I read that food is terribly expensive to purchase but we are allowed to bring on our own food and drink including a bottle of wine. My question is do we need to purchase utensils (plates, forks, etc) along with a wine opener (if it's not twist off) for the journey as well? Or will the staff provide these things if we ask?
Thanks much!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
295 posts
I would bring everything you would need. You can easily pick up plastic knives, forks, spoons at take out windows, Starbucks or at cafeterias in Department stores when you are on the road. Or bring some from home. You could also buy one of the Picnic Sets Rick Steves' sells on his website. It comes with a corkscrew, 2 knives, 2 forks and 2 spoons. A perfect set for a couple. Here's the link:
http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&theParentId=126&id=369
Staff might help you but maybe they will just be helping paying customers.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
The Glacier Express is merely one of the many trains on the same route. It is a limited stop train marketed for tourists with optional food provided. You can go an any of the hourly trains along the same route and see the same mountains.
It is a given on long distance trains anywhere in Europe that you can bring your own food and drink along and have a "picnic" on board. That is what everybody else does. But do not expect any catering staff, just the person who inspects your tickets. If you want cutlery, bring it yourself. Personally, I never travel without my trusty Swiss army knife, with a corkscrew, and a few plastic cups. And I have a feast.
Posted by
Green Bay
20089 posts
Horribly expensive? Well Switzerland is horribly expensive. You can see the lunch options:
http://www.glacierexpress.ch/EN/spezial_offers/food_and_beverages/Pages/default.aspx
Picnics are perfectly acceptable, but if you are doing that, bringing your own utensils, glasses and corkscrew should not be such a chore. After all, that is what you would do if you had a picnic in the park.
I'm sure that the staff would not be too put out if you asked them for some glasses or to open a wine bottle, but would you do that in a restaurant?
Which reminds me of a group of Californians who were astounded that the hotel restaurant got upset with them when, not liking the prices on the hotel wine list, ran out to the Co-Op and brought in their own wine for dinner. "We're allowed to do this in California!" Hotel, "In case you haven't noticed, this is Switzerland!"