In this magnifi cent fi lm of the "Glacier Express" the viewer is immersed in what is probably one of
the most impressive and romantic train journeys of the world.
Over a century ago lovers of travel and the wild ‘discovered' the Alps, and quiet mountain villages
such as Zermatt and St Moritz changed into mondaine centres of health and mountain adventure.
Especially after they had been made accessible by the construction of amazing rail links. In 1926 the
Visp–Zermatt Bahn, later the Brig–Visp–Zermatt Bahn, Furka Oberalp Bahn and the Rhätische Bahn
created a direct connection between Wallis and Graubünden. Now was the time for a luxury train
between Zermatt and St. Moritz. _ e "Glacier Express" became reality. On 25 June 1930 the fi rst
"Glacier Express" left Zermatt on a truly unique journey literally through the mountains. While the
BVZ and RhB used electric locomotives, until the 40s the FO used nostalgic steam engines. Because
of snow and avalanche dangers the journey over the Furka Bergstrecke below the Rhone glacier, was
not possible in winter and thus only used in summer. Only in 1982 did this all change when the Furka
Base tunnel between Oberwald and Realp was opened and the avalanche risks could be avoided. In
the 1980s and 90s the "Glacier Express" grew from what had humorously become known as the
‘the world's slowest express' into one of Switzerland's top attractions. _ is was helped by the use of
comfortable panorama coaches with airco and passenger service of an extremely high standard. On 1
January 2003 the BVZ and FO merged under the name Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn or MGB. But the
"Glacier Express" remained true to the tradition of luxury and top quality and so remained appealing
to the most demanding of passengers. Today, many tens of thousands from across the world make the
journey annually – proof, if proof were needed, that the "Glacier Express" had grown into ‘Perhaps
the Ultimate Train Experience'. Live this experience yourself with its spectacular camera work in the
comfort of your own armchair. It is worth every single minute. Have a great trip!
RT 70 mins