The European Train Journey That Belongs on Every Traveler’s Bucket List

Some of Europe’s best travel experiences aren’t about the destination—they’re about the journey. Switzerland’s Glacier Express is a perfect example. Connecting the mountain resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz, the Glacier Express travels roughly 180 miles through the spectacular Swiss Alps. The full journey takes about eight hours, giving passengers plenty of time to enjoy the scenery through the train’s large panoramic windows.

Along the way, travelers pass snowcapped peaks, Alpine villages, deep valleys, rushing rivers, and dramatic mountain passes. One of the most famous sights is the Landwasser Viaduct, a historic curved stone bridge that carries the railway high above the valley before disappearing into a mountain tunnel.

Another highlight is the Rhine Gorge, often called the “Swiss Grand Canyon,” as well as the Oberalp Pass, the highest point along the route.The experience changes with the seasons. Summer brings green valleys and long days, fall adds beautiful autumn colors, and winter transforms the route into a snowy Alpine landscape. The Glacier Express may not be the fastest way across Switzerland—and that’s exactly the point. This is one journey where you’ll want to slow down, grab a window seat, and simply enjoy the view.