, 2008

Glacier Express

Glacier ExpressThe Glacier Express is one of Switzerland's most famous trains. It has been operating since 1930 and is known as "the world's slowest express train" with an average speed of 22 mph (36 km/h) during the 7½-hour trip between Zermatt and St. Moritz. The 169 miles (272 km) of narrow-gauge track are punctuated by 291 bridges and 91 tunnels. The train reaches a peak elevation of 6,670 feet (2,033 m) at the Oberalp Pass near Andermatt and traverses the 9.5-mile (15-km) Furka Tunnel by taking a shortcut beneath the Alps between Andermatt and Brig.

Trains are a curious mixture of old and new. Modern passenger cars have panoramic windows for enjoyment of the spectacular scenery, while the antique dining cars feature wood paneling, brass fixtures, and special tilted wineglasses that are designed to prevent spilling during the steeper portions of the journey. Some trains have glass-roofed observation cars with a narrated trip commentary that first-class passengers can visit when they aren't dining or occupying their assigned seats.

Unspoiled nature, mountain forests, tranquil alpine pastures - enjoy them all as part of your Glacier Express tour in Switzerland. The train passes through 91 tunnels, goes over 291 bridges and travels along the 6668-ft. Oberalp Pass. This Switzerland Scenic Train also connects two world famous resorts -- St. Moritz and Zermatt, while passing through Chur, Andermatt, and Brig. Experience this memorable way of traveling from the eastern to the western Swiss Alps.

The Glacier Express runs daily in the summer and winter season and offers first and second-class cars, panoramic cars and a dining car.

The Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz in Switzerland is one of the greatest train journeys in the world. …. The Slowest Fast Train in the World!

Travel on the famous Swiss mountain railways from St. Moritz to Zermatt and vice versa or from Piz Bernina to the Matterhorn. A 7 1/2 hour railway journey across 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels and across the Oberalp Pass at 2'033 meters in altitude. A panoramic trip through the Alps in the heart of Switzerland. The Glacier Express passes through a beautiful route between the sights of the Graubünden holiday region, central Switzerland, including Lake Lucerne and Lucerne itself, the sunny Valais region with its glacier landscape, and the beautiful regions of the South. Travel in comfort through the unspoilt natural beauty of a landscape rich in ancient, fragrant mountain forests, peaceful Alpine meadows, rushing mountain streams and mountain valleys, soaked in tradition and centuries-old culture.


No comments: