15 Glacier Express Highlights In Switzerland

You might think it’s just a long train ride, but the Glacier Express is more like sightseeing on rails—no rush, no stress, just windows full of Switzerland. Mountains, tunnels, villages, and bridges unfold one after another. And yes, your camera roll will be a mess.

See The Matterhorn Tower Over Zermatt

The journey starts in Zermatt, a high-altitude village hidden beneath the Matterhorn. This car-free resort town doubles as the Glacier Express’s western gateway. As the train pulls out of the station, passengers leave behind alpine chalets and ski slopes, heading into eight hours of high-mountain wonder.

Watch Vineyards Line The Slopes In Visp

Visp lies in Switzerland’s Rhone Valley, known for its fertile vineyards. Grape varieties of the region date back to Roman times, contributing to Switzerland’s rich winemaking tradition. Slopes of this valley show off a stunning backdrop of terraced vineyards that can be admired as the train passes.

Pass Through Brig

Brig is historically significant for its role in constructing the Simplon Tunnel, opened in 1906. At nearly 20 kilometers long, it was an engineering marvel of its time, linking Switzerland with Italy. Brig remains a vital transport hub, with its quaint streets offering a glimpse into its history of military and trade routes.

Reach The Glacier Express’s Highest Point

At 2,033 meters, Oberalp Pass is the Glacier Express’s highest elevation. It sits between Andermatt and Disentis and divides the cantons of Uri and Graubunden. The view includes frozen lakes, rugged cliffs, and wide alpine meadows. Snow covers the region for much of the year, making this rail the only winter access route.

Spot Military Bunkers And Mountain Trails

Andermatt sits in the Urseren Valley beneath the 2,963-meter Gemsstock Peak. Once a key stop along the Gotthard Pass, it played a vital role in Swiss military defense, housing Fort Stockli and World War-era bunkers in the nearby Schollenen Gorge. Today, it’s also a gateway to scenic hikes, including the Four Headwaters Trail near the Rhone Glacier.

Follow The First Flow Of The Rhine

Tujetsch lies near Lake Toma, where the Anterior Rhine begins. From the train, you’re following the early path of a river that flows over 1,200 kilometers to the North Sea. This section is narrow and steep, shaped by glacial runoff, and marks the Rhine’s first descent through the Swiss Alps.

Ride Along The Cliffs Of The Rhine Gorge

This stretch between Ilanz and Reichenau takes the Glacier Express into the Rhine Gorge, or Ruinaulta—a 14-kilometer canyon created by a prehistoric rockslide, not river erosion. The train clings to ledges above sharp bends and steep drops. Don’t worry, it’s safe—but while you’re eyeing the cliffs, you might spot an Apollo butterfly or even a rare owl tucked into the rock.

Discover Ancient Streets And Roman Ruins In Chur

Switzerland’s oldest city, Chur in Graubunden, dates back 13,000 years, and it reveals Roman ruins from Curia Raetorum. It’s an old town that’s alive with Romansh language, and reflects a unique heritage. Near the train station, the Ratisches Museum displays prehistoric and Roman artifacts, a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Catch The Famous Curve On The Landwasser Viaduct

The Landwasser Viaduct is an engineering landmark, curving across a deep ravine on towering stone pillars. Built in 1902, it stands 65 meters tall and spans 136 meters, connecting directly into a tunnel carved into the cliff. It’s also the moment everyone on board suddenly becomes a photographer and jumps across for the window view, whether they meant to or not.

Spot The Seven Arches Hidden

Just before reaching Filisur, look out the window and you might catch the Schmittentobel Viaduct. It’s a seven-arch limestone bridge completed in 1903 that spans a forested gorge. Designed for stability more than spectacle, it has quietly earned its place in a UNESCO-listed railway.

Glide High Above The River On The Solis Viaduct

At 89 meters tall, the Solis Viaduct spans a narrow section of the Albula Valley with a single sweeping curve. It was built in the early 1900s using reinforced concrete, which was experimental at the time. From the train, it’s not the height you notice first—it’s how effortlessly the track seems to float above the river.

Ride Past Alpine Houses And Switchbacks

As the tight rail curves, Bergun in Graubnden climbs 400 meters via viaducts and tunnels. Built in 1903, the Albula line’s engineering shines even further here. At the station, the Rhaetian Railway Museum details the route’s viaducts. The area is also significant for its well-preserved traditional Engadine-style houses.

Cross A Continental Divide Inside The Albula Tunnel

The 5.9-kilometer Albula Tunnel links the Albula and Engadine Valleys, opening a year-round direct rail route to St. Moritz. As the Glacier Express disappears into the mountain, it crosses the divide between two major river systems. Don’t expect sweeping views here, just a long, echoing silence and a sudden change in scenery.

Pause At Spinas, A Quiet Stop After The Tunnel

Right after the Albula Tunnel, the Glacier Express emerges at Spinas, a remote hamlet surrounded by forest and stone. There’s no town center, just a station, a few alpine huts, and a sharp shift in scenery. It’s the kind of place you don’t visit—unless a train happens to drop you there.

Explore Lakeside Views And Luxury In St. Moritz

St. Moritz is one of the official start or end points of the Glacier Express. You can step off here to explore its lakeside promenade, upscale resorts, and alpine trails. It has hosted the Winter Olympics twice. The town also averages over 300 days of sunshine a year—yes, even with all the snow.