Who hasn't dreamed of escaping to the middle of Switzerland's most majestic mountains? Rail travel transports the hearts of men as much as it celebrates the glory of the Alps. Here we present three railway legends: the Glacier Express, the Bernina Express and the Golden Pass.
The Glacier Express Bernina: an exceptional train from Zermatt to St. Moritz
Between Valais, Uri and Graubünden stretches a railroad. Treasure winding its way through the peaks, the 4000s pass before our eyes. Matterhorn, Liskamm, Monte Rosa, Weisshorn... all giants whose grandeur amazes passengers. The journey takes eight hours by train. That makes it the world's slowest express train!
History of the Glacier Express Bernina: a symbol of excellence
Inaugurated on June 25, 1930, the railroad linking the village of Zermatt to St. Moritz embraces the splendors of Switzerland. From the outset, its objective was clear: to offer travelers a window on the country's jewels. It was an instant success, with the first passengers captivated. At the dawn of the Second World War, the train suffered the ravages of the conflict. Service was forced into a painful pause. But, indomitable in spirit, the train rose from the ashes in 1948. It once again traversed the Swiss countryside, its former lustre restored. Every detail of its service is aimed at providing top-of-the-range comfort, celebrating the heritage of Swiss railway excellence. The Glacier Express Bernina continues to shine as a symbol of Swiss greatness.
The world-renowned Glacier Express stands out for its Excellence class. The journey through the Alps is transformed into a voluptuous experience. A sublime spectacle where luxury blends with the majesty of the surrounding summits . In this exceptional carriage, passengers enjoy five gourmet dishes from the region. Comfort is second to none. Each window seat offers unforgettable views, as if suspended between heaven and earth.
Route of the Glacier Express Bernina: a journey between mountains and wonders
There are places that can suspend the breath and move the soul. The Glacier Express Bernina is one of these places. The epic journey begins in Saint-Moritz, a village where elegance mingles with tranquillity. Perched between the summits of the Engadine valley, this ski resort rises to an altitude of 1856 metres. Saint-Moritz is bathed in sunshine, with shimmering lakes and snow-capped mountains.
The railroad line then leads to the Rhine Gorge. A natural spectacle reminiscent of the Grand Canyon, here nature retains its mysteries. These wild gorges, traversed by a torrential river, are lined with white walls and vast forests. Like an Eden on the water's edge, the flora and fauna are richly endowed. And in this living tableau, the universe itself exercises its talents as a painter.
The Glacier Express Bernina continues its journey, winding its way up to the Oberalp Pass, nestled at an altitude of 2044 metres between the Glarus and Lepont Alps. Near the pass, the Rhine rises at Lake Toma and begins its journey across Europe.
The crossing ends at Zermatt. Capital of the Swiss Alps, the town welcomes thousands of visitors every year. In addition to its worldwide renown, it has become Europe's highest ski resort. Its reputation has been forged by the legendary mountains that surround it. The Matterhorn is one of the 38 summits peaks towering over the valley at over 4,000 metres. A pyramid of rock and ice, it soars skyward as the king of the Swiss Alps. A masterpiece of nature for which Zermatt has created its emblem.
Bernina Express: the jewel of the mountains
The Bernina Express runs between Chur and Tirano. The 156-kilometer, four-hour journey stretches from Switzerland to Italy. The Morteratsch glacier, the Vadret da Palü, the summit du Piz Bernina... a treasure trove of rock and ice.
Bernina Express: the red train of the peaks
Nicknamed the "red train of the peaks", the Bernina Express stands out for its technical prowess. At the heart of this engineering are the helical loops: spiral constructions that allow the train to gain altitude over very short distances. Like a ribbon that folds in on itself, these loops draw circles in a landscape bursting with light. The train then begins its dance on these spirals. This ethical railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Every journey aboard the Bernina Express is an encounter between engineering and the majesty of the Alps.
The Bernina Express offers an ever-changing panorama as it travels for miles. Departing from the Alpine valleys, the train gradually moves away from summits to immerse itself in the mild Mediterranean climate. From glaciers to palm trees, two worlds follow one another. Between the chill of the Alpine climate and the caress of the Mediterranean breeze, our souls are transported.
Bernina Express route: from Switzerland to Italy
Departing from Chur, Switzerland's oldest city, the Bernina Express first skirts the banks of the Hinterrhein. As it moves away from Chur, the landscape changes. The urban backdrop gives way to dense forests, while the first slopes of the Graubunden Alps appear on the horizon. The train then heads for the Landwasser viaduct, an engineering feat that rises 65 metres into the air and plunges straight into a tunnel cut into the cliff. A theatrical entry into the world of the high mountains, where the Bernina Express traces a sinuous line between the Alpine skies and terra firma.
After crossing the viaduct, the train heads for the heights of Filisur and Bergün. Then comes the Albula Pass. A masterpiece of engineering, the train begins a daring ascent through spirals and tunnels that defy logic. The Bernina Express braves the steep slopes like a mountaineer confronting a titan of rock. Like a climber defying the laws of gravity, it pulls itself up to discover the panoramas of celestial nature.
The journey continues south to Pontresina and the Bernina massif. Here, the train reaches its climax at the Bernina Hospice, at over 2250 meters altitude. Glistening glaciers and snow-capped peaks begin their parade. Then come the mountain lakes, including Lago Bianco. It sparkles over the pass with its lactescent whiteness.
The final stage takes us to Tirano, Italy. A striking contrast emerges. The rugged Alpine landscape gives way to gentle vineyards and olive groves. The journey comes to an end. As it crosses the border, the Bernina Express offers an epic journey through nature and humanity, leaving an indelible imprint on the minds of those privileged enough to climb aboard.
Golden Pass Express: legendary train in the heart of the Swiss Alps
The Golden Pass Express, an icon of elegance and innovation in the railway world, invites you to a luxurious exploration of the Alps. The result of an ambition to connect Switzerland's three linguistic regions, it links Lucerne, at the heart of the German-speaking world, to Montreux, the pearl of the French-speaking Riviera.
History of the Golden Pass Express: between elegance and innovation
Construction of the Golden Pass Express began in 1873. An ambitious project was born in the minds of the builders. To unite Lakes Geneva, Thun and Brienz and merge the three key economic centers. The challenges were colossal: overcoming imposing mountains, deep valleys and the dilemma of different track gauges. The engineers' perseverance is put to the test.
The project was reborn with new ambitions. In 1930, a bold initiative was launched: the installation of a third rail. Despite high aspirations, this dream came up against harsh economic and technical realities. In 2006, the project suffered a decisive setback: the coexistence of metric and standard gauge tracks at Spiez station proved insurmountable without the addition of an underground track. Faced with soaring costs, the project collapsed under its own weight.
But innovation transcends all limits. In 2008, under the aegis of the Compagnie du Chemin de Fer Montreux Oberland bernois (MOB), a revolutionary idea took shape. Why not redesign the rolling stock itself? The concept of the variable-gauge bogie was born. This technology, which enables the train to be adapted to different track gauges, makes the Golden Pass Express a world first. The line became a symbol of perseverance and innovation. The travel experience is unrivalled. The entire journey is designed to sublimate the splendor of the Alps.
The Golden Pass Express continually redefines the boundaries of excellence. The Prestige class, the embodiment of this principle, transforms the odyssey into a perfect fusion of comfort and immersion in the mountain realm. Every detail is imbued with discreet luxury and meticulous attention to detail. The carriages, equipped with heated seats, promise unparalleled contemplation through panoramic windows that open towards the sky. This exclusive service, reserved for nine privileged passengers, transforms every departure into an exceptional ballet.
Golden Pass Express route: the way to the summits
Between summits and the valleys, the Golden Pass Express traces its path through the landscape. The route begins in Lucerne, where the waters of Lake Lucerne reflect the azure sky and snow-capped peaks. Right from the start, every kilometer is a visual symphony leading to enchanted horizons.
The train then climbs the slopes of theOberland Bernese Alps, where green meadows become carpets of gold as the seasons change. Through the panoramic windows, the power of the massif unfolds. Pyramids of rock reach for the sky. They tear at the heavens, proclaiming their celestial power. Dominant and imposing, they tower over the realm of man.
Continuing on to Gstaad, the Golden Pass caresses the foothills of bernese alps. The village, with its discreet, elegant charm, embodies that "last paradise in a crazy world", in the words of Julie Andrews. It's from Gstaad that I begin my explorations to lesser-known but equally majestic summits , such as Gummfluh, Videmanette and Rubli.
The journey culminates in Montreux. A jewel box of culture and melody, its streets resonate with the echoes of its illustrious jazz festival. An artistic city bathed in a symphony of music, colors and flavors, it watches over Lake Geneva and the surrounding summits . The lake, in its infinite tranquility, merges with the Vaudois summits mountains, which stand like sentinels in the rock. These mountains, shaped by time, dominate the horizon with their sharp edges. And Montreux, a city of sound, unfolds its symphony between lake and peak.
Swiss trains, true technological feats, transport us through the most beautiful Alpine landscapes. The fruit of man's ingenious folly, their brilliance reveals nature's masterpieces. Unparalleled beauty between the world of man and the heavens.
