Rhaetian Railway: It’s more than just a train

Certainly since the world record for the longest passenger train in the world in October 2022, they have been a global celebrity: everyone knows the red carriages of the Rhaetian Railway. Follow in the footsteps of the railway pioneers, savour the aroma of the herb fields in Valposchiavo or hunt for exciting prizes together with the children’s conductor “Clà Ferrovia”. Throughout the canton of Graubünden, the Rhaetian Railway creates lasting memories and takes its passengers to some of the most beautiful places in Switzerland.

On the spectacular Albula Line, the view of the breathtaking landscape is accompanied by freshly prepared dishes made from seasonal, local produce. The Rhaetian Railway’s (RhB) culinary trips in the nostalgic Gourmino dining car from the 1930s guarantee twice the pleasure. Other gourmet trips with exquisite menus, select wines or magical entertainment are possible throughout the canton. The Bernina Express with its large panoramic windows also travels the Albula Line. From Chur or St. Moritz to the most southerly Swiss valley of Valposchiavo and further to the Italian town of Tirano, the observation-car train travels through 55 tunnels, crosses 196 bridges and easily climbs to the highest point of the track at 2,253 metres above sea level in around four hours. Shortly before the Bernina Express leaves Switzerland, you will notice the fragrance of peppermint, orange mint and sage, thyme, lemon balm and lady’s mantle. This is where Reto Raselli created his herbal paradise. The range also includes spices such as oregano and lovage, which are grown against the idyllic backdrop of Lake Poschiavo and processed into organic herbs. The Rhaetian Railway makes this herb paradise in Le Prese accessible with a guided tour of the fragrant herb fields and production site of the Raselli Erboristeria Biologica.

Across Graubünden with the family ticket

Every first Sunday of the month, families can travel 2nd class in all graubündenPASS zones for the special price of just 30 francs. The family ticket is the perfect way to enjoy RhB’s combi offers and PostBus excursion tips, and offers attractive discounts. Clà Ferrovia, the RhB children’s conductor, also travels on the rails of the Rhaetian Railway, taking the “little ones” on fantastic journeys through the Swiss canton of Graubünden and to wondrous far-off worlds. If you prefer to discover Clà’s world on your own, you can go on a Clà Ferrovia treasure hunt. This is why RhB has developed the Clà Ferrovia app, with which you can collect points and win various prizes. There are destinations to be found along the entire Rhaetian Railway network with puzzles, challenges and fun games.

Immerse yourself in the era of the railway pioneers

A detour to the Landwasser Viaduct is a wonderful option on the way to Bergün. From Filisur station, the Landwasser Express takes you through the picturesque Graubünden village to the viewing platform, which offers a view of the imposing structure: 142 metres long and 65 metres high. The mighty viaduct was built in 1902 to complete the Rhaetian Railway’s Albula Line. A unique interplay of nature, culture and technology, which has rightly been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. Once you arrive in Bergün, the Albula Railway Museum right next to the station provides an insight into railway history. If you would like to travel along the Albula Line yourself, you can do so here in the simulator of the legendary Crocodile locomotive. More than 600 exhibits bear witness to pioneering work and bring the more than 100-year railway history of the Swiss canton of Graubünden back to life.

It quickly becomes clear that RhB has long been more than just a means of transport. The world of the Rhaetian Railway offers experiences – for memories that last.