Rhaetian Railway

8 adventure steam train rides for the whole family

You've probably already seen them, the bright red wagons of the Rhaetian Railway. On postcards, old posters, on television or in real life. The Rhaetian Railway has been part of Graubünden since 1889 and since then it is impossible to imagine one of the most diverse landscapes in Switzerland without it.

With its spectacular viaducts and tunnels, the railroad lines blend harmoniously into the wild nature of the Grisons. Thus, every trip with the Alpine Railway becomes a unique railroad experience. Whatever the season, adventure trains take you to the most beautiful corners of the region. There are half-day as well as full-day tours. A large portion of nostalgia and magic is always present anyway

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the steam age - and in the beautiful landscapes of Graubünden. No matter which steam trip you choose; an unforgettable excursion is guaranteed

Engadin Steam Experience Train Tour with the Rhaetian Railway

Discover the Engadin with the Heidi steam locomotive: starting from St. Moritz, Pontresina, or Samedan, you'll experience a piece of Swiss railway history up close on this ride. During the approximately 3-hour journey through the wintery Engadin, you can expect pure nostalgia.

You decide where to board. The triangular route even takes you to S-Chanf in the Val Trupchun, one of the most wildlife-rich valleys in Europe. This adventurous tour in January and February combines culture, history, nature, and nostalgia like no other.

• Engadin Steam Experience Train Rhaetian Railway Ticket

Swiss Activities Tip:

You can also travel in the Belle-époque compartment in first class on this journey. This makes an already special experience even more unique. Plus, Prosecco/Orange juice, snack bites, and/or coffee and pastries are included as well.

Rheinschlucht Experience Train RhB

The Ruinaulta is a stunning gorge of the Rhine, approximately 13 km long and up to 400 m deep. It’s no wonder this impressive natural phenomenon is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. From the steam train, you can admire it in September. Traveling through the autumnal Grisons, you’ll journey from Landquart through the monumental Rhine gorge between Reichenau and Ilanz. After that, the trip continues with the steam train, passing by Conn and heading towards Disentis/Mustér.

You’ll have a longer stop there, giving you the chance to stretch your legs and explore the village of Disentis. In the afternoon, you’ll make your way back in the historic train composition of the RhB. The steam trip can be booked one way or round trip. No matter which option you choose, this tour offers one breathtaking experience after another.

• Surselva Steam Ride RhB Ticket from Landquart

Experience Train to Glacier Land with Linard Bardill from St. Moritz

Mountains, tunnels, viaducts, and locomotives – welcome to the fascinating world of Clà Ferrovia. The character was created by the Graubünden songwriter Linard Bardill and is the kids' conductor of the Rhaetian Railway. On this approximately 4-hour round trip with the Bernina Railway, you’ll be on a quest to find Grummo the Giant.

Grummo lives in Glacier Land and is 10,000 years old! While traveling with Clà, there will be singing and crafting during this July ride, and you'll hear some exciting stories. Get ready for an adventurous day in the Engadine mountains. Start from St. Moritz or Pontresina, and look forward to a fantastic experience for the entire family.

Swiss Activities Tip:

Clà Ferrovia even has its own app. It comes in the form of a digital treasure hunt, where you can collect Clà points and win great prizes. All over the Rhaetian Railway network, there are destinations with puzzles, tasks, and fun games hidden away. Make sure to try the app and turn the Graubünden region upside down with it.

• Clà Ferrovia Journey to Glacier Land Rhaetian Railway Ticket from St. Moritz

Experience Train to Colorland with Linard Bardill from Chur

On this journey, you'll dive into the world of Clà Ferrovia – the children's conductor from Linard Bardill's imagination. Together with Clà and the songwriter Bardill, you'll explore Colorland in the Engadine mountains by steam train this September.

On this all-day adventure starting from Chur or Landquart, there will be singing, playing, and crafting. You'll listen to Clà's stories about the railway and his adventurous life. Set off with your family or friends, guided by Clà and Linard, on a journey to Colorland. A fall adventure for the little ones and the big ones.

• Clà Ferrovia Journey to Colorland RhB Ticket from Chur

Experience Train to the Land of Lights with Linard Bardill from Chur

Join the steam train journey through snowy landscapes to magical, festive places. You'll be accompanied on this tour from Chur by Clà Ferrovia and his friend Linard Bardill. Along the way, the train cars will be filled with Christmas cheer, thanks to some well-rehearsed Advent songs.

The experience ride on the steam train takes you to the Land of Lights, where a very special Advent light is said to glow. This mysterious light is hard to find; fortunately, Clà Ferrovia knows exactly where this enchanting place is located. Get ready for a magical and unforgettable experience for the whole family.

• Clà Ferrovia Journey to the Land of Lights RhB Ticket from Chur

Davos Round Trip Experience Train with the Rhaetian Railway

Experience the captivating world of the steam age. Let the nostalgia, the unique smell, and the shining metal of the locomotive, along with the play of mechanics, enchant you. This full-day trip takes you from Landquart through Klosters to Davos, where you can explore the beautiful Alpine town on foot.

Afterward, it continues to Filisur and back to Landquart via Chur. On the way back, you'll cross the famous Landwasser Viaduct with the train. The railway bridge is 65 m high, 136 m long, and is considered a landmark of the Rhaetian Railway.

• Davos Steam Round Trip Rhaetian Railway Ticket from Landquart

Engadin Albula Experience Train from Samedan

This full-day trip takes you through the vast plains of autumnal Engadin. Starting from Samedan, you'll travel through the beautiful Albula Valley to Surava and back. Along the way, there will be stops in Filisur and Bergün, giving you time to explore these charming villages.

On this round trip, you'll experience a remarkable piece of railway history: the route between Samedan and Surava is a showcase from the era of railway pioneers and has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 2008. Let yourself be enchanted by this journey through the colorful Engadin in autumn.

• Steam Journey Engadin Albula Rhaetian Railway Ticket from Samedan

Engadin Experience Train between Samedan and Scuol

Pure nostalgia awaits you on this unique journey through the wintery Engadin. The steam train ride takes you to Scuol-Tarasp as well as to the sun-kissed village of Samedan. Both locations will make the hearts of winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers soar. Reaching them in winter by steam locomotive is a special delight. The steam train also stops along the way in S-chanf, Zernez, and Ardez. You decide which direction to go – or whether to do a round trip.

• Engadin steam ride RhB ticket from Samedan

As you can see, the RhB really leaves no wishes unfulfilled with its experience trips. And since different tours are offered throughout the year, thankfully you don't have to choose just one steam ride. We wish you lots of fun and a great journey!

PS: You'll definitely snap lots of amazing photos along the way. Of impressive gorges, high viaducts, beautiful landscapes, and maybe even a few chamois. If you share your photos on social media, we’d be thrilled if you tag us. On Instagram with #swissactivities or @swiss_activities, or on Facebook with @Swissactivities.com. That way, we can travel a little with you...