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Historical image of the stone bridge between the mountains on which the Glacier Express passes.

The history of the Glacier Express

In the footsteps of a legendary train journey

Engineering expertise and pioneering spirit: the development of the Glacier Express

The history of the Glacier Express is inseparable from the engineering expertise of the early 20th century. Thanks to the visionary technical achievements of the railway pioneers of the time, a one-of-a-kind railway network could be created which was able to overcome the challenges of the Alpine landscape. Master-class tunnels and bridges overcome rugged rock faces and blend harmoniously into the beauty of the Alpine landscape. The setting up of this railway line was the founding stone for the creation of the Glacier Express and symbolises the progress in railway technology of the last 120 years.

A journey through time

1903

Opening of the Albula line

The 62-kilometer Albula Line was opened in 1903 after just five years of construction and was extended to St. Moritz in 1904. It is one of the most spectacular railway lines in the world. In 2008, the railway was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a testimony to its uniqueness.Archive images: ©Archiv RhB

The railway pioneers of the time had the major challenge of overcoming the difference of 1000 meters of altitude from Thusis to St. Moritz as well as the numerous gorges and rock faces. They succeeded in mastering this challenge completely without cogwheels and only thanks to intertwining lines with architectural masterpieces such as viaducts, spiral and helical tunnels. The world famous Landwasser Viaduct is the most impressive building of the legendary Albula Line and even today is still attracting passengers and tourists from all over the world. The building of the 142-meter-long and 56-meter-high bridge was a masterpiece of construction. A newly developed construction technology was unusual for the time: the main pillars were erected without scaffolding with just two cranes. In 1902, after just a year and a half, the spectacular bridge was completed.

1930

The birth of the Glacier Express

On 25 June 1930, the Glacier Express travels from Zermatt to St. Moritz for the very first time and runs continuously during the summer months from then on. The car compositions comprise tasteful saloon and passenger cars in 1st to 3rd class and a dining car. Winter operation from October onwards was not possible at that point due to the large amounts of snow and the associated risk of avalanches on the Furka route.

1982

Opening of the Furka Base Tunnel

The opening of the Furka Base Tunnel on 26 June 1982 was the start of an all-year avalanche-proof rail connection between Zermatt and St. Moritz. The Glacier Express enjoys growing popularity: now, snow-covered landscapes can be crossed and marvelled at in the winter months. Alongside loyal guests from Switzerland, Germany and the USA, more and more Asian passengers are discovering the legendary train journey on “the slowest express train in the world”.

1980s

Invention of the tilting glass

Originally introduced as regular tableware, the famous tilting glass is now also available as a souvenir you can take home with you. The cult glass was invented to counteract the slope and prevent the drink from spilling. When the drink in your glass tilted to one side during the journey on board the Glacier Express on an incline or a helical tunnel, the train guards in the trains would shout: “Tournez les verres!” (which is French for “Turn the glasses!”).

1984

Introduction of individual seat reservations

In 1984, the Glacier Express introduces individual seat reservations: an absolute novelty in Swiss rail traffic. Thanks to reports on both German and American TV, the number of passengers increases and from 1985 two further Glacier Express trains run in each direction. To complement the original route, one Glacier Express train now departs from Davos. As a result, the high demand is better met in the summer half of the year. The front page of the New York Times features a story picturing the famous tilting glass, from which nothing spills even on a 12% incline. The number of passengers doubles to 184,000 within a year.

1993

First carriages with panoramic windows

While many railway companies automate their operations in the 1990s, the Glacier Express also continuously improves the quality of travel.

In 1993, the first panoramic trains herald a new era. The trains consist of a nostalgic dining car and 5 panoramic cars, glazed to the ceiling, guaranteeing a panoramic view for all passengers. The number of passengers exceeds the quarter of a million passenger mark for the first time in 1994. In the 15 years from 1982 to 1996, 2.75 million people travel on the Glacier Express. This is how this panoramic journey became one of the most successful and well-known railway experiences in global tourism.

2005

75th anniversary

On 25 June 2005, the Glacier Express celebrates its 75th birthday while in the background the company sets the course for future success. In order to continue to offer top quality, the Glacier Express orders 24 new panoramic cars for all travel classes. By 2006, all carriages are given the new unmistakable livery with the slanty Swiss cross. Today’s compositions travel for the first time. In addition, a new catering concept is introduced. Meals start to be served at passengers’ seats and the tried-and-tested fresh à la carte cuisine is expanded.

2008

Inclusion of Rhaetian Railway in UNESCO World Heritage

Since 2008, the Albula and Bernina Lines, which lead though the mountains of Graubünden right down to Italy, are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscapes”. This route is a prime example of how technology and nature can merge harmoniously with one another. Thanks to the bold railway engineering structures, the Glacier Express can also cover the 1000 meters difference in altitude from Thusis to St. Moritz on the Albula Line.

Albula line:

Connects Thusis with St. Moritz

Overcomes 1078 meters of altitude

Extends over 61.67 kilometers

144 bridges & 42 tunnels

2019

Launch of the Excellence Class

With the launching of the Excellence Class in winter 2019, the Glacier Express opens up a new chapter and sets new standards in terms of comfort, luxury and cuisine. The interior is inspired by classy mountain hotels and the colors of the landscape passing by the windows and the carriages are equipped with the highest quality materials. A gold-plated compass dome above the exclusive Glacier Bar rotates in the helical tunnels.

A concierge takes care of the well-being of the 20 passengers. Champagne and an aperitif platter are served at tables for two to welcome the passengers, followed by a 5-course menu with accompanying wine. The Glacier Express received the “Travel Top Award” from Monocle for this premium service.

2021

Completion of interior refurbishment of 1st and 2nd class

With a view to the 90th anniversary in 2020, not only the Excellence Class carriages but also all other panoramic cars were completely refurbished by 2021 and equipped with a modern infotainment system which informs passengers about the highlights along the route in six languages. Since then, it has once again been possible to open the window on the entrance doors to take a glare-free photo of the mountain landscape.

While the journey continues, the exclusivity is retained. The Glacier Express preserves the tradition of the pioneering days of the railway, when traveling was still an unforgettable experience, and relies on innovation to roll into a promising future.

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