The railway line through the Albula Valley and across the Bernina Pass in Graubünden is one of the most beautiful and spectacular routes in the world. It is a masterpiece of engineering and was declared part of UNESCO World Heritage in 2008.

More information

More than 80 daily rail connections enable visitors to travel directly from neighbouring countries to Switzerland. There is hardly a place or valley in the small Alpine country that cannot be reached by train, bus, boat or cable car. Small but impressive: Switzerland has one of the closest-knit rail networks in all of Europe and probably the most reliable public transport system. 

Holidays are supposed to be relaxing. The same should be true of the journey itself. If you arrive in a relaxed state, having gathered your strength during the journey, you’ll get more out of your holiday. Travelling through Switzerland by train gives you a chance to sit back, relax and let yourself be amazed by what you see. You’ll have plenty of time to immerse yourself in the constantly changing natural backdrop. At the same time, you’ll also be playing your part in protecting what you’re enjoying.

Chur, the oldest town in Switzerland, is already behind us. The same goes for the Domleschg, a Swiss valley especially rich in castles. The impressive section through the Albula Valley and the Bernina Pass begins in Thusis. More than 100 years old, it is still considered a masterpiece in terms of railway engineering and routing. 

Tight curves, bold viaducts and confusing looped tunnels make the trip a real experience. The railway, picturesque villages and wild nature seem to blend harmoniously. “Little Red”, as the Rhaetian Railway is also known, climbs 1,000 meters in altitude without the aid of a cog wheel. Sometimes it meanders along the crags high above the steep Schin Gorge, before plunging again into the dense forest of fir trees. 
On the other side of the Albula tunnel, the golden larches in the car-free Engadin valley of Val Bever welcome us. We change trains in Samedan; just three minutes after arriving we’re on our way again, heading for Pontresina. Swiss public transport runs like clockwork. 

We reach Morteratsch. This name is shared by the nearby glacier, the small train station and a charming hotel. That’s all there is here – just an all-embracing natural environment, which we are now going to enter on foot. The snow-covered peaks of the Bernina range can already be seen from the train station. What a view! 

Until 160 years ago, the glacier stretched almost as far as the railway line. Since then it has receded by 2.5 kilometres. Information boards are now dotted along the “Morteratsch Glacier Trail” at the foot of the glacier, illustrating the dramatic retreat of the ice. The consequences of rapid climate change are clearly visible. 16 stations and an audio guide provide information on the science behind glaciers, the local vegetation and the history of the region. 

After about 20 minutes, we get our first glimpse of the ice flow. The enormous size of the moraines are an indication of how big the glacier once was. Fascinating and frightening at the same time. The further you walk, the more the awe-inspiring amphitheatre of rock and ice opens out, dominated by the king of the Graubünden mountains, Piz Bernina.

The train continues on from Morteratsch station in spectacular fashion. On the famous, much-photographed Montebello curve the name says it all: “Little Red” seen against the grandiose mountain and glacier backdrop. Through the open train window you can smell snow, ice, stone, water and the purest mountain air. The Rhaetian Railway winds elegantly through the barren high Alpine landscape on the highest railway line in the Alps. Skirting the mountain lakes of Lej Nair und Lago Bianco, it climbs high to the Bernina Pass (2253m. a.s.l.).​ A panoramic route like no other! 

We’re coming closer to our final destinations: idyllic Alp Grüm (2091 m a. s.l.) in Val Poschiavo. The 100-year-old train station building houses a small hotel and restaurant with great views and is only accessible by train, on foot or by mountain bike. Railway fans should choose one of the renovated rooms directly next to the track, while mountain enthusiasts will prefer a view of Piz Palü and its glacier.

Oh, and by the way: If you want to experience this spectacular route from Chur to Tirano in a single journey by panoramic car, you should book the Bernina Express.