Glacier Express

Hi,

We'll be visiting Switzerland for two weeks in early August and will be travelling from St Moritz on the Glacier Express. I had been planning to travel on ordinary trains on the Glacier Express route as I had read that the older trains usually have windows that can be opened, which I'd prefer so that I can take photos without window reflections. However recently I've read that most trains now don't have windows that can be opened so I wrote to SBB and they replied that most of their trains are now air conditioned and that windows cannot be opened.

While I realize that it is now most unlikely, is it possible that there still could be some trains or carriages that run on the Glacier Express route that have windows that can be opened? I'll be able to book seats on the Glacier Express for the date we need in about two weeks, when reservations open 90 days out and think we should book straight away since it's peak holiday season.

Hi kozzz.

I know, beautiful scenery, train windows and taking photos are a bad combination. As far as I have seen last year there are no windows that can be opened in the carriages of the Glacier Express. In the past (about 10 years ago) I have traveled on regular trains on the route of the Glacier Express. I used to be able to take photos through small open windows near the entrance doors of the carriages, but I don't know if this is still possible. (Well this isn't of much help, I know)

Nevertheless, travelling on the Glacier Express is a great experience

Have a nice stay.

Hi, I came back from Switzerland a week ago and enjoyed a trip on the Glacier Express although I found reflections inhibited any real photographs, and no, there are no opening windows. Later we travelled on a regular train and found it much better for photographing through the windows, which were sparkling clean! Enjoy your trip, I can't wait for my next one. Tez

Good tip Tez, thanks!

Thanks Tez and Wandermann for your replies. That's interesting that the windows on regular trains were much better for taking photos through - maybe the reflections are worse on the Glacier Express because of the large domed windows. I know I can travel on normal trains on the Glacier Express route but that I have to change trains several times. I haven't checked travel times yet to compare with the GE. Glacier Express seat reservations for my date in August go on sale in the next few days so I have to decide soon.

We'll be doing a lot of train travel in Switzerland - Zurich to St Moritz, then a few days in the Engadin area including travel on the Bernina Express line, then after Zermatt we'll be travelling to Wengen for 5 nights and then on to Luzern and back to Zurich.