The Top 5 Ways to Have Fun in Switzerland’s Winter Wonderland of Rhaetian Railway

From riding through a legendary viaduct to gourmet regional dining, here are our top picks.

THE RHAETIAN RAILWAY, a series of UNESCO-honoured rail routes in Southeast Switzerland, takes visitors through the stunning Swiss Alps and provides first-class journeys across stunning landscapes and access to the charming scenery of this snow-covered region.

Guests come away captivated by awe-inspiring vistas of frosted lakes, white mountain peaks and picture-perfect alpine villages — making it a must-add bucket list destination for visitors searching for a world-class winter getaway.

Here, we’ve collected our five favourite winter activities to make the most of the routes of the Rhaetian Railway.

Journey Through Landwasser Viaduct to St. Moritz

Take the Bernina Express Train’s Albula line, a UNESCO World Heritage route, from Chur, Switzerland’s oldest town, to the winter wonderland of St. Moritz to be wowed by the sights. The train route provides panoramic winter views, taking riders through rugged valleys, helical tunnels between Bergün and Preda, and the impressive Landwasser Viaduct, a landmark 213-foot-high bridge built in 1901 featuring six picturesque arches.

Once in St. Moritz, revel in the town’s iconic views of snow-covered mountain peaks alongside world-class luxury hotels and resorts, designer shopping and museums that invite guests to learn about local history. The town is also home to world-renowned restaurants, from those specialising in traditional Swiss Alpine cuisine to Michelin-starred destination dining.

Situated in the Engadin Valley, St. Moritz offers some of the world’s top skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports opportunities, with endless white slopes that draw visitors from around the world. Ringed by alpine beauty. Whether you spend your time in the town indulging in rejuvenation at one of many famous wellness spas or strap on snowshoes to enjoy views of pristine lakes, charming villages and unforgettable mountain scenery, the town is a paradise for lovers of the cold season. 

Indulge in Nostalgic Train Car Dining

A ride in this vintage 1930s dining car feels like taking a step back in time. Foodies will be enchanted by the cosy ambience of the Gourmino car and being pampered throughout the indulgent experience.

The Gourmino also passes between Chur and St. Moritz, offering a refined environment with sparkling stemware, fresh linens and low lighting to harken back to train dining experiences of past generations.

Explore the flavours of Graubünden with exclusive three-course meals highlighting local and regional ingredients. The freshly prepared menu pairs delightful regional recipes with an expansive complimentary cocktail bar.

Each car accommodates only 34 passengers in order to provide personalised service in unique and elegant setting period restaurant cars.

Increase Your Knowledge at Albula Railway Museum

Make a stop in Bergün to visit The Albula Railway Museum, situated next to the rail station and offering an immersive journey into Graubünden’s railway history. Featuring more than 600 exhibits over 1300 square metres and spanning a century of rail travel, it honours the railway’s pioneers, showcases important documents, and lets visitors know the UNESCO World Heritage route more deeply.

Interact with decommissioned station clocks, read historic paperwork, and engage with a simulator that lets you feel like you are driving the Crocodile locomotive along the legendary Albula Line yourself.

Try a Toboggan Run from Preda to Bergün

A trip on the Rhaetian Railway allows views of tobogganers descending into the valley and may spark your interest in the sport. An exhilarating 10 km toboggan course — Europe’s most extensive lamp-lit run — runs along the railway tracks.

To try it, get off the Bernina Express Train’s Albula line in Preda, 1,800 metres above sea level, where the run begins. It finishes in Bergün, 400 metres below and provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience never to be forgotten. 

Riders begin the journey slowly, boarding in the sleepy mountain town of Preda before beginning a rapidly winding descent that passes beneath viaducts and along the Alvra to end in Bergün.

Along the way, view Naz’s Maiensäss settlement in the mountains before whizzing under viaducts and through winter terrain towards the finish point.

Bernina Express train ride on the Bernina line from Pontresina to Tirano

For another unique train journey, board the highest railway line in the Alps. The Bernina Express’ Bernina Line travels from Pontresina to Tirano and affords uninterrupted views of Morteratsch Glacier, Lago Bianco and Valposchiavo through the oversized windows of the train’s observation cars.

At its peak, the train greets the Ospizio Bernina at an altitude of 2,253 metres. 

Along the way, the train stops at Alp Grüm, where an unmatched view of Palü Glacier can be seen exclusively by rail riders, before travelling through the Circular Viaduct near Brusio before arriving in Italy’s Tirano, a storied town with Mediterranean appeal.

Regardless of your chosen itinerary in Switzerland aboard the Rhaetian Railway, you’ll undoubtedly be charmed by this snow-capped region’s tranquil, sophisticated, and pristine atmosphere. 

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Article Sponsored by Switzerland Tourism.
Images courtesy of Switzerland Tourism.

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