Glacier express
 

When taking the train from St. Moritz to Zermatt, is there a best side to sit? (apart form the inside)

please answer!

I'd not worry about side. There's plenty of scenery to go around in the scenic spots. As well, the cars are almost all glass so the difference in sides is relatively unimportant. <BR> <BR>Don't forget also that this is a 8 hour trip, and it's not all spectacular scenery. Some stretches are boring as all get out. You might want to sit on the right (north) side so you can doze out of the sun during the dull parts. <BR> <BR>Ed

The name express for that train is something of misnomer. I think "Glacial Express" is more accurate, assuming that glacial describes forward movement. <BR>If you want to look at where the train goes, visit the Swiss Rail site at <BR>www.sbb.ch, with a map of Switzerland in hand. Then find the train that departs from St Moritz to Zermatt and drill down to the travel plan. You will see that the route winds its way up river valleys and through tunnels to Chur, backtracks, and goes south to places like Brig before arriving in Zermatt about 8 hours later. Much of the trip is either deep in a narrow valley or in a tunnel. <BR>My own opinion is that if you want to see mountains, the best way is to rent a car and drive over the 3 passes north of Brig: the Grimsel, Furka and Susten. You will be on the crest of the ridges looking down rather than at the bottom of valley looking up with a limited view. After all, how much can you see from the bottom of a hole?? <BR>I am sure others will disagree with my evaluation. <BR>I guess Ed's answer is the best one you will see in answer to your question. <BR>

<BR> <BR>I totally agree with Ed and Bob. The glacier express lost its most beautiful stretch when the tunnel under the Furka pass was opened about twenty years ago. Until then, the railway had to cross the Furka pass and came very close to the Rhône glacier. Due to the high altitude, this stretch could be operated only in summer and early fall. Afterwards it had to be partially dismounted in order to avoid damage by avalanches. That's why they built the tunnel. The good news is: Railway enthusiasts are reviving the old rack railway over the Furka pass. The most interesting part is already in operation, see <BR> <BR>http://www.net4u.ch/dfbfurka/eng/index.htm <BR> <BR>for details. By the way, there are also bus services over the passes mentioned by Bob. Schedule information can be obtained from the SBB website. Just look for connections to "Susten, Passhöhe", "Furkapasshöhe", and "Grimsel, Passhöhe". <BR> <BR>Regards, Jochen

Thanks to Jochen for the added bit of info, both on the rail line and the bus service. I rented a car because it gives me a little more freedom to get out and walk around. There is a "hospice" on the Grimsel Pass from which a trail goes to a mountain hut over a glacier. I did not go all the way, but <BR>you are able to get a first hand taste of the high Swiss mountain world. It is awesome, if somewhat hostile!! You learn quickly to respect Nature fully and absolutely. If you are prone to motion sickness, however, those roads are probably best avoided. They do twist and turn. And make very sure that you have first rate tires and brakes on your car!! Our 5-speed Fiat had good Michelin tires that were tested! <BR>