Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn - The Alpine adventure railway par excellence

The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn connects the most of the parts of the Swiss Alps with its train network. The train operates the path from Visp to Zermatt and the Furka and Oberalp car trains and other locations. The company’s main star is The Glacier Train.

Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB) is operated by BVZ Holding AG and is the result of a combination between BVZ (Brig-Visp-Zermatt Bahn) and FO (Furka Oberalp Bahn). The deal concluded in 2003. The MGB connects villages and towns in the heart of the Alps that surround the Gotthard Pass: Disentis, Andermatt, Göschenen, Brig, Zermatt. The Glacier Express goes from Zermatt to Chur, Davos and St. Moritz. It ensures that the railway service handles customers in three cantons: Valais, Uri and Graubünden. A total of 144 kilometers of roads, 29 tunnels, 20 galleries and 60 bridges. The largest tunnel is the Furka tunnel, 15.4 km long.

Historic Trains in Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn

The BVZ first used the Visp-Zermatt railway line on 3 July 1891. Alexander Seiler (1819-1891) was a powerful supporter of the company. The reason: he was a driving force for tourism in Zermatt as a hotelier (Hotel Monte Rosa Zermatt and Hotel Seiler Zermatt). Since he understood the value of the Matterhorn as a visitor. Interestingly, the first trains operated from Visp to Zermatt in the year he died.

The Gornergrat train is now part of the Gotthard Bahn Matterhorn. This is a significant example of train architecture from the 19th century. Operations started in 1898. The train has also been running in winter since 1929. Its highlights: the staging of the Matterhorn during a trip from Zermatt (1,620 m) to Gornergrat (3,089 m).

Glacier Express, the Slowest Express Train in the World

The panoramic rail connects Zermatt to St. Moritz, Davos and Chur. The first Glacier Express cars to drive this incredibly enticing mountain path in 1930. Also today, the train is still very popular with international and Swiss tourists. This goes across 291 bridges and 91 tunnels. And here’s a surprise for nostalgic rail lovers: it’s always feasible for groups to book a vintage train car and appreciate the restaurant, cafe and piano player along the Glacier Express parts.

Alpine Competence

The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn operates track pieces that are very difficult. The 19th century engineers were pioneers in tunnel and bridge construction. Today, the work focuses on protecting sections from floods, debris and rock slides during the summer. Main tasks in winter are to keep tracks clean during heavy snowfall and to ensure the safety of the route.

• Zermatt shuttle trains Täsch-Zermatt
• Gornergrat train (since 1898; year-round since 1929)
• Furka car train (Furka base tunnel opened in 1982)
• Oberalp car train
• Glacier Express (since 1930)
• Brig-Visp-Zermatt (first winter operations 1933-1934)