The Glacier Express (St. Moritz to Zermatt, Switzerland)

“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

Today we embarked on our 8-hour journey to see the Matterhorn (No, we are not going to Disney!) We are hoping to get a glimpse of the 4,478 meters high (14,553 feet) peak during our stay in Zermatt.

Morning in St. Moritz

 

We left St. Moritz around 9:15 am, and as we rode through the Alps, I listened to an instrumental CD of Christmas music. Some may think it’s too soon (never!), but Christmas hymns were perfect for the serenity of the Alps.

There were many river gorges on this trip, but the Rhine River Gorge was particularly striking. It is sometimes referred to as the “Swiss Grand Canyon.” According to the Swiss, the headwaters of the Rhine River are here.

We passed through many small towns, where homes dot the hills. Some are found very high on the hillsides. Everything looked so serene. The places we saw reminded me of the book, Heidi, a childhood favorite of mine.

Finally, we headed up to higher elevations, leaving the green valleys below. The highest point for us on the Glacier Express was Oberalpass. We were 2,033 meters (6,607 ft) above sea level and, due to the steep grades, we made the journey with the help of the cog wheel.

I thought we would see glaciers on this trip, but so far, not a glacier in sight! However, we did see lots of interesting scenery.

Past winter avalanche path

 

Pedestrian bridge across a river gorge

 

Cows grazing on the slopes of the Alps

 

Lai da Curnera Dam – An alpine dam that is over 500 feet tall. It is the 8th largest dam in Switzerland.

 

Finally, just before reaching Zermatt, we saw this glacier!

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This is my Father’s world, And to my listening ears

All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.

This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought

Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; His hand the wonders wrought.

 (from “This is My Father’s World” lyrics by M. D. Babcock)