Switzerland’s Glacier Express is known as the world’s slowest fast train, taking over 8 hours to travel 290 kilometers (181 miles) through the Swiss Alps.
The Glacier Express connecting the alpine resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz isn’t anything like the high-speed express train zipping across Europe. Moving at an average speed of 36 km per hour, it lives up to its reputation as the “world’s slowest express train”, but that laughable speed is by design. You see, taking the Glacier Express isn’t about getting from point A to point B as fast as possible; it’s a scenic journey through the heart of the Swiss Alps that allows travelers to take in all the natural wonders this beautiful region has to offer. The train itself features large panoramic windows designed to provide unobstructed views of the breathtaking scenery, allowing passengers to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the Swiss Alps.
Source: Champer – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
But while the sluggish pace of the Glacier Express is tied to the scenic beauty of the Swiss Alps, the scenery doesn’t tell the whole story. The breathtakingly beautiful mountain route traverses some of the most difficult terrain on the European continent, featuring steep inclines and sharp turns and requires a slower operating speed to ensure passenger safety and comfort.
During its 8-hour journey, the world’s slowest express train passes through numerous spiral tunnels and over tall viaducts – a total of 291 bridges and 91 tunnels – and climbs up to 6670 feet above sea level. Also of note is the fact that the Glacier Express runs on narrow-gauge tracks that aren’t suited for high speeds.
If sitting in a train for eight hours sounds grueling, you’ll be glad to hear that this particular express train is extremely comfortable, with both First and Second Class carts offering spacious, comfortable seating. But if you’re looking for the ultimate experience, you may want to consider the more expensive Excellence Class, where passengers receive five-star service, including a seven-course meal with wine pairings.
Interestingly, the Swiss Alps are also home to the world’s highest train station, Jungfraujoch.
