Rhaetian Railway, Bernina line, Brusio circular viaduct, Bernina Express

Nature, Environment and Technology
Rhaetian Railway in the Albula / Bernina Landscapes

Through tunnels and over viaducts

From Thusis, the RhB makes its way through helical tunnels and over viaducts as it climbs the Albula Valley towards St. Moritz. Harmoniously embedded in the landscape, the line is a monument to the pioneering days of railway-building.

The Bernina Line between St. Moritz and Tirano links northern and southern Europe. It runs past mountains, lakes and glaciers down to the palms of Valtellina.

Albula Line

Even today, the 62-kilometre Albula Line is still considered a masterpiece in terms of railway engineering and routing. The RhB opened the spectacular section of track between Thusis and St. Moritz in 1903, after just five years' construction. The red train climbs over 1,000 metres in altitude – thanks to the Solis Viaduct, Landwasser Viaduct and the helical tunnels between Bergün and Preda – without rack-and-pinion technology.

Away from the track, you can hike through the unspoilt mountain world in the Ela Nature Park, on the Railway Adventure Trail Albula or visit the Albula Railway Museum in Bergün. In winter, you can go sledging down the winding trail from Preda to Bergün.

Bernina Line

From cosmopolitan St. Moritz, the Bernina Line snakes its way up to the top of the RhB, the Ospizio Bernina, at 2,253 metres above sea level. The train masters gradients of up to 7 per cent with ease. The views of the Morteratsch Glacier and the world-famous Montebello Curve demonstrate in exemplary fashion that the railway pioneers kept tourists in mind when designing the route. The train continues on its way past the lakes of Lago Bianco and Laj Neir up to Alp Grüm, a restaurant unique in being accessible only by railway.

Following a zig-zag course, the train starts its descent towards Valposchiavo. It's worth making a brief stop in the picturesque village of Poschiavo: the attractive "Spaniolenviertel" neighbourhood boasts grand palazzi and a charming village centre. You then take an extra spin on one of the best-known testimonials to the pioneering achievements: the Circular Viaduct near Brusio. In Tirano you will discover palm trees and a Mediterranean flair.