Known as the “Slowest Express Train in the World,” the Glacier Express connects two of Switzerland’s most glamorous ski resorts—Zermatt and St. Moritz—over an 8-hour journey through 91 tunnels and across 291 bridges. While standard 1st and 2nd class coaches offer spectacular views, there is one carriage that commands international acclaim: Excellence Class.
With only 20 guaranteed panoramic window seats per train, a dedicated concierge, and a decadent 7-course regional Swiss feast with wine pairings, it is undeniably the most luxurious day train in Europe. But with seat reservation supplements exceeding 470 CHF (~€490) on top of a 1st-class ticket, is it truly worth the expenditure?
What Sets Excellence Class Apart?
| Service Feature | Excellence Class | Standard 1st Class |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Configuration | 1-1 Layout (Guaranteed Window for Every Passenger) | 2-1 Layout (Aisle seats miss direct window access) |
| Dining Experience | 7-Course Regional Swiss Tasting Menu (Included) | À la carte menu (Pay extra per dish) |
| Dedicated Bar Lounge | Private “Glacier Bar” located inside the carriage | No dedicated lounge carriage |
| Personal Concierge | White-glove concierge attendant for 20 guests | Standard train conductor and catering crew |
| Infotainment iPad | Personal tablet with GPS live route narration | Audio headphone jacks at your seat |
The 7-Course Culinary Journey
Rather than sitting down for a brief lunch, dining in Excellence Class unfolds over four scenic hours between the Oberalp Pass (the highest point of the line at 2,044 meters) and the dramatic Rhine Gorge (Switzerland’s “Grand Canyon”):
- Amuse-Bouche: Swiss Alpine trout tartare with herb crème fraîche.
- Appetizer: Air-cured Grisons beef with pickled mountain radishes.
- Soup: Silky roasted parsnip soup with local white truffle oil.
- Main Course: Slow-braised Swiss beef tenderloin served with truffle potato purée and baby carrots.
- Swiss Cheese Board: Selection of cave-aged Gruyère, Appenzeller, and Valais mountain cheeses.
- Pre-Dessert: Refreshing glacier mint and lemon sorbet.
- Dessert: Warm chocolate lava cake infused with Kirsch liqueur and vanilla bean cream.
Each course is paired with exceptional Swiss regional wines from the Valais and Graubünden cantons, served by your dedicated sommelier.
Our Verdict: Is Excellence Class Worth It?
If you are traveling Switzerland on a tight backpacker budget, standard 2nd or 1st class provides access to the exact same mountain scenery for a fraction of the cost. However, if this is a honeymoon, milestone birthday, anniversary, or once-in-a-lifetime trip, Excellence Class is arguably the most memorable 8 hours you can experience in the Alps.
Book 90 Days in Advance
With only 20 seats available per departure, Excellence Class tickets routinely sell out within hours of the reservation window opening.
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