Glacier Express Holidays

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Glacier Express Holidays
The Glacier Express is Switzerland's most well known and most beautiful train trip, covering 180 miles between the Matterhorn and St. Moritz. Its name might be a bit misleading though, as it is also billed as one of the slowest express trains in the world! In fact, it takes over 7 hours to cover the journey, but this is all for the best, as it provides passengers aboard the luxury train a chance to completely appreciate the terrific surroundings of the Swiss Alps.
The Glacier Express first ran in 1930, and underwent a number of path changes till 1982, when the present one was reached. This new path also made it possible to take the train trip all the year through, and now crosses 291 bridges and undergoes 91 tunnels. In 2006, some specially created panoramic coaches were introduced to the service, allowing the views to be better delighted in, and the train includes first and second class carriages in addition to a dining car.
The trip begins in Zermatt, which is an Alpine resort situateded in a valley near the Matterhorn. The Glacier express then follows the Matter Vispa River to Visp, descending 1000 metres at the same time. During this time, passengers will not only see some incredible sights, but will also be checked out by the staff walking up and down the train, taking orders for drinks, snacks and lunch. A pre-booked meal can also be arranged for the trip, although passengers can take their own picnic and drinks on-board if they wish.
Going through Visp, the train then visits Brig, where the first rack and pillion sections of the narrow gauge track are passed over along the way. Situated at the end of the Simplon Pass, the train then changes direction at Brig to follow the Rhone valley, where depending on the time of year, snow loaded fir trees and icy rivers can be seen. Climbing through Betten, Grengiols, and Oberwald, the Glacier Express undergoes the 9 � 1/4 mile long Furka Tunnel before emerging on the other side and heading towards Andermatt.
After briefly stopping at Andermatt, (a good chance to stretch the legs and have a cigarette if so preferred!), the trip resumes again, and at this point, those people who have bought lunch will have it gave them. There are a fine choice of wines to select from also, all helping to add to the specialness of the event.
As the train leaves Andermatt, it starts an ascent up towards the Oberalp Pass, which is the highest point of the line, before descending again amongst spectacular surroundings towards Disentis. Passing the historic town of llanz, it carries on downwards to the gorgeous Rhine Gorge, where the cautious observer will see a number of caves, continuing on to Chur.
After reaching Chur, the Glacier Express then backtracks somewhat to Reichenau-Tamins, before heading towards Hinterrhein. As it passes green forests, it then goes over the Landwasser Viaduct Railway Bridge which is one of the most incredible sections of the trip. From here, it enters a tunnel created into the rock, and on the other side, the train undergoes the village of Flisur, where it then begins a climb up-wards, accomplished by a series of looped tunnels, spirals, bridges and viaducts.
When the village of Preda has been left behind, the train then undergoes the 3.6 mile long Albula Tunnel, which is really classed as the highest railway tunnel in the Alps up at almost 6000 feet. Having gone through, the train then begins a progressive descent through woodlands and pastures till it reaches its final destination at St. Moritiz.
Although a fairly short trip in both time and distance when compared with some other luxury train trips, the Glacier Express packs in some really incredible views along the way. With sensational surroundings incorporated with remarkable engineering works, the chance to see snow covered mountains, forests and obviously glaciers, it deservedly earns its place as one of Europe's most attractive train rides.