We plan to take the Glacier Express in July 2007. Can we get seats where we can open the windows?

Question

We're taking this from St. Moritz to Zermatt.

We are getting the impression that all they have is the "Panoramic viewing" type cars with windows that can't be opened. But the literature talks about standard type cars available in trains from Chur to Zermatt that I believe have windows that can be opened.

1. Maybe we can take the "Panoramic Viewing" type cars from St. Moritz to Chur. And then change cars in Chur so we can be in a standard type car where the windows can be opened?

2. Maybe we should just call Glacier Express somehow and ask them? But it seems like such a hassle and I wanted to try this Yahoo Answers system to see what happens.

Thanks in advance.

Al

[e-mail]

Albany, California

Answer 1

I'm not sure how it is with the glacier experess, but all of the older trains in Switzerland have windown that open and the new ones don't have windows that can be opened.

You CAN make reservations for a regular train ride, but again I don't now how the glacier express works.

Answer 2

What hahu077 said, but let me just add:

A lot of (especially older) Swiss people have a somewhat insane fear of drafts and may do any of the following if you open a window: glare at you, talk loudly about your lack of consideration and general foolhardiness, ask you politely to please close the window because it's creating a draft, lean over you and close the window themselves. If you're just opening it now and then to take a picture, you'll probably get away with it, but if you give even the least indication that you may keep it open in even the smallest tunnel, watch out!

Answer 3

there are two types of wagons

- Panorama viewing cars (1st and 2nd class) where you can't open the windows

- Conventional designed cars (1st and 2nd class) where it's possible to open the windows

http://www.glacierexpress.ch/timetablean...

check also "Timetable Summer 2007" for wagon types. there is only one train with conventional (standard) cars but obviously only with 1st class cars. (2nd class conventional cars seems no more be used).

enjoy this journey, it's the one where you will see the most of Switzerland in that short time.

Answer 4

Windows can be opened in most train in Switzerland and they are no seating assigned. First come, first served.

Hope i am correct, but now not sure about this line.

follow thelink. it is in english too.

http://www.glacierexpress.ch/theglaciere...