After more than a decade in service, the current fleet of panoramic cars were due a complete makeover. A task that was undertaken together with the repositioning of the Glacier Express and the associated establishment of Glacier Express AG. All the stops were pulled out for the refit in terms of design and technology with the conversion of two cars in the new Excellence Class, which have been running successfully since March 2019.
State-of-the-art design and technology add to the experience
All of the panoramic cars to be converted will be given a modern interior, the likes of which was created by NOSE Design Experience for the Excellence Class. The high-quality materials used are designed to create a sense of Swissness and Alpine chic, for a natural Alpine experience, running cleverly through all three comfort classes like a central theme.
Finer materials are generally used for the interior – light oak in 2nd class, dark walnut in 1st class. The current seats will be upholstered with the same fabrics as those in Excellence Class, combined with black leather elements in 2nd class and brown leather elements in 1st class.
Large panoramic windows
A major change is the installation of two panoramic windows that open at the touch of a button, creating even more opportunity for glare-free photographs and filming. This innovation is in response to the extensive feedback received from photo and film fans on board the Glacier Express. The first car is expected to go into service next spring.
Two completely modernised Glacier Express compositions will be in operation by the 2020 summer season. The aim is to completely refit the Glacier Express fleet by the start of the 2021 summer season.