Switzerland

St Moritz, Glacier Express & Zermatt.

By Hilton Luke

February 11^th, 2024

St Moritz

St. Moritz is a gem nestled in the Swiss Alps, beaming with an undeniable charm that caters to those with a taste for the finer things in life. The alpine region surrounding this high-end resort town is nothing short of stunning.

Living the high life comes naturally in St. Moritz, where luxury is not just an offering but a lifestyle. The town is dotted with exquisite boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and five-star accommodations that cater to every whim. Strolling through the streets, one can feel the pulse of opulence that has attracted the elite for generations.

At the heart of this alpine paradise are the lakes—frozen wonders in winter that transform into glistening mirrors of the sky in warmer months. They provide a picturesque backdrop for a variety of activities, from ice skating and skiing in the winter to sailing and windsurfing when the ice melts away.

One can't help but acknowledge that to fully embrace all that St. Moritz has to offer, a certain affluence is necessary. However, the investment yields extraordinary returns in memories and sensations that are utterly priceless. St. Moritz is truly a slice of heaven for those seeking to immerse themselves in a blend of natural grandeur and refined living.

Glacier Express

The Glacier Express offers one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world, whisking passengers from the chic alpine resort of St. Moritz to the iconic shadow of the Matterhorn in Zermatt. This panoramic train is a marvel of engineering and scenic grandeur, known as the "slowest express train" given its leisurely pace which allows travellers to fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking Swiss landscape.

Spanning approximately 290 kilometers (180 miles), the journey aboard the Glacier Express traverses an awe-inspiring landscape replete with towering peaks, deep gorges, and pristine forests over the course of roughly eight hours. Riding this train is to experience a cross-section of the Swiss Alps in all their glory.

The train itself is made up of modern, air-conditioned carriages equipped with large windows that offer unobstructed views of the alps. The fresh and comfortable interior allows passengers to enjoy the journey in a relaxed setting, with both first and second-class options available. The highlight for many is the dining car, where you can enjoy a meal alongside the rolling vistas of the Swiss countryside.

Engineering enthusiasts will marvel at the Glacier Express' route, which includes no less than 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges, illuminating the complexity and ingenuity of its construction. This includes the 2033 meter-high Oberalp Pass, the highest point on the route, and the famed Landwasser Viaduct—an impressive six-arch structure plunging into a sheer cliff face.

Despite the costs, the Glacier Express provides an unforgettable travel experience that combines comfort, luxury, and some of the most dramatic and picturesque landscapes one can find on any train journey worldwide. It is a journey that speaks not just to the destination but celebrates the beauty of travel itself.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a playground for photographers, blending rustic charm with one of nature's most photogenic creations, the Matterhorn. From the moment you step into this car-free village, you'll be greeted by the ever-present pyramid silhouette of the Matterhorn, one of the most iconic mountains in the world.

Zermatt itself offers myriad photo opportunities. The village is a blend of old and new, with weathered barns and traditional chalets standing alongside luxury boutiques and hotels. Photographing the cobblestone streets and local architecture at sunrise or sunset can give your images a warm, golden glow, accentuating the textures and creating an enchanting story.

Matterhorn

For many photographers, the Matterhorn is the crown jewel. This mountain is a marvel at any time of day, but the most dramatic photos are often taken during the golden hours—just after sunrise or before sunset—when the mountain's face glows with a warm light against a cooler background. Nighttime brings a wholly different feel, as the sky fills with stars and the Matterhorn cuts a stark silhouette against the cosmos, perfect for astrophotography.

Shooting the Matterhorn is about capturing different perspectives. The vantage point from Zermatt is the most accessible, but for those willing to venture further, unique angles await. The Five Lakes Walk, for instance, offers reflections of the Matterhorn in tranquil waters, ideal for serene landscape shots.

Gornergrat

The journey to Gornergrat is a must for photographers. The cogwheel train provides ascending perspectives of the Matterhorn and the surrounding peaks. Once at the top, panoramic views open up. The sight of the mountain range, with the Gorner Glacier stretching below, is awe-inspiring. Photographing from Gornergrat, particularly at dawn when the first light kisses the mountain tops, can lead to breathtaking, high-resolution panoramas that capture the magnitude of the Alps.

For photography enthusiasts, a tripod is essential, especially for low-light conditions at sunrise, sunset, or for night shooting. Different focal lengths can offer diverse compositions: wide-angle lenses for dramatic landscapes, telephoto lenses for compressing distance and emphasising the mountain's dominance, or a macro lens for capturing the village's intimate details.

Zermatt, the Matterhorn, and Gornergrat, seen through a photographer's lens, are a testament to the beauty of the natural world. They challenge photographers of all levels to capture not just an image, but the emotion and grandeur of this timeless Swiss vista.