Rhaetian Railway in the Albula / Bernina Landscapes Historical Site

Address: Rhaetian Railway line (Albula / Bernina) - routes in Switzerland and northern Italy

Website: https://www.rhb.ch/en

The Rhaetian Railway in the Albula / Bernina Landscapes is a transalpine metre-gauge rail network that links mountain valleys in the Swiss canton of Graubünden and crosses the Swiss-Italian border. It is recognised for its outstanding civil-engineering solutions to steep alpine terrain and for the scenic mountain landscapes it traverses.

The property comprises two principal lines. The Albula line is noted for its spiral tunnels, rock galleries and the dramatic Landwasser Viaduct, while the Bernina line climbs to high alpine passes and includes the Brusio spiral viaduct, both built without rack assistance. The lines remain operational and carry both local passenger services and renowned panoramic trains.

Construction took place around the turn of the 20th century when rail technology and mountain-engineering techniques enabled continuous adhesion railways to cross alpine passes. The routes have been maintained and upgraded while retaining their historic engineering structures.

Geographically the network runs through the Swiss Alps in Graubünden and extends southwards into northern Italy, connecting mountain towns and crossing spectacular high mountain terrain; key endpoints include Thusis and Tirano.

• Technical character: The railway is metre-gauge and was built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to traverse high alpine terrain using innovative civil-engineering solutions.
• Alpine altitude and services: The Bernina line reaches alpine elevations over 2,200 metres, offering extensive glacial and mountain views; much of the route is still used by daily passenger services and tourist trains.

What to See#

• Albula Line: Albula Line - the section noted for spiral tunnels, rock galleries and the Landwasser Viaduct, forming an outstanding example of narrow-gauge alpine railway engineering.
• Bernina Line: Bernina Line - the high-mountain section that crosses the Bernina Pass and reaches alpine altitudes without rack-assisted track, connecting Switzerland and Italy.
• Landwasser Viaduct: Landwasser Viaduct - a signature masonry viaduct on the Albula line that carries track into a tunnel portal and stands approximately 65 metres above the valley floor.
• Brusio Spiral Viaduct: Brusio Spiral Viaduct - a stone spiral viaduct on the Bernina line used to gain elevation on a steep slope while maintaining adhesion railway operation.

The Albula and Bernina lines are operated by the Rhaetian Railway (RhB). To visit the Albula route use RhB trains from Chur or Thusis toward St. Moritz (Albula line stops include Bergün/Bravuogn and Preda); to experience the Bernina route take the Bernina line/Bernina Express between St. Moritz (Switzerland) and Tirano (Italy). Trains run regularly and many panoramic services require reservation. Major access points are Chur and St. Moritz (both reachable by Swiss Federal Railways and RhB connections); the mountain villages along the lines are a short walk from the local RhB stations.

• Reserve Bernina Express panoramic seats well in advance during summer; if you want to stop at scenic locations such as Alp Grüm, Poschiavo or Ospizio Bernina, use regional trains instead of the reserved panoramic service for more flexibility.
• Aim for a mid- to late-morning run for good light on the mountain faces and fewer early-rush day-trippers, and plan at least one longer stop so you can step off at a station for views rather than remaining on a continuous run.