1st and 2nd class Glacier and Bernina Express
Dan is planning to take the Glacier and Bernina Express trains and is curious about the comfort in 1st and 2nd class, particularly regarding heat and reflections from the large windows. He wants to know if these issues are significant in 2nd class and if photographers find it difficult to take pictures due to window reflections.
- If it gets too hot in 1st class, you should be able to pull down shades to block the sun.
- For better photography, consider regular trains which often allow for open windows and less glare.
- Always check the SBB timetable for information on trains with openable windows, especially if you're looking to take pictures.
AI-generated summary-
Recently l watched a Youtube video on the pros and cons of the Panoramic expresses.
Everyone said the views were magnificent but:
One person said that 1st class on the Glacier Express could get very hot at times due to the sun streaming in the windows and no opening windows.
Is this a problem in 2nd class or in the Bernina (l noticed their roof was more enclosed)?
Also some photographers complained about the reflections from the large windows, is this equally a problem in 2nd class?
Thanks
Dan
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Hi Dan,
I’m sure the panoramic windows come with shades so if it’s get too warm, you can always pull the shades down. However I agree that it’s hard to get really good pictures because of the reflections on the windows but the views are certainly amazing.
Regards,
Anna
I just rewatched video could not see any shades. It may have been an old video.
Thanks
Dan
You have indeed hit on one of the reasons that I am not the greatest fan of the current generation ‘panoramic’ trains with their huge panoramic windows, and thus I sometimes state on this forum that I and other people find it more economical and perhaps more pleasant to use normal trains over the same route.
I have frequently seen Glacier Express trains with half the passengers asleep, so they are missing the views anyway. This could be a combination of the warmth in the carriage and the long journey. Travelling the same route by normal trains offers the chance to break the journey for an hour somewhere, or at least get the few minutes of air at the places where you have to change trains (eg Brig and Andermatt when using ordinary trains for a Zermatt – Chur journey)
There are some other reasons why I avoid the ‘panoramic’ trains:
1) the high top windows don’t add much to the view, as very often you cannot the view is not directly above your head. A huge proportion of ‘awesome’ views from Swiss trains are looking down, which you can do from a normal (also pretty large usually) Swiss trains window
2) you get a more genuine ‘local’ experience by travelling on a combination of ordinary trains
3) if there are blinds, when they are lowered they block the view anyway!
On both the Glacier and Bernina Express the shape of 1st and 2nd class carriages is the same with the same windows
Hi Dan,
Here’s a pic of Bernina Express 1st class carriage. If you look closely at the windows, the shades can be pulled down from the top of the windows.
Attachments:
Hi Dan!
You’ll find some more information under the headers “The train” and “Regular trains versus…” at http://www.myswissalps.com/glacierexpress and http://www.myswissalps.com/berninaexpress.
I think panoramic trains are great. You will have more space and more service. We always take panoramic trains when we are in Switzerland, it’s really special and the comfort these trains are offering is fantastic!
My apologies, they look like part of the window frame, we will take hats just in case it is hot
Thanks Dan
Hi again Dan,
Hats, good idea:)
Some pics to compare between Bernina 1st Class, 2nd class and regular train.
Regards,
Anna
Do any Swiss trains have open windows to snap pictures?
Hi Swede4life,
Regular trains usually have windows that you can open. Some of the regular Rhaetian Railway trains have special carriages for taking photographs.
You can find this info on the SBB timetable. Just click on a connection and look for FW under legend (see attached).Regards,
Anna
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