In 2008, the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO included the Albula and Bernina section of the Rhaetian railway in its list of World Heritage sites. With this accolade the Rhaetian railway became the third railway lineto be deemed "universally outstanding". Enjoy a trip on the line steeped in history, through the fabulous high mountain landscape of Grisons.
Spectacular alpine crossing
The Albula and Bernina section between Thusis and Tirano is a superb example of the development of the high alpine landscape. The line is one of the most spectacular narrow gauge railways in the world. The Albula line was completed in 1903, the Bernina line in 1910. The Albula line was considered a masterpiece even at the time of construction. The Bernina line is one of the highest alpine crossings in Europe and one of the steepest adhesion railway lines in the world.
Albula Railway Museum
The new Albula Railway Museum is located in Bergün, right next to the Albula Line of the Rhaetian Railway. A great attraction for families and railway enthusiasts alike. With various exhibition rooms, original objects and one of the world’s last Crocodile locomotives, the museum provides an historical and current view of Switzerland’s most spectacular railway, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can see over 400 items from more than a century of history, displayed in 1300 square metres of exhibition space. From Davos Platz, the museum can be reached in 45 minutes via the Rhaetian Railway.
It’s no longer necessary to forge new paths across the Alps, as the most stunning Alpine crossing has already been built: the Albula and Bernina sections of the Rhaetian Railway. They unite northern and southern Europe in a uniquely captivating way – with the Bernina Express. The route from Thusis to Tirano was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008. This train journey is an ideal day trip from Davos Klosters.
With this locomotive classic you gain access to the most stunning travel routes between Davos, St. Moritz and Zermatt. A comfortable train runs through an area of pure nature with fragrant, ancient mountain forests, peaceful alpine pastures, rushing mountain streams, through richly traditional mountain valleys with centuries of culture.
The “slowest fast train in the world” presents a cross-section of the diversity of Switzerland and is a piece of true traveller's pleasure. On the Glacier Express, dishes are freshly prepared for guests by the chef in the restaurant carriage. Coffee, beverages and snacks are brought by the rail bar directly to passengers in their seats. The Glacier Express is the perfect choice in every season. It is mandatory to reserve seats on all trains, and this is possible in every railway station and travel agency in Switzerland.
From 13 May to 29 October 2023, you have the opportunity to travel daily from Davos to Filisur and back on a historic train composition from the 1920s. The nostalgic 1st and 2nd class railway carriages and open observation cars are usually pulled by the legendary cult locomotive “Krokodil” Ge 6/6 414/415. Due to repair work, these will be out of service until further notice. A locomotive Ge 4/4 I (BoBo 1) is running as a replacement. One of the highlights is the trip over the 210-metre-long Wiesner Viaduct – at 88.9 metres, the highest bridge on the Rhaetian Railway (RhB).
On the Albula line, halfway between Chur and St. Moritz, a superlative art structure is taking shape: 142 metres long, 65 metres high, and supported by five masonry pillars – the Landwasser Viaduct. You have to take some time to let the masterpiece take effect on you in all its splendour. The viaduct square near Filisur is the perfect place for this. In summer, it can be reached from Filisur railway station by the Tschutschubahn.
The Landwasser Express transports children and adults to the Landwasser Viaduct in 30 minutes. Tip: Take the regional train from Davos at 1.30 p.m. so that you can catch the Landwasser Express at 2.15 p.m. If you want to start already in the morning, take the 10.18 a.m. nostalgia train to Filisur.
The graubündenPASS allows you to travel throughout the Canton at no extra charge. Board the train and discover the sunny side of Graubünden. Under this arrangement, you have two days in a week or five days over a period of two weeks to explore 7,106 square kilometres of authentic Switzerland. You can get a train and bus subscription for a preferred region (1 zone) or for entire Graubünden (6 zones). Furthermore, select cable cars can be used for conveyance to your favourite mountain at half-price, or you can choose to receive attractive discounts on leisure activities.
The graubündenPASS is valid in the Canton of Graubünden on the route network of the following services: Rhaetian Railway, Swiss National Rail (SBB), Matterhorn Gotthard Railway, PostAuto, Davos Public Transportation Services, Engadin Bus, City Bus Chur, Silvestri Bus Livigno, local buses in Klosters, Scuol and St. Moritz and aerially on the cable car Rhäzüns – Feldis.
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