The slowest Express train in the world
By Madelyn Miller
 Usually when you take an express trip, it costs more, but
you get there quicker. With the Glacier Express which runs from St. Moritz to
Zermatt, that logic does not apply.
Who wants to rush through the beautiful vistas in the Swiss
Mountains and Geneva Lakes area? The glacier express takes you past the unique
mountain landscape of the Swiss on a spectacular train ride that takes you
between Valais peaks and the Engadine, past scenic highlights and tourist
attractions.
Aboard the famous Glacier Express you discover gentle
valleys and snow-capped mountain rivers and rugged cliffs, charming villages and
picturesque castles. Before you arrive at your destination, the powerful Glacier
Express will have wound its way steadily across the high mountain passes and
breathtaking viaducts, through deep tunnels and narrow gorges.
ENJOYMENT FOR ALL YOUR SENSES
 Surrounded by such stupendous scenery, it is often the
simple pleasures that remain unforgettable. The pure mountain air or the tangy
scent of the forest. The brightly colored flowers or the lush green pastures.
The deep blue of the maintain lakes. And best of all, the train even has a mini
bar.
FROM ST. MORITZ TO ZERMATT
I only did half of the Glacier Express to Zermatt. The
panoramic journey with the Glacier Express begins in the magical landscape of the Upper
Engadine, in the chic resort of St. Moritz. Just a few kilometers outside this
bustling health spa area you reach the spectacular Albula Line, which repeatedly
doubles back and criss-crosses itself on a route from Preda to Bergun like a
roller-coaster. It rises over 400 metres over a distance of just 5km as the crow
flies.
A TREAT FOR BODY AND SOUL
 A trip with the Glacier Express is not only a feast for
your eyes-even though the new-style panorama carriages were designed precisely
for that purpose, it is a train tradition to look after your culinary needs
as well. There is a wide selection of liquid refreshments and snacks. Why not
try a glass of the famous Swiss white wine? Served in a special crooked glass to
cope with the steepest uphill and down-dale stretches. Or would you prefer some
creamy Alpine chocolate? Friendly stewards and stewardesses will bring either to
your seat. Or you can have your lunch served at the table with a properly laid
table with neat tablecloths and elegant china.
DO YOU CARE FOR A DIGESTIVE?
Even if you rarely drink schnapps or Grappa-you should
answer this question on the affirmative on the Glacier Express. Because there is
a special custom attached to serving spirits here: the waiter pours it with his
arm stretched above his head, so that it splashes into the glass like a
waterfall.
How the skilled “schnapps acrobats” manage to do it without
spilling a drop of the precious liquor—your guess is as good as mine. But it is
rumored that this is one of the qualifications required of the service staff
before they are accepted for the job.
INSIDER TRIPS ABOUT TAKING THE GLACIER TRAIN
Carts are available all over Switzerland train stations for
a refundable 2 Swiss Franc deposit. In Zermatt, you need a 5 Swiss Franc coin.
Not a problem, but it is hard to get change when you have lots of luggage and
everyone is rushing off.
You can take the Glacier Express for a small extra fee
(worth every penny) if you have a Swiss Rail Pass.
I think the Glacier Express has non-glare glass windows all
along the side and above, so you can take great pictures if you travel during
the day.
WHERE TO STAY
Where to Eat
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SWITZERLAND
BEST WAY TO GET TO SWITZERLAND
Swiss International Air Lines, the national carrier of
Switzerland serves 70 destinations including 43 in Europe and 27 in Africa,
Asia, North & South America.
North American gateways include: Boston Chicago, Los
Angeles, Miami, Montreal, Newark, and JFK/New York. In 2004, 9.2 million
passengers flew in Swiss First, Swiss Business and Swiss Economy Class. For more
information, click onto
www.swiss.com or call 1-877-FLY SWISS.
BEST WAY TO GET AROUND IN SWTIZERLAND
The Swiss Travel System is incredibly comprehensive and
includes rail, lake steamers and city transportation lines. STS discount passes
are as individual as your travel plans and excursion wishes. Ranging from a
plain transfer ticket to flexible or consecutive travel days. Buy any Swiss
Pass and get a free Family Card for unlimited travel for kids up to 16.
Available on
www.MySwitzerland.com or
www.RailEurope.com
And the best way to get around just got better—
In 2006, - buy a Swiss Pass, Youth Pass or Flexi Pass and get free admission to
over 400 museums in Switzerland.
- With any STS train pass, receive 10-20% discount on
internet bookings on hotels (Best Western Swiss Hotels, Minotel, Sunstar Hotels
and Swiss Backpacker Hotels)
-Glacier Express: new First Class panorama cars all public transport system entirely non-smoking.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SWITZERLAND
www.MySwitzerland.com
GREAT GUIDEBOOKS
Fodor’s Switzerland 2005
Fodor’s Travel Publications
www.fodors.com
Frommer’s Switzerland
By Darwin Porter and Danforth Prince
Macmillan
www.frommers.com
Rick Steves’ Switzerland 2005
By Rick Steves’
Avalon Travel Publishing
www.ricksteves.com
Culture Shock! Switzerland
A guide to customs and etiquette
By Shirley Eu-Wong
Graphic Arts Center Publishing Company
IF YOU DON’T SPEAK GERMAN, FRENCH OR ITALIAN
The Franklin EuroInterpreter is the easiest way to
communicate. It has over 400,000 words and phrases in 12 languages. It has a
calculator with currency and units of measurement converter.
www.franklin.com
Back to TravelLady Magazine |
