Where in the World?

Question: Where can you ride the world's slowest express train to the chalet-filled gateway of one of Earth's most distinctive peaks?

Answer: Zermatt, Switzerland

The Glacier Express is known to be the world’s slowest "fast" train, taking eight hours to cover just over 180 miles at an average speed of only 18 miles per hour. Passengers are taken the long, long, loooong way home on a slow and steady journey through the heart of the Swiss Alps, enjoying the gentle rocking of the train on the tracks as it meanders through stunning alpine vistas. Their ride culminates in a dramatic arrival at Zermatt, a chalet-filled village nestled at the foot of the imposing Matterhorn—one of Earth’s most distinctive peaks.

The Glacier Express’s iconic red train—which first operated in 1930—has been captivating travelers with its breathtaking route for almost a century, save for a brief interruption during World War II (check out the "Interesting Facts" section below). It’s a marvel of engineering, to say the least, traversing 91 tunnels and crossing 291 bridges as it winds its way through the picturesque Swiss countryside. Passengers are treated to unparalleled views of snow-capped peaks, pristine glaciers, and charming valleys through the train's panoramic windows. The route navigates the Rhine Gorge—also known as the "Swiss Grand Canyon"—where rugged cliffs and turquoise waters create a spectacular display. As the train ascends the Oberalp Pass, it reaches an impressive altitude of 6,670 feet above sea level before descending into the idyllic Mattertal Valley.

Likewise, the area surrounding Zermatt—the terminus of the Glacier Express—truly embodies the charm and beauty of the Swiss Alps. This skier's paradise boasts over 224 miles of immaculate ski runs catering to all skill levels, with high altitude and abundant snowfall ensuring excellent conditions from November through April. For non-skiers, the area offers a plethora of hiking trails that showcase the region's natural beauty—the 5-Seenweg (Five Lakes Walk) is a popular route that guides hikers past a series of crystal-clear alpine lakes.

Indeed, although dominated by its mountain surroundings, let’s not forget that Zermatt is worth exploring in and of itself. A bustling car-free town, Zermatt is brimming with Swiss-style timber chalets, quaint shops, noteworthy restaurants, a revolving door of international crowds, and delectable local cuisine—from fondue to raclette. But perhaps most interestingly, Zermatt boasts a small, historic quarter, most of which lies along the main street of Hinterdorfstrasse. Here, travelers can find centuries-old wooden homes, barns, and sheds—reinforced by stone and partially renovated—with some of the oldest structures dating back to the early 17th century.

That said, the undisputed star of Zermatt is the Matterhorn—perhaps the most photographed, recognizable mountain in the world as well as a symbol of the Swiss Alps. This 14,692-foot peak—which, for context, is about half the height of Mount Everest (standing at 29,032 feet)—is known for its distinct, nearly symmetrical pyramidal shape and near-vertical faces. The Matterhorn's summit straddles the border between Switzerland and Italy and was one of the last great Alpine peaks to be climbed, with the first successful ascent occurring in 1865. (Unfortunately, four members of the seven-man team who first summited Matterhorn would tragically fall to their deaths during the descent—learn more in the "Interesting Facts" section below.)

To fully experience the majesty of the Matterhorn, visitors to Zermatt can board a funicular and ride through a rock tunnel to Sunnegga—a picturesque ski resort area offering spectacular views of the iconic peak. Photographers would be wise to keep their cameras ready to capture not only the breathtaking mountain vistas but also the adorable marmots often seen scurrying about the area. From Sunnegga, one can proceed to Blauherd by gondola, which offers perhaps the best vantage point for viewing the Matterhorn. Once at Blauherd, many visitors enjoy exploring the area on foot by taking one of the many scenic hiking trails.

5 Interesting Facts About the Glacier Express, Zermatt, and the Matterhorn:

• The Glacier Express first operated in 1930 and has been running ever since—except for a brief interruption during World War II: During World War II, the Glacier Express—along with many other train services in Switzerland and throughout Europe—was forced to suspend operations due to the complex and dangerous circumstances brought about by the conflict. Unfortunately, despite Switzerland's neutrality, the country was significantly affected by the war: The mobilization of Swiss troops, shortages in essential resources such as coal and oil, and the risk of aerial bombardment all contributed to the decision to suspend the Glacier Express. However, Switzerland's railway network still played a crucial role during the war by transporting goods and supplies and serving as a vital link for international diplomacy. After the war ended in 1945, the Glacier Express resumed its operations, once again offering travelers the opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps.


• Zermatt is entirely car-free, with only electric vehicles allowed for local transport: Zermatt has been car-free since 1966, making it one of the oldest car-free tourist destinations in Europe. This forward-thinking decision has helped maintain the town's pristine air quality and serene atmosphere, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surrounding Alps. The only vehicles permitted in Zermatt are electric cars, taxis, and buses—which are used for local transport and deliveries. These electric vehicles are powered by renewable energy sources, further reducing the town's carbon footprint. Visitors arriving by car must park their vehicles at the nearby town of Täsch and complete their journey to Zermatt by train or taxi.


• The Matterhorn was one of the last great Alpine peaks to be climbed, with the first successful ascent occurring in 1865—however, only three of the seven summiteers would make it off the mountain: There’s a reason that the Matterhorn was one of the last great Alpine peaks to be conquered by mountaineers; the mountain's steep, nearly symmetrical pyramid shape and its challenging, exposed rock faces made it a daunting target for climbers in the 19th century. The first successful ascent of the Matterhorn was achieved on July 14, 1865, by a party led by English mountaineer Edward Whymper.
  
  However, the triumph was marred by tragedy when four members of the seven-man team fell to their deaths during the descent. Three of the bodies were recovered a few days later, but the remains of one climber—a royal Englishman named Lord Francis Douglas—was never found. In fact, then-British-Queen Victoria even wanted to issue a ban after Lord Francis Douglas’s untimely demise, claiming she would never again permit English royal blood to be wasted on the Matterhorn. Ironically, her suggestion only triggered curiosity and a thirst for action amongst British Alpinists, who from then on came to Zermatt in masses to see and climb the Matterhorn. Today, the Matterhorn remains a coveted goal for climbers worldwide, with numerous routes of varying difficulty leading to its summit.


• The Matterhorn's summit is shared between Switzerland and Italy, with the border running through the peak: The mountain's western face is in Switzerland, while its eastern face lies in Italy. This unique geographical feature adds to the allure of the Matterhorn, as climbers reaching the summit can technically stand in two countries at once. The border, established in 1865, is marked by a metal plaque on the summit, bearing the coats of arms of both Switzerland and Italy.


• Zermatt is home to the world's highest 3S cableway—the Matterhorn Glacier Ride: This state-of-the-art 3S (three-cable system) cableway is the highest of its kind in the world, whisking passengers up to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at an astonishing altitude of 12,739 feet. The journey itself is an experience, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. Once at the top, visitors can explore the Glacier Palace, an enchanting world of ice sculptures and tunnels carved into the glacier itself, or simply take in the awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Alps from the viewing platform.

Explore Zermatt during The Swiss Alps: Lucerne, Bern & Zermatt pre-trip extension to our Northern Italy: The Alps, Dolomites & Lombardy adventure.