10

Glacier Express Views You'll Capture On Your Journey

The journey on the Glacier Express begins in Zermatt, a scenic alpine town surrounded by one of the most iconic peaks in the world, the Matterhorn. Standing 4,478 meters above sea level, this perfectly shaped pyramid mountain is often called the “mountain of all mountains.” From the Zermatt train station itself, you can catch a stunning glimpse of its snow-covered summit, especially on a clear morning.

Passengers enjoy changing perspectives of the Matterhorn as the train departs town. The Glacier Express views range from close-up vistas of its rough face to distant panoramas that reveal its grandeur against the vast Swiss skyline. It is indeed a photographer’s dream to capture the timeless beauty of Switzerland’s most celebrated landmark as the adventure through the Alps begins.

• Why Visit: To witness Switzerland’s most iconic peak, a perfect pyramid rising 4,478 m above sea level.

• Highlight Viewpoints: Capture the Matterhorn’s snow-clad summit from Zermatt Station, the Gornergrat Railway, or near Riffelalp.

• Travel Tip: Carry a wide-angle lens for panoramic shots as the Glacier Express departs Zermatt; the perspective constantly shifts with elevation.

Brig is a charming mountain town that marks the point where the Glacier Express starts its climb from the gentle valleys into the high peaks of the Swiss Alps. Located in the German-speaking region of Valais, it offers stunning alpine scenery. Its name comes from the Celtic word “briga”, which means hill fortress. The town still carries a sense of heritage through its cobbled streets and the grand Stockalper Palace, a 17th-century landmark built by the influential merchant Kaspar von Stockalper. 

From Brig, the landscape on the Glacier Express route transforms dramatically, with lush vineyards and green meadows giving way to rugged mountain passes and glacier views. The nearby Aletsch Glacier, the largest in the Alps and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers breathtaking hiking and photography opportunities. 

• Why Visit: A charming alpine town marking the transition from lush Rhône Valley vineyards to soaring mountain terrain.

• Highlight Viewpoints: Spot the 17th-century Stockalper Palace and look toward the distant Aletsch Glacier, the largest in the Alps.

• Travel Tip: If stopping over, explore Brig’s old town lanes before continuing the Glacier Express ascent.

Situated 1,444 meters above sea level, Andermatt is a scenic mountain village that captures the beauty and spirit of the Swiss Alps perfectly. Once a historic crossroads between north and south, Andermatt now has old-world character and modern mountain luxury.

As the Glacier Express glides past this alpine gem, travellers are treated to postcard views of traditional wooden chalets set against cliffs and winding valleys. In the summer, the region bursts with colours, with hiking trails that reveal dramatic landscapes and legendary sites like the Schöllenen Gorge and the famous Devil's Bridge. Andermatt transforms into a snow-covered haven in winter, which is loved by skiers and snow enthusiasts from around the world.

• Why Visit: A historic mountain crossroads blending Swiss tradition with luxury alpine charm at 1,444 m elevation.

• Highlight Viewpoints: Snap the Schöllenen Gorge and the iconic Devil’s Bridge; winter offers perfect snow-draped village frames.

• Travel Tip: Sit on the left side of the train when travelling from Zermatt to St. Moritz for the best valley views.

The Oberalp Pass, at 2,033 meters, is the highest point of the Glacier Express journey and offers one of the most spectacular panoramas of the entire trip. This mountain pass between Andermatt and Disentis is a true showcase of the Alps’ changing moods. If you are travelling in winter, you will get to see a white landscape, with the frozen lake glistening under deep snow and the peaks shining in the sunlight. In summer, the same landscape bursts to life with green meadows, grazing cows, and wild alpine flowers.

One of the most surprising Glacier Express views is a small red lighthouse, which is a symbolic marker showing the source of the Rhine River at nearby Lake Toma. Thus, Oberalp Pass is well-known for its dramatic contrast across seasons and its breathtaking 360-degree perspective of the high alpine world of Switzerland.

• Why Visit: The highest point of the Glacier Express route (2,033 m), known for its 360° views and the symbolic Rhine River source.

• Highlight Viewpoints: The small red lighthouse, frozen Lake Toma in winter, and green pastures with grazing cows in summer.

• Travel Tip: Capture contrasting shots; the same spot looks entirely different between seasons.

The Glacier Express goes down from the Oberalp Pass and into the quiet valley of Disentis, a village known for its rich culture and beautiful alpine scenery. The highlight here is the grand Disentis Monastery, which is a Benedictine abbey that has stood for more than 1,400 years. Its twin towers and baroque architecture dominate the village skyline and glow beautifully against the surrounding mountains. Inside, the Monastery of St Martin has an ancient Rhaeto-Romanic library, a museum, and a renowned monastic school that continues to serve the local community.

From the panoramic windows of the train, passengers can admire this timeless landmark situated amid meadows and valleys. 

• Why Visit: To admire one of Switzerland’s oldest Benedictine monasteries standing gracefully amid alpine meadows.

• Highlight Viewpoints: The twin towers of the Baroque abbey and surrounding valleys as the train descends from Oberalp Pass.

• Travel Tip: Keep your camera ready; soon after leaving Oberalp, the monastery appears suddenly from the bend.

Often called the Swiss Grand Canyon, the Ruinaulta or Rhine Gorge, offers the most dramatic Glacier Express view. Carved over 10,000 years ago by a massive landslide and the persistent flow of the Rhine River, it has tall white cliffs and rough rock formations. It also has a vivid turquoise river snaking through the valley below. The scenery is wild and untouched and home to rare alpine plants and bird species that thrive among the steep slopes.

While the Glacier Express does not pass directly through the Rhine Gorge, travellers can easily explore it on a short trip from Chur, one of the major train stops. Many visitors combine both experiences for a perfect Alpine adventure.

• Why Visit: Switzerland’s “Grand Canyon”, shaped by ancient landslides and the Rhine River’s turquoise flow.

• Highlight Viewpoints: Steep white cliffs, pine forests, and the winding river seen best from nearby viewing decks or aerial trails.

• Travel Tip: The Glacier Express skirts its edges, plan a short detour from Chur for direct photography and hiking trails.

The Landwasser Viaduct provides the most memorable Glacier Express views, as it takes you through a true masterpiece of Swiss railway engineering. It stands 65 meters high and stretches 142 meters across the deep Landwasser Gorge. 

This curved stone bridge appears magical as the train glides across its six graceful arches before disappearing directly into a tunnel carved into the cliff face. Built in 1902, the viaduct remains an architectural marvel against the dramatic Alpine landscape near Filisur. From the train’s panoramic windows, the crossing feels both thrilling and fleeting. 

The Albula Line is one of the most impressive sections of the Glacier Express journey. Celebrated for its engineering prowess and natural beauty, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stretching between Thusis and St. Moritz, this route winds through the centre of the Swiss Alps. It crosses deep valleys and tall bridges while threading through spiral and helical tunnels that overcome steep mountain gradients. 

The stretch between Preda and Bergün provides gorgeous Glacier Express views. The train glides over six high viaducts and loops through tunnels that constantly change angles of the same stunning valley. Passengers can admire green alpine meadows, rushing streams, and snow-capped peaks from the comfort of their windows.

• Why Visit: A UNESCO-listed marvel that spirals through tunnels and bridges, showcasing Swiss rail engineering at its finest.

• Highlight Viewpoints: Between Preda and Bergün, where the train loops multiple times revealing the same valley from new angles.

• Travel Tip: Window reflections are reduced on cloudy days, perfect for photography through glass.

Located between the forested slopes of the Graubünden mountains, Filisur is a picture-perfect Swiss village that delights travellers on the Glacier Express route. This village is famous for its traditional Engadin-style houses with decorated facades and wooden balconies. It offers a glimpse into authentic alpine life surrounded by pure natural beauty. 

As the train approaches this village, passengers can admire sweeping views of green valleys, the winding River Albula, and distant peaks that define the region’s charm. Just beyond the village lies one of the most iconic sights of the journey, the Landwasser Viaduct, which curves dramatically into a cliffside tunnel. Filisur is also the point where travellers can transfer to the line toward Davos.

• Why Visit: A postcard Swiss village surrounded by green valleys and traditional Engadin houses with painted façades.

• Highlight Viewpoints: Look for the meeting point of Albula Valley and the start of the Landwasser Viaduct curve.

• Travel Tip: If you stop at Filisur, follow the signposted 15-minute trail to the Landwasser viewpoint for a classic Glacier Express photo.

As the Glacier Express approaches the final stretch towards St. Moritz, the scenery opens into the radiant Upper Engadin Valley. This sun-soaked region, surrounded by the peaks of the southern Alps, is a remarkable finale to the Glacier Express views. 

From the train, passengers can admire a chain of shimmering mountain lakes, including Lake St. Moritz, Lake Silvaplana, and Lake Sils. Their mirror-like surfaces reflect snow-dusted summits and endless blue skies. In winter, these lakes transform into sparkling ice fields that host famous events like the polo tournament on frozen Lake St. Moritz, while in summer they glow turquoise beneath the alpine sun.

• Why Visit: The grand finale of the Glacier Express, a sunlit valley of shimmering alpine lakes and snow-covered peaks.

• Best Time to Experience: Winter for frozen lakes and snow polo tournaments; summer for mirror-like water reflections.

• Travel Tip: Sit on the right-hand side for the most cinematic views as the train glides toward St. Moritz.