SerpApi.Org
The luxurious NostalChic Class pairs panoramic alpine scenery with a gourmet lunch, historic railcar, and exclusive stops high in the Swiss Alps.
As one of the top destinations in the Swiss Alps, Zermatt lures travelers looking for posh alpine vibes, skiing, and of course, that iconic view of the Matterhorn—the pyramid-shaped peak on the Swiss-Italian border that’s become the symbol of the Alps. Throughout town, from the church bridge and the ski slopes to hotel balconies and rooftop patios, you’ll spot travelers snapping photos of the Matterhorn.
But in true Swiss fashion, the best way to get incredible views is by train. The most luxurious choice (and one that many people miss) is the NostalChic Class train, which whisks you away from Zermatt and into the mountains, where the Matterhorn shimmers up close and you feel like you’re going back in time to the glitzy and glamorous era of train travel.
Unlike the standard Gornergrat train, the NostalChic Class offers a restored vintage carriage, an intimate 22-passenger experience, gourmet dining, and exclusive stops along the route.
The Essential Guide to Zermatt
The journey starts with aperitifs at Hotel Monte Rosa, the oldest hotel in Zermatt. Then, you’ll board the NostalChic Class train, a vintage 1961 carriage with large windows, faux furs over the seats, lace curtains, and flowers in each window that evoke the elegance of 20th-century rail travel. Only 22 people are allowed per trip, meaning that everyone is guaranteed a panoramic window seat with glass that slides down, so you can take reflection-free photos along the way.
The ascent starts in the village, but you’re soon surrounded by forest as the carriage climbs toward the Matterhorn. Halfway through the journey, between Zermatt and the viewing point of Gornergrat, the carriage makes a brief stop, allowing passengers to snap pictures of the Matterhorn from the train while skiers zig-zag beneath it and around the surrounding mountain range.
In less than an hour, you’re at the summit of Gornergrat at about 10,000 feet, where you disembark and are free to wander about and find the best views of the Matterhorn and Gorner Glacier right in front of you. Here, you’ll also find Zooom, an interactive exhibition with virtual reality paragliding, an immersive 3D experience, and periscopes to take in the Matterhorn at every angle. Admission here is included with your NostalChic Class ticket. There’s also a small gift shop and restaurant at 3100 Kulmhotel—the highest hotel in the Swiss Alps—and a tiny chapel, Gornergrat Chapel Bernhard von Aosta, you can peek into.
On the way back to Zermatt, you’ll stop in the hamlet of Riffelalp, where a three-course lunch awaits at Ristorante Al Bosco at Riffelalp Resort 2222m Expect a menu of Swiss and Italian fare before you’re whisked back to town. The entire trip lasts about six hours and can be booked online.
Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
