There’s something about a train ride that captures the magic of travel in a way planes and cars simply can’t.
After my first true train adventure—a day trip from Paris to Brussels—I fell completely in love with the rhythm of the rails. Add in a healthy dose of childhood wonder thanks to The Polar Express and a winter train ride fantasy, and it’s no surprise that riding the Glacier Express through the Swiss Alps quickly found a spot on my bucket list.
And not just a casual spot—this one’s right up there near the top.
❄️ The Magic of Scenic Train Rides
Imagine this: Settling into a comfortable seat, sipping coffee, and watching the world turn into a real-life snow globe outside panoramic windows. Towering peaks dusted with snow. Frozen rivers snaking through valleys. Charming alpine villages with plumes of smoke curling from chimneys.
The Glacier Express isn’t about speed—it’s lovingly called the slowest express train in the world. But that’s the beauty of it. It invites you to slow down, to truly savor the journey.
From Zermatt (home of the Matterhorn) to St. Moritz (the glamorous alpine resort town), the Glacier Express crosses 291 bridges, winds through 91 tunnels, and climbs over the Oberalp Pass at more than 6,600 feet above sea level. It’s not just a ride—it’s a moving postcard of Switzerland’s breathtaking winter landscapes.
🧭 Wander Tip: How to Book + Which Routes Are Most Scenic
🚂 How to Book:
- Tickets can be booked directly through the official Glacier Express website or Swiss Railways (SBB).
- For the best views, reserve a panoramic car seat (large windows that extend into the roof for maximum views).
- Book at least 3 months in advance for winter trips, especially around the holidays!
🎟 Class Options:
- Excellence Class: Ultra-luxury service with guaranteed window seats, a 7-course meal, and a personal concierge.
- First Class: Spacious, comfortable, and more affordable than Excellence.
- Second Class: Still amazing views, just slightly smaller seating arrangements.
🛤 Most Scenic Sections:
- Oberalp Pass – Snowy peaks and winding mountain passes.
- Landwasser Viaduct – The iconic stone bridge curving across a deep gorge.
- Rhine Gorge (nicknamed the “Swiss Grand Canyon”) – Dramatic cliffs plunging into turquoise rivers.
📅 Best Time to Go:
- December–March for winter wonderland scenes (ideal if you love snow!).
- May–September if you prefer lush green landscapes, wildflowers, and easier travel conditions.
✨ Final Thoughts
Sometimes the best adventures aren’t about getting somewhere fast—they’re about finding beauty in the journey itself.
Riding the Glacier Express through Switzerland feels like pressing pause on life for a day and stepping into a storybook world where every turn of the track reveals something even more magical than the last.
Someday soon, I’ll board that train, sit by the window, and watch as winter weaves its magic across the Alps—just like I dreamed.
Have you ever fallen in love with the journey even more than the destination?
Share your favorite travel moments in the comments—and join me next Wednesday for another dream from my wanderlist!
