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Imagine traveling aboard a train whose panoramic windows open onto snow-covered Alps, spiral viaducts, peaks, lakes, valleys... It's possible, aboard the Glacier Express and Bernina Express. Two legendary trains with spectacular scenery through the Alps. The good news? You can combine them into a single turnkey 4-day, 3-night trip to discover Switzerland. Focus on Glacier and Bernina Express Classic.
The "Glacier & Bernina Express Classic" trip lasts 4 days and 3 nights, combining Switzerland's two most famous panoramic trains. You'll start Zermatt across the Alps to Saint-Moritz then set course for Tirano (Italy) via the Bernina Express, before reaching Lugano via the panoramic bus.
Tour details - © switzerlandtravelcentre.com
Account 980 € in 2ᵉ class for the full trip. A small sum, then, but one that saves you from thinking about logistics and includes the entire trip:
✔️ Journeys by Glacier Express, Bernina Express and panoramic bus
✔️ The on-board seat reservations (mandatory on these trains)
✔️ The 3 nights' accommodation in a 3-star hotel with breakfast in Zermatt, St. Moritz and Lugano
Aboard the Glacier Express in winter- © Peter Hummel
Travel is possible from February to October but the most beautiful periods are June to September This is when the snow is still visible on the peaks and the valleys are full of flowers. Beware, demand is particularly high during the high season (July to September). We advise you to book early to get a good window seat!
He is nicknamed the world's slowest express train. But don't let the name fool you: on board the Glacier Express, we're not looking to go fast, we're looking to go big.
Glacier Express AG - Stefan Schlumpf
The journey begins in Zermatt a car-free village at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, to reach Saint-Moritz a chic resort perched at an altitude of 1,800 m. An 8-hour journey takes you 291 bridges, 91 tunnels and the Oberalp Pass à 2033 meters the highest point on the route. All from the comfort of ultra-bright panoramic cars, with service at your seat, multilingual audioguide, and the option of reserving a meal (optional).
Along the way, you cross Schöllenen gorge, lanyards traditional villages overhanging the vertiginous valleys And sometimes, in the distance, you'll catch a glimpse of a glacier. In short, a condensed version of Switzerland in a masterpiece of railway engineering, but above all an ode to slowness and contemplation.
On the third day, we change from white to green: welcome aboard the Bernina Express Classic another legendary train and a veritable climatic elevator.
Bernina Express at Bianco Lagoon, Graubünden - © RhB, 2023, photographer: Andrea Badrutt
From Saint-Moritz head south to Tirano an Italian town nestling at the foot of the Alps. In 4 hours, you'll cross one of Europe's highest railway passes (2253m at Bernina Pass), glides between Bernina glaciers cross the Grisons valleys before gently descending to palm trees in Italy's Valtellina region.
Special mention for Brusio spiral viaduct listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site where the train literally loops 360° on itself. A unique experience, between technical prowess and dizzying beauty.
Practical info: no dining car on board, but a mobile minibar (and you can even bring your own picnic - it's allowed!).
And a photo tip for the road Late morning/early afternoon: aim for late morning or early afternoon for the best light on the peaks.
And because we're friendly, we've even negotiated a small discount for you: -5% with code AFFHOURRAIL on the reservation site below:
This article was written in partnership with Switzerland Travel Centre. To dream (and book), visit their official website: switzerlandtravelcentre.com !
This guide is produced in partnership with the tourism office:
Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).
Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.
